I-Share Resource Management Training Session 7: Authority Control

CARLI’s I-Share Resource Management Training series focuses on how libraries may manage collections and metadata in Alma effectively, with an emphasis on Alma’s functionalities for management of physical and electronic resources. This series will cover many topics that involve cataloging as well as the interaction of metadata with other library system functions, such as acquisitions, circulation, and discovery. Each session will highlight different processes and workflows for completing resource management tasks in both institutional and consortial perspectives.

Series content is aimed at those who are responsible for day-to-day work with MARC metadata and inventory data in an I-Share institution. Staff that are responsible for functions in acquisitions, fulfillment, discovery, or reporting may find the information useful as well. Primary emphasis will be on taking advantage of Alma functionality to complete tasks within resource management workflows. Limited discussion on broader cataloging practice and theory may be addressed as time allows.

Each 90-minute session will consist of 55-70 minutes of presentation, with periodic spaces for questions and exploration. Attendees will be encouraged to have examples ready for hands-on practice. 

Registration will be capped at 15 attendees per session, and sessions may be selected a la carte. Each session will be recorded and made available, and it is not necessary to register to receive access to the recording. Register here.

Session 7: Authority Control

Authority control is a process for organizing information through standardization of terminology, so that patrons may find resources effectively and unambiguously. Authority control is also a frequent and ongoing aspect of resource management, as accepted terms may change over time, and inaccuracies may be discovered.

This session will focus on the tools and techniques for performing authority control in CARLI’s networked environment. Practices that catalogers may implement locally on network records will be covered, including the use of different vocabularies and reparative cataloging.

• Community Zone authorities and vocabularies
• Network Zone authorities and vocabularies
• Searching authority records and headings
• Linking bibliographic access points to authorized headings
• Alma scheduled jobs: Link BIB Headings, Preferred Term Correction
• Authority Control Task List
• Reparative authorities practices