In this section we describe the information items cataloged for the project, along with our classification methodology and reasoning. This is followed by a brief discussion of the unique issues we faced.
For this project, we have chosen to catalog six non-traditional items. We have included books and other media with each main item, and have cataloged each as kits. The items included in this example are:
Descriptions, images, and catalog records for these items can be found on our Examples page.
Each of these kits is packaged in a large, clear plastic bin, with a secure lid. Each bin includes a photo of the main item, as well as a printed list of all pieces. Each item in every kit includes the library barcode, and markings identifying it as part of the kit, and owned by the library.
The following steps are the procedures we followed in order to catalog our STREAMing Science kits
Choosing these types of kits and items was perhaps a bit further outside of the scope of the Information Resources: Organization and Access course (IST 616). While this project was challenging, we did learn quite a bit. This course did not address creating local call numbers, nor cataloging kits that included so many different types of materials. We contacted the cataloging department at the Kenton County Public Library (KCPL) for guidance with this project. KCPL began cataloging "Library of Things" items in late 2016. The first items cataloged were the Orion SkyQuest telescopes. Theresa Baker, KCPL cataloging librarian, says "Maxwell's handbook for RDA (2013) truly was a lifesaver when handling these non-traditional items. When we started cataloging the Library of Things, we started with AACR2. As we started getting more 'things,' we've learned of more details we need to be adding to our records." One of the KCPL items has been stolen, and Ms. Baker went on to comment, "we hadn't made note of the serial number, for insurance purposes. We've learned that this is necessary, and RDA allows for the input of such numbers in the 024 field. We're going to start including that in any new records, and adding it to the older records as we can."