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Access Point Verification

Overview

The UC San Diego Library’s bibliographic database is part of the larger UC systemwide ILS (currently Alma), and as such, all automated authority control processes are handled by CDL at the network-zone level. We do not monitor or interact with authority control reports generated by our institution zone’s authority control task list. Additionally, we have locally turned off all automated access point corrections for the chief vocabularies we use (e.g. LC Names, LCSH, etc.).

Authority control is achieved in the network zone through two means:

  • Mediated reports from the NZ’s authority control task list (automated access point updates have been turned off in the NZ as well). CDL generates these reports monthly and then stages them in a Google folder so campuses can review them if they wish. UC San Diego currently does not review any of these reports.
  • Daily files of updated WorldCat records. CDL receives files of WorldCat records that had any change happen to them, including access point changes (the files are limited to records that have a holdings symbol for any UC library). OCLC’s controlled headings feature, community updates, and other automated processes will help us get the most current access points in our catalog.

Since we are relying chiefly on current WorldCat records for our authority control, catalogers who wish to add or correct access points in our catalog should first make sure the access points are correct and present in the WorldCat records. This includes all types of access points (names, subjects, genres, etc.). They can then wait for the WorldCat update service to bring the record into the Alma network zone or export the updated record themselves.

Procedures for All Catalogers

  • Catalogers are responsible for formulating the correct form of access points for new entities.
  • Catalogers will need to verify the correct form of an access point in the appropriate authority files if they are adding or modifying an access point on an existing WorldCat record.
  • Add relationship designators to access points that lack them if otherwise enhancing the WorldCat record.
  • Control all access points if otherwise enhancing the WorldCat record.
  • Do not remove existing access points from WorldCat records unless they are egregiously wrong.
  • Catalogers will need to verify all local bibliographic access points against local authorized thesauri and make sure the field is coded as local in Alma.
  • Catalogers are encouraged to create NACO records for entities that lack an authority record in accordance with the NACO Policy and Procedure. Additionally, any access points that need to be added or revised on existing LCNAF authority records need to be done through NACO.
  • Do not make new local authority records in our institution zone. We migrated a select amount of local records from Millennium for informational purposes only and do not plan on keeping them forever.

Procedures for Copy Cataloging

Copy Whose Headings Do Not Need To Be Verified

Catalogers will not verify the form of access points in most WorldCat records. The following chart details the types of copy included in this category. This chart is meant to include all materials except musical materials.

Type of Record
Encoding Level
040 Coding
042 Coding
PCC Mono Records (includes DLC)
[blank]
1
4
7
8
Any
 
 
 
pcc
Member Mono Records
I
J
K
L
M
any
CONSER Serial Records (RDA and AACR2)*
[blank]
1
7
dlr
 isds/c
lc
lcac
lccopycat
lcd
msc
nlc
nsdp
pcc
premarc

*Some CONSER authentication codes may appear in combination with each other. Consult CEG section E 042 for more information.

Copy Whose Headings Need to Be Checked

Some access points on certain types of copy will still need to be verified by the cataloger. The following chart details which access points still need to be verified. Note that some materials may fit into multiple categories. In such instances, err on the side of verifying the access point.

 
How to Identify in OCLC
Names
(100,110,111,
700,710,711)
Authorized Titles (130,240,730)
Name Subjects (600,610,611)
Authorized Title Subjects (630)
Topical & Geographic Subjects (650,651)
Pre-RDA/AACR2 Serials
Desc: does not have "a"and 040$e does not have "rda"
Verify if not already controlled in Connexion
 Do Not Verify
Serials
All Encoding levels except: [blank], 1, and 7
Verify if not already controlled in Connexion
Monos with Encoding Level 2, 3, or 5
ELvl: 2, 3, or 5
Do not verify
Musical and Moving Image Materials
Type: c, g, i, or j
Only verify instrumental order in pattern headings
Conferences
Has a conference access point and is the proceedings of a conference
Verify only the conference access point, if not already controlled in Connexion
 
Do Not Verify

Items that do not fit into any category on the above charts should be bounced to the unit supervisor.


Written by Ryan Finnerty, October 11, 2004
Approved by Cataloging Committee, November 8, 2004
Revised April 14, 2022 by Ryan Finnerty