Difference between revisions of "Database Management Policy"

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== Statement of Purpose ==
[[Category:CCS]]
<!-- ''This is a copy of the Database Management Policy. The [http://www.ccslib.org/ official version] can be found on the CCS website.'' -->
== I. Purpose ==


The Cooperative Computer Services' bibliographic database is a shared resource created for and by the members of the consortium. Through it the CCS libraries realize two goals:
The Cooperative Computer Services' database is a shared resource created for and by the members of the consortium. Through it the CCS libraries realize the following goals:
:To maintain a reliable and current union catalog of their holdings
* To maintain a reliable and current union catalog of their holdings
:To provide consistent, specific and detailed access to the full intellectual substance of those holdings
* To provide consistent, specific and detailed access to the full intellectual substance of those holdings
* To cooperatively manage a shared patron database for ease in reciprocal borrowing
* To effectively evolve with electronic resources in order to make electronic resource access seamless for patrons


The successful maintenance of this database necessitates a consortium-wide commitment to these goals. Member libraries must agree on common cataloging standards and practice common data entry procedures. In return they enjoy the benefits of cooperation, which include
The successful maintenance of this database necessitates a consortium-wide commitment to these goals. Member libraries must agree on common cataloging standards and practice common data entry procedures. In return they enjoy the benefits of cooperation, which include:


:Distribution of responsibility, effort and cost
* Convenience of access to a larger pool of resources for patrons
:Large pool of talent and resources
* Distribution of responsibility, effort and cost
:Cost savings under a shared OCLC profile
* Large pool of talent and resources
:Opportunities, e.g. training, advocacy, which generally accrue to larger libraries
* Cost savings under a shared bibliographic utility
* Opportunities, e.g. training, advocacy, which generally accrue to larger libraries


The CCS Bibliographic Database Management Model (BDMM) is founded on that commitment to shared goals and is, in turn, the foundation on which consensus is built. Specifically, the BDMM:
The CCS '''Database Management Policy''' (DMP) is founded on that commitment to shared goals and is, in turn, the foundation on which consensus is built. Specifically, the DMP:


:Describes basic responsibilities of each library
* Describes basic responsibilities of each library
:Describes the functions of the Database Management Department
* Describes the functions of CCS central management
:Acknowledges CCS's reliance on OCLC as the primary source of records
* Acknowledges CCS's reliance on a shared bibliographic utility as the primary source of records
:Outlines the means for assuring quality in the database
* Outlines the means for assuring quality in the database


While the BDMM provides a framework of responsibilities, each library is free to meet its obligations using the staff, budget, workflow and technological tools which best suit its situation.
While the DMP provides a framework of responsibilities, each library is free to meet its obligations using the staff, budget, workflow and technological tools which best suit its situation.


The current BDMM updates an earlier version of the CCS Database Management Model (3/95) and includes portions of the documents Procedures for Achieving Compliance with the CCS Database Management Model (7/89), Organization for the Development of the CCS Database (1/90) and Authority Control in the CCS Database (5/96). The current BDMM supersedes the older documents.
The Database Management Policy expands upon, modernizes, and supersedes the Bibliographic Database Management Model in all its prior iterations.


 
== II. Responsibilities of Member Libraries ==
== Responsibilities of Member Libraries ==


