The Technical Services Division is responsible for providing access to the Library's collections. The Library uses the Dewey Decimal system and the ANSCR system as its primary classification system for books and audiovisual materials.
The Library participates in a program of shared cataloging through the use of a bibliographic utility to provide quality bibliographic records in full MARC format. These records are then edited, as necessary, by library staff to reflect local call numbers and practices. Library staff create original bibliographic records for materials for which cataloging records are unavailable.
The Technical Services Division staff receives and processes all material with the exception of periodicals, newspapers, and microforms. After bibliographic records are created for these items, they are received and processed by individual branch and Periodicals staff members.
Maintenance of the Library's data base is ongoing with bibliographic records being added and deleted, authority headings and records being added and deleted, authority headings and records being reconciled, and corrections and enhancements of records taking place as necessary. A procedure is in place for Public Services staff to notify Technical Services of errors in the data base.
Retrospective projects to recatalog or otherwise improve access to the Library's collections are carefully evaluated, prioritized, and undertaken as required to provide excellent access and public service.
Technical Services Division staff work closely with Computer Services staff to schedule and coordinate data base maintenance procedures.
Approved by Library Board of Directors, July 1996