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Shifting from print periodicals to online databases:
Many libraries have discarded their bound periodicals in favor of online databases,
but, if that decision has not been made, there's still time to weed your unused periodicals
collection. Keep those subscriptions that are still needed in print, but
set a limit on how long the print copies will be kept, and subscribe to the databases.
Online periodical services such as
Ebscohost or
ProQuest provide backfiles and current
issues of periodicals that are easily searchable from the library, home, or office at any
time of the day or night.
Providing a searchable database also lets your library discontinue
subscriptions to periodicals indices.
Online periodical subscriptions are usually comparable to print cost, but do not require
staff to check them in, put them away, and retrieve them for customers, or the expense of
binding the periodicals and shelving them for years to come. Computer terminals in the
library can be used to access the databases as well
as the library's online catalog and other web resources.
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OCLC copy cataloging by clerical staff
Some catalogers have held on to the ability to tweak Library of Congress and OCLC headings and call
numbers as a type of "quality control" (or job security). However, in times of tight budgets, most
libraries can simply have a trained clerical staff member copy the information already provided
on the MARC record.
The cataloger's time can be spent doing original cataloging and other
duties requiring their level of knowledge.
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