Each CCS member library
Each CCS member library


:1. Will comply with the Bibliographic Database Management Model, the CCS Cataloging Manual and other adopted standards for the CCS bibliographic database
:A. Will comply with the Database Management Policy, the CCS Cataloging Manual, and other agreed upon shared procedures for database consistency and quality
:2. Will employ a full time librarian with competencies in technical services to supervise the library's bibliographic data creation and entry. These competencies should include a graduate degree in library science or equivalent experience, working knowledge of AACR2, MARC bibliographic format, Library of Congress subject headings, and OCLC
:B. Will employ a staff with competencies in technical services to supervise the library's bibliographic data creation and entry. These competencies should include a graduate degree in library science or equivalent experience, working knowledge of current, nationally adopted cataloging rules, MARC bibliographic format, Library of Congress subject headings, and bibliographic utilities such as OCLC
:3. Will ensure that all the library's database maintenance staff are trained to the level required by the CCS-defined core requirements for the work they do
:C. Will ensure that all the library's database maintenance staff are trained to the level required by the CCS-defined core requirements for the work they do
:4. Will have a connection to OCLC and be authorized as a user under the shared JED profile
:D. Will have a connection to the shared bibliographic utility and be authorized as a user
:5. Will have approved means, e.g. CCS vendor software, OCLC software, third party software, to
:E. Will have approved means, e.g. CCS vendor software, shared bibliographic utility software, third party software, to
::view and edit existing MARC bibliographic records and item records in the CCS bibliographic database
:* view and edit existing records in the CCS bibliographic database
::acquire bibliographic records from OCLC, edit and transfer them to the CCS bibliographic database
:* create records or acquire records from authorized sources, edit and transfer them to the CCS database
::view the CCS headings indexes
:F. Is still responsible for other activities that are not part of the shared databases, e.g., acquisitions, 3rd party databases, and RFID
::enter locally created bibliographic and item records into the CCS database
:G. Is responsible for acquisition and maintenance of database management equipment not covered by any consortium contract and ongoing training of its staff in the use of that equipment
:6. Is responsible for activities that are not directly related to the creation and maintenance of full bibliographic records in the database, including acquisition of materials, entering and maintaining item information, assigning local call numbers, producing catalog cards, and physical processing of materials
:H. Will keep accurate statistics as required
:7. Is responsible for acquisition and maintenance of database management equipment not covered by any consortium contract and ongoing training of its staff in the use of that equipment
:I. Will send a representative to applicable CCS meetings.  Member libraries will encourage their staff to serve on committees and task forces as needed
:8. Will keep accurate statistics as required and pay its portion of shared expenses
:J. Will encourage, support and provide continuing education beyond the core requirements for its database maintenance staff
:9. Will send a representative to meetings of the Catalogers Technical Group and other required or applicable CCS workshops or programs
:K. Will provide its share of resources, e.g., staff time, third party costs to perform database projects agreed upon by the CCS membership
:10. Will encourage, support and provide continuing education beyond the core requirements for its database maintenance staff
:11. Will provide its share of staff time to perform database projects agreed upon by the CCS membership
 
 
== Database Management Department ==
 
 
 
The CCS Database Management Department is charged with coordinating and overseeing the creation and maintenance of the bibliographic database as a whole. In particular the Department has responsibility for functions that require or benefit from centralization. These include
:quality control of the bibliographic database as a whole
:authority control
 
The Database Management Department acts as liaison between the CCS libraries and the consortium's system vendor in matters related to the bibliographic database. The Department is responsible for reviewing and recommending all outside sources of MARC records.
 
Specific responsibilities of the Database Management Department, as listed here, should be reviewed periodically by the Database Management Task Force to ensure that the benefits of centralization are maximized.
 
The Database Management Department
:1. Will temporarily transfer final edited bibliographic records into the database for those libraries that are unable to do so
:2. Will supervise the loading of bibliographic and item data for new CCS member libraries
:3. Will advise member libraries about methods for acquiring, editing and inputting bibliographic and item records
:4. Will monitor the quality of the bibliographic data in the database and coordinate cooperative or third party database revision projects as needed
:5. Will train new library staff members in core requirements when requested
:6. Will, with the Catalogers Technical Group, identify continuing education needs and provide continuing education as needed or when requested
:7. Will, with the Catalogers Technical Group, draft local standards and maintain the written record of those standards
:8. Will coordinate and monitor the creation and maintenance of a CCS authority file
:9. Will coordinate CCS participation in cooperative cataloging programs outside of CCS
:10. Will coordinate the use of the OCLC shared cataloging profile
:11. Will recommend to the Governing Board sources of bibliographic and authority records
:12. Will coordinate the use of CCS system vendor's products for database
:13. Will have a connection to OCLC with authorization levels appropriate for CCS participation
:14. Will have approved means, e.g. CCS vendor software, OCLC software, third party software, to
::view and edit existing MARC bibliographic records and item records in the CCS bibliographic database
::acquire bibliographic records from OCLC, edit and transfer them to the CCS bibliographic database
::view the CCS headings indexes
::enter locally created bibliographic and item records into the CCS database
 
