Example SOPs: Cataloguer

Cataloguer SOPs

Creating Standard Operating Procedures for your Cataloguer work can be difficult and take time. That’s why we’ve created these example Cataloguer SOPs so you can jumpstart your SOP creation process. We want to help you set up your Library systems and processes by taking these sample SOPs and building out your own SOPs template library. By having all your Library procedures in one place, your team will have the information they need at all times. Let’s look at some Cataloguer SOP examples.

Cataloguer SOP Examples

1. SOP: Cataloguing and Classification
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to ensure consistent and accurate cataloguing and classification of library materials. It involves assigning appropriate subject headings, call numbers, and other metadata to facilitate easy retrieval and organization of resources.
Scope: This SOP applies to all library materials, including books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources.
Person Responsible: The cataloguer or librarian responsible for cataloguing and classification.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to specific cataloguing standards, such as the Library of Congress Classification or Dewey Decimal Classification.

2. SOP: Authority Control
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to maintain accurate and consistent access points for authors, subjects, and other entities in the library catalog. It involves verifying and updating authority records to ensure proper identification and linking of related resources.
Scope: This SOP applies to all library materials and their associated authority records.
Person Responsible: The cataloguer or librarian responsible for authority control.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to authority record creation, maintenance, and linking, as well as any specific authority control systems used by the library.

3. SOP: Copy Cataloguing
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to streamline the cataloguing process by utilizing existing catalog records from external sources. It involves evaluating the quality and relevance of copy catalog records, making necessary modifications, and importing them into the library catalog.
Scope: This SOP applies to library materials for which copy cataloguing is deemed appropriate.
Person Responsible: The cataloguer or librarian responsible for copy cataloguing.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to evaluating and selecting external catalog records, as well as any specific procedures for importing and modifying records in the library catalog system.

4. SOP: Cataloguing Special Collections
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to establish guidelines for cataloguing and describing special collections within the library. It involves creating unique metadata, incorporating additional descriptive elements, and ensuring proper handling and preservation of rare or unique materials.
Scope: This SOP applies to special collections, such as manuscripts, rare books, archival materials, or any other unique resources held by the library.
Person Responsible: The cataloguer or librarian responsible for special collections cataloguing.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to special collections management, preservation, and digitization, as well as any specific guidelines or standards for describing rare materials.

5. SOP: Catalogue Maintenance and Updates
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to outline procedures for ongoing maintenance and updates of the library catalog. It involves regular review, correction of errors, addition of new materials, and removal of outdated or withdrawn items from the catalog.
Scope: This SOP applies to all library materials and their associated catalog records.
Person Responsible: The cataloguer or librarian responsible for catalog maintenance and updates.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to catalog record editing, withdrawal procedures, or any specific guidelines for maintaining the library catalog system.

6. SOP: Catalogue Searching and Retrieval
Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to guide library staff and users in effectively searching and retrieving materials from the library catalog. It involves providing instructions on using search tools, understanding search results, and requesting items for use.
Scope: This SOP applies to all library staff and users who interact with the library catalog.
Person Responsible: The cataloguer or librarian responsible for user instruction and support.
References: This SOP may reference other SOPs related to user services, interlibrary loan procedures, or any specific guidelines for utilizing the library catalog system

Cataloguer SOP Templates

Looking for SOP templates for your Cataloguer work? We’ve got you covered. You can build out your company SOPs using the sample SOP information above (added to our template) or our team can put together a starter SOPs template based on your Cataloguer work. Get in touch if you’ve got questions about the quickest way to build out your Library SOPs library.