Cataloging equipment in Destiny creates a dilemma.
If equipment is cataloged as a single MARC record and mulitple copies are added to that record, then searching by serial number and/or PO number is not possible. Because the local copy fields are not searchable, each copy would have to be opened to find a specific serial number and/or PO number.
If each piece (copy) of equipment is cataloged separately, it is searchable by serial number, etc., but the addition to the Destiny database is significant. Is this a long-range problem? Ask Destiny?
If equipment is cataloged as a single MARC record and mulitple copies are added to that record, the serial number is searchable if it is entered in the call number - example - EQ 12345678abc. You must enter the entire call number to search; you cannot simply enter the serial number. The summary notes would not necessarily be the same for all sites if they include specifics such as PO#s and date received.
What we have discussed as possible standards:
Use EQ as a standard prefix for all equipment. Allows you to see total number of EQ in the Collection Statistics report in Destiny. Destiny allows the prefix EQ to be globally changed but not anything following the space between the prefix and the "main."
Use standard "names" (names set by Central Office?) for the type of equipment. Write out the names completely following the standard prefix. Example: EQ Overhead projector; EQ Laptop; EQ DVD player; etc.
Catalog each piece of equipment as a separate MARC record.
Cataloging equipment in Destiny creates a dilemma.
- If equipment is cataloged as a single MARC record and mulitple copies are added to that record, then searching by serial number and/or PO number is not possible. Because the local copy fields are not searchable, each copy would have to be opened to find a specific serial number and/or PO number.
- If each piece (copy) of equipment is cataloged separately, it is searchable by serial number, etc., but the addition to the Destiny database is significant. Is this a long-range problem? Ask Destiny?
- If equipment is cataloged as a single MARC record and mulitple copies are added to that record, the serial number is searchable if it is entered in the call number - example - EQ 12345678abc. You must enter the entire call number to search; you cannot simply enter the serial number. The summary notes would not necessarily be the same for all sites if they include specifics such as PO#s and date received.
What we have discussed as possible standards: