Cataloging

Policy On May 17, 2024, the RSA NFP Database Committee agreed to forward to the RSA Board of Directors a proposal to use the Homosaurus controlled vocabulary when cataloging. The RSA Board of Directors approved this policy on August 1, 2024. Homosaurus is an...

Procedure RSA libraries may arrange an agreement to rotate their collection, such as large print books, with other RSA libraries on a fixed timetable. Also called a floating, cooperative, or “co-op” collection. This procedure explains how to handle these items in...

Cheat Sheet This cheat sheet lists several reports the RSA cataloging department can run to help libraries with database maintenance projects. Download this cheat sheet here. Revised March 22, 2024

Cheat Sheet When looking for a matching record in WorkFlows, catalogers oftentimes encounter overwhelming search results and wonder where to begin.  This cheat sheet lists techniques you can use to quickly eliminate non-matches and more readily find potential...

The item in your hand does not have a matching record in WorkFlows or OCLC (if your library uses Connexion Client or Record Manager).  What should you do to catalog your item in WorkFlows?  What if you are unsure of a record and want RSA’s help determining...

This procedure explains step-by-step what will happen when RSA is ready to upgrade a brief item to an OCLC record with full bibliographic description. RSA will place a copy-level hold on the item, catalog it on an OCLC record within 14 business days of the RSA...

This cheat sheet explains some of the differences that may exist between an item and a potential matching record, which justify using a different record to catalog the item. Please note this cheat sheet is not a comprehensive list of all possible differences. Download...

Cheat Sheet This cheat sheet shows the difference between how item formats display in WorkFlows for AACR2 records versus RDA records. Download this cheat sheet here. Revised February 9, 2017

Policy Policy for Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) On November 7, 2019, the RSA Users Group approved this policy that prohibits the cataloging of advanced reader copies (ARCs) in the RSA database. ARCs may not be cataloged or circulated because doing so violates the...

Standard This document presents a summary of bibliographic database standards prepared by the RSA Database Management Committee in 1999. The standards ensure consistent and quality cataloging practices for the shared RSA database. The standards include discussion of...

Policy The RSA Users Group approved the elimination of the AV, AV-L, and NEW-AV item types because they were too generic, causing confusion for patrons and staff about the actual format of the item. AV item types had been used for movies, sound recordings, books with...

Policy This document discusses WorkFlows cataloging wizard access, login credentials, required core competencies, and additional recommendations for the three WorkFlows cataloging levels that were implemented for RSA member library staff effective July 1, 2015. The...

Policy On May 10, 2022, the RSA Board of Directors approved this policy that retired 20 legacy new item types and replaced them with a standardized, more focused set of item types for new materials.  This policy also established maximum time limits how long an...

Guide What Is the Title Page Verso? A Parts of the Book Guide This guide visually breaks down what each part of the book is called, so you know exactly where to look for information when comparing your book to the record. Download this guide here. Created May 18,...

Document This document lists frequently asked questions about item categories 3, 4, and 5, including what is their purpose, what codes should be assigned, and how the existing collection can be batch edited to use the item categories. Download this document here....

Guide This guide explains a November 2020 enhancement, in which RSA enabled access to all codes in the item category 3 drop-down menu to ease format searching in WorkFlows. Download this guide here. Created December 14, 2020

Guide This guide provides step-by-step instructions how to adjust desktop preferences and wizard properties in both the cataloging and circulation modules. These settings are recommended for all WorkFlows cataloging users. Download this guide here. Revised July 3,...

Document Using a Shelf List versus the WorkFlows Inventory Item Wizard to Reconcile Cataloging Discrepancies between WorkFlows and the Physical Collection This document is particularly helpful for those RSA Union List libraries that are upgrading their RSA membership...

Cheat Sheet Steps for Cataloging an Item (Duplicate Copy) on a Bibliographic Record in WorkFlows Follow these instructions to catalog an item that is a duplicate copy of an item already owned by your library (e.g., a second copy of the same book). Download this cheat...

Cheat Sheet Steps for Cataloging a Call Number (Brand New Title) on a Bibliographic Record in WorkFlows Follow these instructions to catalog an item that is new to your library. Your library does not already own another copy of the item. Download this cheat sheet...