Hidden in the Liner Notes

Accidental Insights from a Mediocre Cataloger

Joe Donnelly

Associate Director of Discovery Services

Background

• New to Colgate
• New to Management
• New to Alma
• New(ish) to MARC cataloging

“Project” Goals

• Improve cataloging in MARC

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• Document procedures for Alma

Workflow

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• Catalog a physical book in Sierra
• Hand to cataloger
• Receive notes via email
• Transfer notes to a Google Doc

Direct Results

• Better MARC records

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• Questioned and captured workflow
• Allowed space to ask “Why do we do this thing we’ve always done?” and “Is this something we need to carry over to Alma?”
• Began tracking of processes that needed to be translated to Alma

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• Who is wearing what hat?

Indirect Results

• Strengths in communication

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• Created a space for gratitude

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• Standards in vulnerability and authenticity

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• Allows for team members to demonstrate their value and leadership

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Alma Impact

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• Captured workflow to reshape in Alma
• More structured workflow
• Essentials
• Nice-to-haves

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• Shared language
• Sierra vs. Alma
• Crosswalk terminology

Alma Impact

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• Created an authentic space to discuss our Alma relationship

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• Set standard for continued growth

Continued Impact

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• Communicate from a place of vulnerability
• Ask questions
• Foster problem solving as a group
• Discover the hidden layers of Alma

Thank you