 
 
== Database Manager ==
 
The Database Management Department is supervised by the Database Manager who coordinates the activities of the Department. The Database Manager:
:is a full-time professional librarian
:is employed by Cooperative Computer Services
:is responsible to the CCS Administrator
:requests and receives guidance from the Database Management Task Force
:has working knowledge of standard cataloging documentation including AACR2 Rev., Library of Congress Rule Interpretations, US MARC Formats and Library of Congress Subject Headings
:has experience with OCLC and is familiar with OCLC documentation
:is familiar with CCS documentation including the Cataloging Manual, minutes of Catalogers Technical Group meetings and CCS Bylaws and Policies
:is familiar with CCS system vendor products and documentation
 
== Authorities Librarian ==
 
Authority control in the CCS bibliographic database is coordinated by the Authorities Librarian. The Authorities Librarian:
:is a full-time professional librarian
:is employed by Cooperative Computer Services
:is responsible to the CCS Database Manager
:has working knowledge of standard cataloging documentation including AACR2 Rev., Library of Congress Rule Interpretations, US MARC Formats and Library of Congress Subject Headings
:has experience with OCLC and is familiar with OCLC documentation
:is familiar with CCS documentation including the Cataloging Manual, minutes of Catalogers Technical Group meetings and CCS Bylaws and Policies
:is familiar with CCS system vendor products and documentation
 
== Other Personnel ==
 
In order to fulfill the responsibilities of the Database Management Department the Database Manager may hire support staff as required and approved and may allot departmental duties to this staff. This staff may comprise professional librarians, paraprofessionals and/or clerical personnel depending on the need.
 
== Sources of Bibliographic Records ==


Bibliographic records may be created locally in the CCS database or imported from an approved outside source. The guidelines for locally created records are found in the current OCLC contract and in the CCS Cataloging Manual.
== III. Responsibilities of CCS Central Management ==


Outside sources include bibliographic utilities, other bibliographic databases and vendors of bibliographic data. Currently the only approved outside source of bibliographic records is the OCLC. CCS libraries observe certain obligations to OCLC regarding original cataloging, reporting holdings and use of bibliographic records. These obligations are documented in CCS's Illinet/OCLC Services Program Terminal Agreement (7/86) and regular renewal contracts, in Guidelines for the Use and Transfer of OCLC-Derived Records (11/87) and the OCLC Principles of Cooperation (5/96). The CCS Governing Board at the recommendation of the Database Manager will approve the use of other outside sources of bibliographic records.
The CCS central management is charged with coordinating and overseeing the creation and maintenance of the database as a whole. In particular CCS has responsibility for functions that require or benefit from centralization. For example:


Costs associated with acquiring bibliographic records will be apportioned by the determination of the Governing Board and each library will be notified of its share of the costs. Under the current contract with OCLC Cooperative Computer Services is categorized a processing center, and CCS activity is identified with a single shared code, JED. OCLC costs are billed to CCS as a unit.
* quality control of the bibliographic database as a whole
* authority control
* quality control of the patron database
* leadership and quality control around the evolution of records for electronic resources


CCS acts as liaison between the CCS libraries and the consortium's system vendor in matters related to the database. CCS is responsible for reviewing and recommending all outside sources of records.


