Janet,

We aren't a "large" library, but we do get sample issues.

When one comes in, the serials dept. (aka the cataloging folks)
create a very basic bib in our online catalog (ALEPH), which we suppress
from public view.

In the 245, we have the title of the issue, and an extension -- TO
[INITIALS] FOR RETENTION DECISION.
(the initials belong to whichever library collection development liaison
is assigned to the particular subject
matter for the issue).  This allows for the checkin-person to send any
subsequent issues to the same
liaison, pending a cataloging/discard decision.  We then look up the
title on EBSCONET (our main serials
vendor) and send a standard worksheet through to the liaison with the
issue, listing the basics -- title, vol/issue,
chronology, and whether/where indexed.

Once the decision is made by the liaison, the issue and worksheet are
returned to the cataloger(s)
and the ALEPH record is either annotated or cataloged fully.

If not retained, the capitalized part of the 245 above is changed to
DISCARD AS RECEIVED.

Hope this helps,
Sue

Kristen Fredericksen wrote:
> Hi Janet,
>    We just put them aside on a separate shelf. When we have a large
> stack, I list them on Backserv
> (http://lists.swetsblackwell.com/mailman/listinfo/backserv). I give
> away as many as I can and discard the rest.
> - Kristen
>
>
>> Colleagues
>> We are looking to simplify or eliminate the steps related to sample
>> issues that arrive unsolicited in our department.  So, I would be
>> very interested to know how other --especially large
>> research--libraries handle this issue.
>> Thank you in advance for your perspectives.
>> Sincerely,
>> Janet
>>
>

--

 Sue Dresye
 Library Clerk 3
 F.W. Crumb Memorial Library
 SUNY Potsdam
 dresyesl@potsdam.edu
 (315)267-2480

Never meddle in the affairs of Dragons --
You may be crunchy and taste great
with ketchup!