I posted this note in notis-l and got numerous responses.
Several colleagues suggested that I also post this in serialst.
Please delete this note if you are not interested or have
already read it.

Queens College Library has devised an efficient program
of printing NOTIS labels for LC classified periodicals.
Previously, periodicals labels were handwritten after
items have been checked in on NOTIS.  There are several
problems associated with both check in and handwritten
labels: (1) Staff have to check stacks routinely prior to
claiming since there are cases when the enter key was not
pressed after checking in but the handwritten labels were
produced and issues went to the stacks, (2) writing
labels slows down periodicals processing, is frequently
error prone, and the handwriting is sometimes hard to
read.

NOTIS labels can be produced from either the copy
holdings and the item record.  NOTIS labels produced from
the copy holdings record have only the call number.  To
ensure that labels are placed on correct titles, each
label must be affixed to the item as soon as it is
printed.  This tends to slow down the check in process.
We opt to create an item record with very brief and
abbreviated titles entered in the ENUM/CHRON field with
each line separated by a semicolon.(We do not circulate
periodicals). When NOTIS labels are generated from the
item record, brief title appears under the call number to
facilitate matching labels with correct title.  We also
input ******; before the brief title for separation of
the call number and the abbreviated title. This procedure
enables staff to concentrate on checking in and later
affix the labels when check in is completed either by
themselves or by lower level staff.  Several label
production function keys are programmed for various
locations which start from the opr after check in.  Each
function key automatically executes the following: (1)
Enter to ensure issues are recorded on opr, (2) retrieve
copy holdings record, (3) type item 1, pause for possible
change, then press Enter, (4) at item record, type labl
and press Enter, (5) Edit label display, replacing NOTIS
holdings code with appropriate location designation.

Since the implementation of this new procedure, our
periodicals processing speed has doubled.  Additionally,
the printed labels are legible, attractive, and free of
error.  Since the label production function key must be
executed from opr after items are checked in and consists
of the enter command, we no longer need to worry about
items going to the stacks without being actually recorded
in opr.  This greatly expedited the claiming process by
eliminating checking stacks prior to claiming.

If you are interested in more details and examples about
the above, you can send a request to me by e-mail
(becqc@cunyvm) or fax: (718) 997-3753. I will send
detailed procedures to you via e-mail.

                           Belinda Chiang
                           Head, Bibliographic Access Services

                           Queens College, CUNY