== Authority Control Procedures ==
Specific responsibilities of CCS, as listed here, should be reviewed periodically by the Database Management Committee to ensure that the benefits of centralization are maximized.
Cataloger who wish to contribute authority records to the CCS database have two options for doing so:
:1. Send the Authorities Librarian a list of needed authority records or a file of needed authority records to load. The Authorities Librarian will be responsible for loading them as soon as possible.
:2. Load the authority records themselves, as long as they have the approval of the CCS Authorities Librarian and meet the certain criteria:
::Thorough knowledge of Unicorn authority wizards and demonstrated experience and competency in loading authority records.
::Attendance at the CCS Catalogers Technical Group meeting and workshops which discuss authority issues.


Catalogers hired after March 15, 2007 can arrange to receive training by the Authorities Librarian and can be provisionally allowed to load authority records for a probationary period until granted full permission by the Authorities Librarian.
CCS Central Management
:A. Will supervise the loading of data for new CCS member libraries
:B. Will advise member libraries about preferred methods for acquiring, editing and inputting bibliographic, item records, authority records, patron records, electronic resource records, and other record types as the system evolves
:C. Will monitor the quality of data in the database and coordinate cooperative or third party database revision projects as needed
:D. Will provide orientations of CCS's core requirements to new library staff members when requested or needed
:E. Will, in conjunction with membership feedback, identify continuing education needs and provide continuing education as needed or when requested
:F. Will emphasize the importance of and adhere to national practice, and in conjunction with membership feedback, draft local standards where necessary, and maintain the written record of those standards in conjunction with membership
:G. Will coordinate and monitor the creation and maintenance of a CCS authority file
:H. Will coordinate CCS participation in cooperative cataloging programs outside of CCS, e.g., NACO and PCC
:I. Will coordinate the use of the shared bibliographic utility
:J. Will recommend to the CCS Governance sources of records
:K. Will coordinate the use of CCS system vendor's products
:#. Will have a connection to the shared bibliographic utility
:L. Will assist in the coordination of third party system setup
:M. Will have approved means, e.g. CCS vendor software, bibliographic utility software, third party software, to
:* view and edit existing records in the CCS database
:* create records or acquire records from authorized sources, edit and transfer them to the CCS database


Additional criteria that may be needed will be subject to Governing Board approval.
CCS will ensure that the CCS staff have a working knowledge of the standards necessary to effectively support the shared database.  These areas include but are not limited to nationally adopted cataloging rules, Library of Congress implementation guidelines, MARC, RDA, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Illinois codes and practices.


The cataloger loading authority records must use a supervisor's login. The CCS Authorities Librarian will maintain a list of authorized authority record loaders. If any problems arise and the cataloger fails to adhere to the rules and regulations, the privilege of loading authority records may be rescinded.
== IV. Sources of Records ==


CCS Database Management Committee shall regularly revisit the approved sources of records and make recommendations to the Governing Board.  The list of approved sources will be reviewed at least annually if not more frequently, as needed. 


== Quality Control in the CCS Bibliographic Database ==
Member libraries may suggest sources to the CCS Executive Director for evaluation and group consideration.
The goal of database quality control is to ensure that an adequate amount of necessary information is provided as consistently as possible. Necessary information is any information that is used by more than the inputting library for internal functions. To achieve the desired levels of completeness and consistency three things are required. There must be a reasonable set of core requirements understood by all libraries; there must be thorough and ongoing training in those requirements; and libraries must have staffs that are able and willing to satisfy the requirements.


== Core Requirements ==
Along with the member libraries, CCS staff will develop and regularly update procedures for working with approved sources of records.
Core requirements for bibliographic data are
:Reasonable
:Achievable by every CCS library
:Recorded in writing
:Measurable
:Objective
:Adequate for the purposes for which the data is used, e.g. identification of works, OPAC searching, reports


