Cataloging Policies

The Mansfield Library's general cataloging policy is to catalog everything acquired by the selectors for addition to the Libraries' collections. Special conditions apply to parts of single items and certain types of reproductions. Follow this link to learn more about the general cataloging policy, bibliographic policy and policies about special types of materials (e.g., serials, non-book materials, microforms, etc.)

RDA Cataloging Policy Statement 

In-Process Items

If a record in OneSearch can be found for an item but it includes the message that the item is On Order or In-Process, a patron may place a request for that item. In-process items will be quickly completed by Cataloging personnel and the patron will be notified when the item is ready. When On Order material arrives it is given special handling and the patron is notified when it is ready to use.

Service Requests and Reporting Errors

To propose a project, request specialized services from Bibliographic Description and Processing, or report an error in the catalog, use the Help Desk Form and choose the link for requesting assistance with Alma/Primo, Electronic Databases/Journals and Cataloging/Metadata.  Select Resource Description under Functional Area before submitting the form.

Cataloging staff will correct errors, which may include typographical errors, misspellings, and incorrect subjects or authors.  We appreciate having these errors brought to our attention.

Project proposals and service requests will be discussed by management.  A contact person will be assigned, procedures/guidelines written, if necessary, and progress monitored.  Newly proposed projects will automatically be assigned a low priority unless the Team Leaders decide it should be higher, taking into account the current project workload and potential impact on library users. Teams will then work with the requester and other involved stakeholders to implement the project or complete the specialized service.

Rush/Hold Policy and Cataloging Timeframes

Generally rushed materials will be cataloged, processed and made available within 2-3 working days of receipt of request. Our staff hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.  A request sent on Saturday will be received on Monday and the materials will be ordered or processed and made available by Thursday. 

Please note that material on order will not be available for rush processing until after the item has been received at the library.