At MIT, we are currently working on technical processing procedures
for bringing ejournals into the library collection.  The ejournal
files are stored in a subdirectory of Athena, our campus-wide
information system and are also currently available through a WAIS
client-server.

We routinely include a summary holding statement in our OPAC for all
serials regardless of format.  We would like to continue this policy
for ejournals.  We are also proposing the inclusion of a location note
in these bib records which directs our users to another area of Athena
for complete access information.  The note is phrased (hopefully!) in
such a way that both local and remote users will understand it.  We
could not come up with a local note that we felt was thorough enough
to explain the variety of access options we are providing.  In
addition, we felt that these access options might change.  For
example, we might need to move the ejournal directory to a different
storage location in Athena or we might choose to use a search engine
other that the WAIS.  If this information were included in the bib
record, we would have to change each bib record every time the access
information changed.  By referring patrons to a general library
information area in Athena, we can provide complete and accurate
access information and update it as needed.

This is not the officially approved procedure.  It is the current
proposal for providing access information.  I'd be interested to hear
what other libraries are doing to provide holding and location
information.

Marilyn Geller                 Phone: (617) 253-0587
Serials Cataloger              Fax: (617) 253-2464
MIT Libraries, Room 14E-210A   Internet: mgeller@athena.mit.edu
Cambridge, Mass. 02319-4307