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Certification requirements for new barcoders and catalogers

Home > Policies and Procedures > Certification requirements for new barcoders and catalogers

Library directors must contact the SHARE Bibliographic Services department manager to identify staff members who will be catalogers and barcoders and require initial training. Please complete the SHARE Bibliographic Services Training Contract and email it to the SHARE Bibliographic Services Manager at jbaugh@illinoisheartland.org

Levels

Barcoder

Has the knowledge/training to search the local database to identify a matching record. If a matching record is found, attaches item record. If a matching record is not found, item is given/sent to a cataloger. This level may not edit bibliographic records.

Required training

  • Barcoding - This course covers searching the local database for a matching bibliographic record, as well as creating, editing, and deleting item records in the local database.
This class must be completed within the first three months of training. The class will be conducted by a SHARE staff member and may be completed either in-person or online. 
Directors - Please submit the SHARE Bibliographic Services Training Contract to the SHARE Bibliographic Services Manager, Jennifer Baugh, before having staff enroll in Barcoder Training. Forms should be emailed to jbaugh@illinoisheartland.org
Barcoders are required to take Barcoder Refresher Training every two years to maintain their barcoding status. The renewal date is based on either the first time a barcoder has their permissions assigned or the last time Barcoder Refresher Training was successfully completed.

Cataloger

Has the knowledge/training to perform copy or original cataloging in addition to searching for a matching record and attaching an item record. This level may bring records into the local database from OCLC and may edit bibliographic records in the local database in accordance with SHARE cataloging policies. This level may also edit OCLC master records to include upgrading less than full-level records via the OCLC Expert Community functionality.

SHARE catalogers are not required to do original cataloging, but may create original records if desired.

Required training

  1. Barcoding - This course covers searching the local database for a matching bibliographic record, as well as creating, editing, and deleting item records in the local database.
Barcoding must be completed within the first three months of training.
  1. OCLC Connexion client online: Module 1 - WorldCat, MARC, and client basics
Must be viewed before attending Book Cataloging.
Attendance may be at a scheduled live online training or by viewing a recorded session.
  1. Book cataloging
  2. OCLC Connexion client online modules:
    Modules may be viewed any time during the training process, before or after attendance at in-person classes. Attendance may be at a scheduled live online training or by viewing a recorded session.
  3. Introduction to Authority Records
  4. Library of Congress Subject Headings
  5. OCLC Connexion client online: Module 9 - Authority control
    Attendance may be at a scheduled live online training or by viewing a recorded session.
  6. DDC or LC classification - whichever the library uses
  7. Work individually with IHLS staff - cataloging in Polaris. Training on the use of MARC Report software will be included in this step.
  8. Cataloging training for sound recordings and videorecordings, after the cataloger has demonstrated proficiency with book format
  9. Catalogers who desire to do original cataloging must complete OCLC Connexion client online: Module 8 - Original cataloging
    Attendance may be at a scheduled live online training or by viewing a recorded session.

Optional training will be available as needed for other formats (kits, realia, serials, maps, etc.)

Staff members will be given limited cataloging permissions in Polaris when they have completed Step 9 above. Until that time, catalogers will submit import files to SHARE staff for review and import.

Attendance at classes is not required for staff members who have previous cataloging experience or who have completed a cataloging course. Bibliographic Services staff will work with these staff members on local cataloging standards and practices.
Once the initial training requirements have been completed, catalogers must meet the ongoing requirement of 15 hours of cataloging-related CE each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).

Additional requirements - cataloging libraries

It is optional for cataloging libraries to have a subscription to the RDA Toolkit, or to purchase the print version. It is also recommended that cataloging libraries maintain a license for the MARC Report software, which is useful for identifying errors in MARC coding.

SHARE cataloging standards require that cataloging libraries also maintain an OCLC membership.

 

Other

Barcoding A libraries may become cataloging libraries the next fiscal year after a cataloger is certified. Barcoding B libraries may change to a cataloging library at any time after completion of step 10.

 

Amended 02/02/2023