Penn State University Libraries - Cartographic Atlas Workflow

Maps Team Workflow for Cataloging Atlases

Atlases are forwarded from Monograph processors; for a variety of reasons, Atlases may have monographic copy in either The CAT or OCLC. Evaluate carefully to determine if the item is a cartographic atlas; overlay mono records in the CAT with cartographic copy found in OCLC, if necessary.

1. Examine Flyer for special instructions, such as gift funds requiring 541 notes. Apply G class unless otherwise specified. Refer as needed.
   
   
2. Decide if item is an Atlas, a Monograph, or accompanying material; rely on the item, any copy found, judgment, and peripheral data when making this decision
   
   
   1. Atlases are processed by the Maps Cataloging Team
      
      
   2. Monographs are referred to Monograph Team
      
      
   3. Process Accompanying material accordingly; these are usually guides or texts, and are included on Map records as added volumes
      
      
3. Search for appropriate and usable copy
   
   
   1. Always search The CAT; many atlases have multiple holdings
      
      
   2. When no complete copy is found in the CAT, search OCLC for matching cartographic copy
      
      
4. Evaluate copy
   
   
   1. Exact Match: Full-Level Copy Cataloging, may need enhancement and/or a candidate for BIBCO
      
      
   2. No matching copy: Refer for original cataloging
      
      
   3. Note: When matching copy is found in Books format for a Cartographic atlas, refer for original cataloging
      
      
5. Cataloging the Atlas
   
   Even when matching Cartographic copy is found, in The CAT or OCLC, the following fields may need enhanced:
   
   
   1. Add 255(s), 007, and 034 as needed
      
      
   2. Check fixed field; In Workflows: Rec_type: should be "e", Rec_grp: should be "e"
      
      
   3. Change 300$a to "1 Atlas (xxx p.)"; update 300 $b as needed; verify $c correct as needed
      
      
   4. Add 5xx notes for Cartographic concerns, such as relief or scale when useful; 504 if includes bibliographic references
      
      
   5. Add or adjust G class call number as needed
      
      
   6. Add or adjust subject headings to reflect cartographic nature of item (i.e., adding subfield v Maps)
      
      
   7. Many atlases are oversize; be sure to add Q (31-41 cm.) or F (42 cm. and above) as appropriate to our local call number as the last element of our local call number. Also, Atlases with a width of 36 cm. or over get an F.
      
      
6. Import/Overlay record from OCLC
   
   
7. Local Marking Procedures

   General item type is "ATLAS" and do circulate.  Use location as marked on flyer. 

   Some exception to occur:

   Many atlases are considered to be reference materials; these items will be Rush processed, and the Type will be REF-ITEM; all Reference items are non-circulating
   
   

   1. Complete the accompanying flyer, verify Home Location, the local call number, and your initials and the date; when no flyer is included, substitute a yellow slip. As with all items that go to Catmarking after being cataloged, the Home Location online should be designated "IN-MARKING."
      
      
   2. Adhere barcode strip to Flyer, and apply barcode to the upper right corner on the back cover of the atlas (not on the dust jacket) if no binding is required.  If binding is required (as noted by a green flyer) clip barcode to flyer, do not attach to atlas.
      
      
   3. Atlases are marked in CatMarking; don't mark the atlas in any way, forward to the appropriate shelf for CatMarking