Work that metadata workers can do remotely
Metadata workers can work remotely in a cloud based Integrated Library System (ILS). This can be done in MARC, Dublin Core, etc. Remote work entails its own set of challenges because physical materials may not be present. However, bibliographic records can be edited in the catalog even in the absence of physical resources.
As you embark on working remotely keep in mind that you have a laptop issued by your institution that can be connected to the VPN so that you can access shared files.
Some of the work that can be done remotely is:
- Physical and electronic theses and dissertations. The physical ones can be edited if they already have a bibliographic record in the ILS. If they lack classification numbers and subject headings those can be added. Faceted subject headings (FAST) can be added. This can be done on the basis of the summary or abstract that may already be in the record.
- Similarly if there is already a bibliographic record and representation for ETDs (Electronic Theses and Dissertations) then subject headings and classification numbers can be added to the records.
- MARC fields can also be added to monograph records that have an initial bibliographic records. For example, if local note, TAG 590 for gift note is present then TAG 797 for Local Added entry – corporate name can be added. If the series is a TAG 440 then it can be edited to TAG 490 and TAG 830. Similarly subject headings can be provided and the classification number checked for its uniqueness in the catalog.
MARC fields can be checked in https://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/
- AACR2 records do not need conversion to RDA. However, records in AACR2 as well as RDA can be checked for errors in the 100, 240, 245, 260/264, 300, 5XX, etc.
Perform cataloging maintenance tasks:
- Delete duplicate items of a continuing resource/serial or monograph
- If physical items are attached to an electronic bibliographic record then replace the electronic bibliographic record with a physical one so that it matches the items held by the library.
- If there are electronic portfolios attached to the physical bibliographic record then overlay the physical bib. with an electronic one so that the electronic portfolios align to the electronic the bib. record.
Cataloging maintenance on a set of records.
- Create an analytics report to identify a set of erroneous records that may have physical holdings and items attached to an electronic bibliographic records. Create an Excel spreadsheet and work through the set to overlay the electronic bibliographic record with a physical one to match the items.
- Review each of the bibliographic records to check that there are no electronic portfolios. If there are electronic portfolios then add an electronic bibliographic record and delete the physical bib.
Activation of electronic books that the library may purchase or acquire freely.
- Activate the electronic portfolios by providing the permalink. Attach the electronic portfolios to their electronic collection. Test access for each activated electronic portfolio.
Duplication checking of electronic portfolios in an electronic collection.
- Delete duplicates after checking and verification. There may be thousands of duplicates in one collection and this can be a clean-up project that can be done remotely.
- Organize standalone/orphan electronic portfolios by attaching them to their correct electronic collection. This can be done as a set or individually.
Other work that can be done remotely is:
- Work on statistics, create reports and review them.
- Update or create LibGuides.
- Plan cataloging weeding projects, clean-up projects and others via zoom with colleagues.
- Catalog digital objects that have their representations loaded into the ILS.
- Attend professional training webinars and read articles and books related to your work.