Selecting Among Member Copy Records on OCLC

Our preference among OCLC records is for LC or CC. See HOW TO DETERMINE LC, CC, MC CODING FOR BOOKS for further details.

However, if multiple MC records are found in OCLC (and no LC or CC), the following criteria should be considered to determine which MC record to use:

1. For non-literature titles, select the record with the most complete bibliographic information - particularly with regard to the access provided (subject headings, added author entries, etc). Do NOT select solely based on which one has a call number in the record. However, since literature titles do not have subject headings, it may be better to defer to the record with the call number for these records.

2. Check the encoding level (ENC/L) in the fixed fields. Rank as follows:

• I or blank
• 8
• M
• K
• J - do not use (to be deleted)

If there are two or more records with the same encoding level, select the record with the best access provided.

3. Consider the number of holdings on OCLC, as well, as a record with many holdings may be preferred over a record with fewer, as long as the above criteria are present.

4. Prefer serial over monographic copy if found. For example, when ordering a title such as "The Directory of Library Grants, 2002", if a serial record is found for "The Directory of Library Grants", the serial record is preferred. (Exception: if the piece is being ordered on CM/GOBI, and there is no series record in Acorn, the title may be ordered. In this case, be sure to add a note to the 952 to check for serial record on receipt.)

5. If multiple serial records found, prefer copy with authentication codes in the 042 field.

11/07/2002; mew