Core requirements for the CCS database are developed, reviewed and amended by the Catalogers Technical Group, its Standard Cataloging Rules and Practices (SCRAP) committee and the Database Management Department. They are recorded in the CCS Cataloging Manual. Individual CCS libraries are encouraged to exceed the core requirements.
<!-- Outside sources include bibliographic utilities, other bibliographic databases and vendors of bibliographic data. Currently the only approved outside source of bibliographic records is '''OCLC'''. CCS libraries observe certain obligations to OCLC regarding original cataloging, reporting holdings and use of bibliographic records. These obligations are documented in CCS's ''Illinet/OCLC Services Program Terminal Agreement'' (7/86) and regular renewal contracts, in ''Guidelines for the Use and Transfer of OCLC-Derived Records'' (11/87) and the ''OCLC Principles of Cooperation'' (5/96). The CCS Governing Board at the recommendation of the Database Manager will approve the use of other outside sources of bibliographic records. -->


== Training ==
<!-- Under the current contract with OCLC Cooperative Computer Services is categorized a processing center, and CCS activity is identified with a single shared code, '''JED'''. OCLC costs are billed to CCS as a unit. -->
To ensure database quality all database maintenance staff must satisfy the core requirements associated with his/her job. Each library assumes responsibility for training its staff members in the core requirements of their jobs. Each library will review the work of its trainees until the library is certain that the trainees can satisfy the core requirements. When necessary the Database Management Department, rather than individual library personnel, will be responsible for training. The Department will review the work of trainees until they are capable of meeting core requirements. The Database Management Department will do training and review
:For libraries that are new to CCS
:For CCS libraries that lack qualified trainers
:Under other circumstances as necessary


== V. Quality Control in the Database ==
The goal of database quality control is to ensure that an adequate amount of necessary information is provided as consistently as possible for the benefit of the patron. Necessary information is any information that is used by more than the inputting library for internal functions. To achieve the desired levels of completeness and consistency three things are required. There must be a reasonable set of core requirements understood by all libraries; there must be thorough and ongoing training in those requirements; and libraries must have staffs that are able and willing to satisfy the requirements.  Each Technical Group will develop core requirements to ensure quality data entry, relevant patron experience, security, and maintenance within the database.  These core requirements will be approved by the Governing Board. These requirements will be included as part of the procedures manuals and revisited at least annually.


== Identification of Work ==
== VI. Training ==
CCS libraries will identify the bibliographic records they add to the database.
To ensure database quality all database maintenance staff must satisfy the core requirements associated with his/her job. Each library assumes responsibility for training its staff members in the core requirements of their jobs. Each library will review the work of its trainees until the library is certain that the trainees can satisfy the core requirements. When necessary CCS, rather than individual library personnel, will be responsible for training. CCS will review the work of trainees until they are capable of meeting core requirements. CCS will do training and review
* For libraries that are new to CCS
* For CCS libraries that lack qualified trainers
* Under other circumstances as necessary


== Monitoring ==
== VII. Identification of Work ==
The Database Manager should be advised when core requirements are not being met. He/she will address the problem by
CCS libraries will identify the records they add to the database.
:Discussing the matter directly with the library
:Conducting individual training sessions
:Conducting group training
:Ask for a volunteer mentor library to assist


== Continuing Education ==
== VIII. Monitoring ==
Libraries are encouraged to allow their staffs to develop beyond core requirements. The Catalogers Technical Group, its SCRAP committee and the Database Management Department will sponsor or conduct training sessions and workshops in areas of cataloging and database maintenance that are of interest to the CCS membership.
CCS should be advised when core requirements are not being met. CCS staff will address the problem by
* Discussing the matter directly with the library
* Conducting individual training sessions
* Conducting group training
* Ask for a volunteer mentor library to assist


== Enforcement of Compliance ==
== IX. Continuing Education ==
If it becomes apparent that a library does not adhere to CCS core requirements the following procedures will be observed in increments:
Libraries are encouraged to allow their staffs to develop beyond core requirements. The CCS staff and membership will sponsor or conduct training sessions and workshops that are of interest to the CCS membership for maintaining a quality system.
:1. The Database Manager will inform the CCS Administrator
:2. The CCS Administrator will bring the problem to the attention of the library's administrator
:3. The chair of the CCS Database Management Task Force and the CCS President will be asked to intervene
:4. The matter will be brought before the CCS Executive Committee, which may make a recommendation to the Governing Board.


