Hi Lisa-
I was thinking the same thing, but wasn't sure what the barriers for
using the ILS might have been. The initial set up of the orders and
patterns is a bit time consuming, but once you have these in place, it
truly is quite nice for check-in, claiming and order tracking, all in
one place, while keeping your catalog holdings current at the same time.
Which ILS do you have access to? We have Aleph v.18, and we are a small
community college. While there are kinks, it is really quite handy
compared to manual tracking or implementing a separate system. I joined
our college last fall and entered orders for over 100 titles by myself
because the acquisitions/serials module hadn't been implemented for
anything other than check-in. Most patterns were set up by the previous
tech services librarian, however some required editing because
publications changed and for other various reasons. I did have to
create patterns for a bunch as well. Now that it's fully activated, our
clerical staff have one place to manage our periodicals collection with
a few keystrokes. Patrons can check the OPAC for what we have in hand
at any time and you can track your orders/claims quite easily. I won't
say it's flawless, but it works quite well for our needs.
Prior to this, I used the Aleph acquisitions module quite heavily at a
much larger, 4 yr research institution. It was quite efficient in that
it managed arrivals, tracked claims and kept the OPAC current for 7
libraries on two campuses. As Judith said, I couldn't imagine going
back now that I've done things this way.
Good luck whatever you decide. Drop me a line if you have any questions
about Aleph if that's what you're working with. :>)
Jill M. Tarabula, MLS
Systems & Technical Services Librarian
LeRoy M. Douglas, Sr. Library
Clinton Community College
136 Clinton Point Dr.
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(518) 562-4247
-----Original Message-----
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum
[mailto:SERIALST@list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Koveleskie, Judith
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2011 1:21 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [SERIALST] Check in/maintain/catalog serials
Why resist using the ILS? I had a system similar to yours when I
started
here and couldn't see the advantage to setting up the module for
check-in
on the ILS. After I did it, I can't imagine going back. Your OPAC is
instantly updated, a list of potential claims is generated, and overdue
issues can be projected. I also took the "trouble" to update the
cataloging using OCLC. It will take some time, but I say, "Go for it!"
Judith A. Koveleskie, MLIS, MA
Periodicals Librarian
Seton Hill University
Reeves Memorial Library
1 Seton Hill Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601-1548
kovelesk@setonhill.edu
724-838-7828
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On 4/25/11 9:16 PM, "Lisa Pate" <lpate@UNM.EDU> wrote:
>Hello everyone,
>
>I have just started a serials manager position in a small
>academic library that currently does not use the ILS to
>check in serials. We are currently using a series of
>cards for each periodical/newspaper. As such, these
>serials are not cataloged similarly to the rest of our
>holdings. I am wondering: (1) What methods other small
>libraries use to keep track of serials? (2) Is there a
>better, automated method of keeping track of these serials
>outside the ILS? (3) Any suggestions as to getting our
>serials collection into a simpler, electronic system?
>
>Thank you,
>Lisa Pate
>Library Information Specialist II
>UNM Valencia Campus Library
>505-925-8992
