Question: How do you make ITS.MARC
better?
Answer: Share your cataloging!
The contributed databases in ITS.MARC are the second most popular sources of
downloaded records, right after the Library of Congress. Why? Because these databases
are rich in items not contained in other ITS.MARC
databases. You can help your fellow catalogers obtain hard to find MARC records
by joining your colleagues and contributing your MARC cataloging on a regular
basis.
In addition to that warm and fuzzy feeling you'll get from your
public-spiritedness, you'll also receive important benefits:
- Your library will be entitled to free error reports or to a $100 credit on your annual TLC support
costs as long as you establish a regular track record of contributing on at
least a quarterly basis.
- The TLC copy of your database will represent a valuable backup in case
disaster strikes.
-
Your records will be automatically be scrutinized for MARC errors.
If you elect to receive error reports, you will receive a list detailing the offending records and the corrective
action required. If you wish, we will also perform an automated repair of
non-filing indicators in controlled fields.
- Record fixes that can be applied by machine process will be automatically
performed with each update. For a nominal cost, you can get fixed records
returned to you.
What does TLC do with your records?
Not all of your records are used. Prior to merging your records into the
contributed data pool, TLC performs these pre-processing steps:
- Records whose copyright resides outside your library (including copy cataloging
records you have not enhanced) are removed.
- Unenhanced records that are duplicated in national library databases are
removed.
- Minimal level MARC validation is performed. Records failing this step are
removed.
- A deeper, more rigorous MARC record analysis is performed to determine
whether any remaining deficiencies can be corrected by machine processes. This
step is performed by our friends at the
MARC of Quality.
You are not forfeiting your copyright in these records or your enhancements
to others' records, whether asserted or not, but you are making them available
for use by other libraries and their patrons. Here is a way you can join in the
library community’s pooled cataloging effort, giving visibility to your library,
campus or community.
To get started, download the MARC
Partners Release Form