Note: The CCS bylaws deal specifically with the responsibility of members in Article IX, Section 6. Article XI covers Enforcement Procedures.
== X. Enforcement of Compliance ==
The [http://www.ccslib.org/governance/governance-documents/ccs-bylaws CCS bylaws] deal specifically with the responsibility of members in Article IX, Section 4. Article XI covers Enforcement Procedures.

Latest revision as of 18:50, 13 August 2020

I. Purpose

The Cooperative Computer Services' database is a shared resource created for and by the members of the consortium. Through it the CCS libraries realize the following goals:

  • To maintain a reliable and current union catalog of their holdings
  • To provide consistent, specific and detailed access to the full intellectual substance of those holdings
  • To cooperatively manage a shared patron database for ease in reciprocal borrowing
  • To effectively evolve with electronic resources in order to make electronic resource access seamless for patrons

The successful maintenance of this database necessitates a consortium-wide commitment to these goals. Member libraries must agree on common cataloging standards and practice common data entry procedures. In return they enjoy the benefits of cooperation, which include:

  • Convenience of access to a larger pool of resources for patrons
  • Distribution of responsibility, effort and cost
  • Large pool of talent and resources
  • Cost savings under a shared bibliographic utility
  • Opportunities, e.g. training, advocacy, which generally accrue to larger libraries

The CCS Database Management Policy (DMP) is founded on that commitment to shared goals and is, in turn, the foundation on which consensus is built. Specifically, the DMP:

  • Describes basic responsibilities of each library
  • Describes the functions of CCS central management
  • Acknowledges CCS's reliance on a shared bibliographic utility as the primary source of records
  • Outlines the means for assuring quality in the database

While the DMP provides a framework of responsibilities, each library is free to meet its obligations using the staff, budget, workflow and technological tools which best suit its situation.

The Database Management Policy expands upon, modernizes, and supersedes the Bibliographic Database Management Model in all its prior iterations.

II. Responsibilities of Member Libraries

Each CCS member library

A. Will comply with the Database Management Policy, the CCS Cataloging Manual, and other agreed upon shared procedures for database consistency and quality
B. Will employ a staff with competencies in technical services to supervise the library's bibliographic data creation and entry. These competencies should include a graduate degree in library science or equivalent experience, working knowledge of current, nationally adopted cataloging rules, MARC bibliographic format, Library of Congress subject headings, and bibliographic utilities such as OCLC
C. Will ensure that all the library's database maintenance staff are trained to the level required by the CCS-defined core requirements for the work they do
D. Will have a connection to the shared bibliographic utility and be authorized as a user
E. Will have approved means, e.g. CCS vendor software, shared bibliographic utility software, third party software, to
  • view and edit existing records in the CCS bibliographic database
  • create records or acquire records from authorized sources, edit and transfer them to the CCS database
F. Is still responsible for other activities that are not part of the shared databases, e.g., acquisitions, 3rd party databases, and RFID
G. Is responsible for acquisition and maintenance of database management equipment not covered by any consortium contract and ongoing training of its staff in the use of that equipment
H. Will keep accurate statistics as required
I. Will send a representative to applicable CCS meetings. Member libraries will encourage their staff to serve on committees and task forces as needed
J. Will encourage, support and provide continuing education beyond the core requirements for its database maintenance staff
K. Will provide its share of resources, e.g., staff time, third party costs to perform database projects agreed upon by the CCS membership

III. Responsibilities of CCS Central Management

The CCS central management is charged with coordinating and overseeing the creation and maintenance of the database as a whole. In particular CCS has responsibility for functions that require or benefit from centralization. For example:

  • quality control of the bibliographic database as a whole
  • authority control
  • quality control of the patron database
  • leadership and quality control around the evolution of records for electronic resources

CCS acts as liaison between the CCS libraries and the consortium's system vendor in matters related to the database. CCS is responsible for reviewing and recommending all outside sources of records.

