(no subject)

[quidditchgrrl]

So, does anyone know of a mapping tool to identify special collections and general collections?

I ask because I've made it through the first hoop and now hoop #2: "homework"

Hopefully I won't make an ass out of myself on this one...any of you library types out there? Advice?

Comments

[rainpuddle13.livejournal.com]

Esh, it depends on the collections I would think. I work in Special Collections & Archives. What exactly are you looking for?

[quidditchgrrl.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm applying to revamp the sorting and shelving of items at a public library. There are a lot of special collections, from foreign language to geneaology.

The question is: "Develop a mapping tool to identify special collections and general collections."

It seems like such a broad question! Any advice on serving special collections in the context of a larger library?

[rainpuddle13.livejournal.com]

The easiest way would to be to color code call number tags.

We're lucky in that our collections are housed in closed stacks and do no circulate. We have reference (kept in the reading room) and are marked with a red barred rare book tag; secured area labelled books for books that aren't ours, but don't circulate for some reason or another; our general books have rare book tags; office books are labeled office on the rare book tag; and the ones that belong to the Cabell library are labeled as such.

The willy nilly nature of it drives me insane but it was done that way long before I arrived there and will continue on long after I leave (unless by some act of a god somewhere) I can drag them into the 21st century and force another system on them. I did force them to change how we label manuscript boxes with easier to read computer generated labels instead of type written ones. Yes, we still use a manual typewriter!

I think the color coding of the label is the easiest way. It's easy to learn and remember.

[quidditchgrrl.livejournal.com]

*nods* That looks to be the easiest way...we use a lot of special stickers and such, that say "financial" or "ESL" or whatever.

I wonder if that's what they want to do?? It seems like such a waste to do that, but then again, might as well make the change now, eh?

Thanks for the advice!