The Ohio State University

Topic D
Collection Managers Forum
November 29, 2000
Selection and Cataloging of Free Internet Resources on OSCAR

Background -- As a result of our experiment with CORC and the interest of some collection managers in proceeding with the cataloging of web sites in OSCAR, CAC has established the following draft policy for discussion.

Selection

1. If a collection manager identifies a free web site appropriate for inclusion on OSCAR and that meets the criteria for inclusion as noted below, the collection manager may request cataloging of the site. The Serials/Electronic Resources Dept. will design a workflow and provide training which is similar to the entry of an online order request (ORT). However, instead of keying into OSCAR, the collection manager or his/her designee will enter the record into OCLC's CORC system.

2. Web sites which have licenses or require payment must be requested through the Electronic Products Checklist so that the acquiring process can occur.

3. Collection managers are asked to use their own best judgement in selecting sites that are important for users to know about through the catalog.

Criteria for Inclusion

1. Site has unique content that stands alone and can be adequately described through cataloging.

2. Site has an identifiable title clearly made available on the screen addressed by the URL.

3. Site has an identifiable and established web master/site owner/publisher which is clearly indicated.

4. Site has lasting value (long term relevancy/usefulness and will remain on the Internet for the foreseeable future)

5. Content & scope clear, up-to-date, high quality

6. Authoritative, author reliable; facts verifiable; accurate

7. Suitable to audience; meets reference needs; appropriate to curriculum and research

8. Design clear and concise; intuitive; easy to navigate; conceptually exciting

Cataloging

1. Full level MARC records will be completed following the existing guidelines for cataloging monographs or serials.

2. Sites will receive call numbers and subject headings.

3. New location code will be designated so that these can be retrieved and tracked as needed. The location code might be wwi or wws though the display to the public will be the same as for www and wwj.

4. This will be a lower priority than other activities in SER but those priority decisions will be made as we have experience with the volume and flow of this material.

Policies for cataloging this material on the web:

• University of Arizona
  http://dizzy.library.arizona.edu/users/eagleson/selguid.htm

• University of Rochester
  http://www.lib.rochester.edu/cat/select.htm

• University of North Dakota
  http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/library/Departments/abc/echklst1.htm

• Yale University (see Part II)
  http://www.library.yale.edu/CDC/public/documents/eresourceCat.shtml

Prepared by Carol P. Diedrichs
November 20, 2000