Specific responsibilities of CCS, as listed here, should be reviewed periodically by the Database Management Committee to ensure that the benefits of centralization are maximized.

CCS Central Management

A. Will supervise the loading of data for new CCS member libraries
B. Will advise member libraries about preferred methods for acquiring, editing and inputting bibliographic, item records, authority records, patron records, electronic resource records, and other record types as the system evolves
C. Will monitor the quality of data in the database and coordinate cooperative or third party database revision projects as needed
D. Will provide orientations of CCS's core requirements to new library staff members when requested or needed
E. Will, in conjunction with membership feedback, identify continuing education needs and provide continuing education as needed or when requested
F. Will emphasize the importance of and adhere to national practice, and in conjunction with membership feedback, draft local standards where necessary, and maintain the written record of those standards in conjunction with membership
G. Will coordinate and monitor the creation and maintenance of a CCS authority file
H. Will coordinate CCS participation in cooperative cataloging programs outside of CCS, e.g., NACO and PCC
I. Will coordinate the use of the shared bibliographic utility
J. Will recommend to the CCS Governance sources of records
K. Will coordinate the use of CCS system vendor's products
  1. . Will have a connection to the shared bibliographic utility
L. Will assist in the coordination of third party system setup
M. Will have approved means, e.g. CCS vendor software, bibliographic utility software, third party software, to
  • view and edit existing records in the CCS database
  • create records or acquire records from authorized sources, edit and transfer them to the CCS database

CCS will ensure that the CCS staff have a working knowledge of the standards necessary to effectively support the shared database. These areas include but are not limited to nationally adopted cataloging rules, Library of Congress implementation guidelines, MARC, RDA, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Illinois codes and practices.

IV. Sources of Records

CCS Database Management Committee shall regularly revisit the approved sources of records and make recommendations to the Governing Board. The list of approved sources will be reviewed at least annually if not more frequently, as needed.

Member libraries may suggest sources to the CCS Executive Director for evaluation and group consideration.

Along with the member libraries, CCS staff will develop and regularly update procedures for working with approved sources of records.


V. Quality Control in the Database

The goal of database quality control is to ensure that an adequate amount of necessary information is provided as consistently as possible for the benefit of the patron. Necessary information is any information that is used by more than the inputting library for internal functions. To achieve the desired levels of completeness and consistency three things are required. There must be a reasonable set of core requirements understood by all libraries; there must be thorough and ongoing training in those requirements; and libraries must have staffs that are able and willing to satisfy the requirements. Each Technical Group will develop core requirements to ensure quality data entry, relevant patron experience, security, and maintenance within the database. These core requirements will be approved by the Governing Board. These requirements will be included as part of the procedures manuals and revisited at least annually.

VI. Training

To ensure database quality all database maintenance staff must satisfy the core requirements associated with his/her job. Each library assumes responsibility for training its staff members in the core requirements of their jobs. Each library will review the work of its trainees until the library is certain that the trainees can satisfy the core requirements. When necessary CCS, rather than individual library personnel, will be responsible for training. CCS will review the work of trainees until they are capable of meeting core requirements. CCS will do training and review

  • For libraries that are new to CCS
  • For CCS libraries that lack qualified trainers
  • Under other circumstances as necessary

VII. Identification of Work

CCS libraries will identify the records they add to the database.

VIII. Monitoring

CCS should be advised when core requirements are not being met. CCS staff will address the problem by

  • Discussing the matter directly with the library
  • Conducting individual training sessions
  • Conducting group training
  • Ask for a volunteer mentor library to assist

IX. Continuing Education

Libraries are encouraged to allow their staffs to develop beyond core requirements. The CCS staff and membership will sponsor or conduct training sessions and workshops that are of interest to the CCS membership for maintaining a quality system.

X. Enforcement of Compliance

The CCS bylaws deal specifically with the responsibility of members in Article IX, Section 4. Article XI covers Enforcement Procedures.