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 CCS catalogers who have been trained by NACO) 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.
Contact the Authorities Librarian regarding headings that are not in the national authority file that you want to be created there by adding a WonderDesk ticket.
- Include any background information that might be needed (such as a link to the Internet Movie Database or All Music guide).
- Scan relevant portions of the item (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 national authority record. You will be notified when the record has been added to OCLC and exported to the local database.
Subject headings
Subject headings that are needed on the national level can also be sent to the Authorities Librarian, with accompanying information. This information will be forwarded 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.