About | Governance | Join SHARE  Leap

Express Cataloging (Formerly $3 Bib Option)

Home > Cataloging > Express Cataloging (Formerly $3 Bib Option)

The Express Cataloging option allows libraries to obtain cataloging for certain resources at a reduced rate and without having to send the physical item to a cataloging hub. All SHARE libraries are eligible to use this option if desired.

The library is responsible for identifying a matching bibliographic record in the OCLC WorldCat database and providing the required information to SHARE Bibliographic Services staff to import the record into Polaris. Matching records will be identified using the same criteria used for matching in the Polaris database. Information on the match criteria can be found in the Searching and Matching handout.

Requirements:

  • All staff members submitting items for cataloging under this option must have attended the Barcoding I - Searching and Matching (Login using your Polaris username and password). 
  • Only print books and audiobooks will be accepted under this option. This includes regular print, large print, "larger print", board books, etc. For audiobooks, acceptable formats are CDs, MP3 CDs, wonderbooks, and vox books. At this time, playaways, go readers, me readers, etc., are not accepted.

Steps:

  • Search the Polaris database for a matching record
  • If you don’t find a matching record in Polaris, search the WorldCat database for a matching record:
    • If your library has an OCLC membership, search the WorldCat database through the Connexion client or browser
    • If your library does not have an OCLC membership, search the WorldCat database through the web interface.
  • If you don’t find a matching record in the WorldCat database, you may:
    • Set the item aside and search again at a later date
    • OR
    • Send the item to the cataloging center at your hub for cataloging at the full rate ($12 per item)
  • If a matching record is found in WorldCat that contains all the required cataloging (see below), submit a Express Cataloging Request Form.
    • Submit one web form for each item, or if submitting multiple items, select "submission type--multiple requests" and attach your Excel or Word document containing up to 25 items per request. Each Excel spreadsheet or Word document must have the following fields: author, title, requested OCLC number, ISBN, and two blank fields: one for SHARE staff to supply the Polaris control number and one for any notes from our staff.
    • All current Express Cataloging requirements apply.
    • Your library will be charged $4 for each record loaded into the Polaris database.
    • In the Email Address box, enter the email address associated with your SHARE help desk account. A help desk ticket is automatically generated from the web form.
    • Enter “none” in the Author box on the form if your resource does not have an author.
    • You will be notified through the SHARE help desk either that the record(s) has been imported or that the record does not meet the criteria for importing.
      • If the record is imported, you may then search the Polaris database for the bibliographic record and attach your holding. Please attach your holding promptly.
        • You will be charged $4 for each record imported (billed quarterly)
      • If the record is not imported, you will be notified with the reason (i.e., cataloging is incomplete):
        • You will not be charged, and you may re-search the WorldCat database to find a different matching record and submit a new web form.
          • You may also opt to send the item to the cataloging center at your hub for cataloging at the full rate.

Bibliographic record requirements

Records that are imported into Polaris must contain complete cataloging. Brief or incomplete records will not be loaded. For a record to be considered complete and eligible for import, all the following fields must be present if applicable and must match your item:

Books

  • Title
  • English cataloging language
  • Responsibility: author(s), illustrator(s), editor(s), translator(s), etc.
  • Edition statement, if present on the item (See the Searching and Matching handout for exceptions)
  • Place of publication (See the Searching and Matching handout for exceptions)
  • Publisher
  • Publication and/or copyright date
  • Description (i.e., number of pages, illustrations, size, accompanying material, etc.)
  • Series statement, if present on the item
  • Subject headings (these do not have to be present on the item, but the record must include subject headings and they should be appropriate for your item)

Audiobooks (CDs or MP3s)

  • English cataloging language
  • Title
  • Responsibility
  • Edition statement (Abridged or Unabridged, Unabridged, [MP3-CD])
  • Place of publication
  • Publisher
  • Publication date (i.e., 2020, ℗2020)
  • Description (1 audio disc (9 hr., 52 min.) : ǂb MP3, digital ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.)
  • Narrator
  • Series statement, if present
  • Subject headings

Available training on searching WorldCat

The following online resources are available to help you become more familiar with searching WorldCat

Connexion client:

Connexion browser:

WorldCat web interface Tutorial