This message is being sent to multiple lists; please excuse the
duplication.

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to update you on recent developments concerning the Serials
Cataloging Cooperative Training Program (SCCTP).  Much has happened in the
past several months that provides a clearer picture of how the program will
work.  The program continues to evolve and will do so for some time; however,
the goals remain sound and I believe, more achievable.

The primary development is that the Library of Congress' Cataloging
Distribution Service has agreed to contract for the course materials and to
handle the printing and distribution of the package to training providers.
With this piece in place, the train-the-trainer portion becomes the truly
cooperative aspect of the program.

Pilot Course

The first course will focus on the basics of serials cataloging for
publications in print and electronic formats.  Cameron Campbell of the
University of Chicago is using the CONSER core record as the basis for
developing the course.  The course is a 2-day course, but materials will
indicate what can be omitted or expanded for longer or shorter sessions.

Course materials will be available in June.  CDS will sell the materials as a
package, with discounts applied to multiple copies of the trainee's manual.

Trainers

We will be seeking experienced serials catalogers to serve as trainers.  A
call for trainers will be sent to lists in mid-November requesting experience
in serials cataloging and training, as well as institutional commitment.

Two train-the-trainer sessions will be held in June 1999, one in conjunction
with NASIG in Pittsburgh, the other in conjunction with ALA in New Orleans.
There will be a maximum of 20-25 at each session. The course will be a two-day
course.

The trainers portion of the program will also be closely aligned with the
Program for Cooperative Cataloging's Standing Committee on Training.

Funding and Support

I am very grateful to the NASIG board, which  has agreed to help fund the
program.  NASIG funds will be used for costs associated with training the
trainers.  Several OCLC networks have also offered to sponsor one of the
train-the-trainer sessions by providing the facilities and refreshments.

Opportunities to learn more

I will be working with others to develop web pages on the CONSER Web site that
will provide all of the necessary information about the program, courses
materials, etc.

At ALA mid-winter, Friday Jan. 29, 7:00-9:00PM Sally Sinn, chair of the PCC,
and I will lead an information sharing session.  We will talk about the
program and its goals and ask for ideas from the audience.  The program is
aimed at all potential stakeholders --library administrators, catalogers,
trainers, potential training providers, etc.  We would love to have as many of
you there as possible as well.  We will advertise the session using AN2,
CONSERline, and the standard serials and cataloging lists.

Jean Hirons
CONSER Coordinator
Library of Congress
(202) 707-5947
jhir@loc.gov