Creating new authority records
When a needed heading is not in either the local or national authority files, it may be necessary to create a new authority record.
Name and title headings
Through their NACO program, the Library of Congress has authorized the Authorities Librarian (and a few catalogers at CCS member libraries) to input new authority records into the national authority file and edit existing records. Names (either personal or corporate), series, and uniform titles are all eligible to be added.
There are 2 primary ways to notify the Authorities Librarian regarding headings that are not in the national authority file that you want to be created there.
- Email the heading with any background information that might be needed (such as a link to the Internet Movie Database or All Music guide).
- Send a photocopy of the matter in question (include photocopies of the author's biography, title page, title page verso, series title page, or any other such matter from the item in hand needed to show the form of and warrant for the name or title).
The Authorities Librarian will create the authority record and add it to the national authority file. You will be notified when your authority record has been added to OCLC and exported to our computer system.
Subject headings
Subject headings that are needed on the national level can also be sent to the Authorities Librarian, with accompanying information. The Authorities Librarian will forward this information to the Library of Congress for discussion and (hopefully) approval.
Loading new authority records
Only catalogers who have successfully completed LC NACO training are allowed to import authority records to our system. Ask the CCS Authorities librarian for details.