The Precataloging Backlog (Precat), originally called the Open Backlog (OB), is now a closed stack, circulating collection located on the 1st floor of the Butler Stacks. Precat consists of priority 2 & 3 single volume printed monographs, and complete multi-volume monographic sets which lacked standard cataloging copy at the time of processing. Instituted in July of 1993 for priority 3 single-volume monographs, use of the OB was expanded, in July 1994, to include priority 2 and complete multi-volume sets. Precat includes all languages in the Roman alphabet and Cyrillic alphabet languages not falling into the Soviet Nationalities Collection group; South Asian languages were included as of 1994, and Hebrew and Arabic were added in 1997. Monographs for most of the CU Libraries' collections are eligible for the open backlog, with exceptions given further below.

All books in Precat are stamped, tattletaped, barcoded and labeled. They are not bound unless judged to be unsuitable for shelving in their unbound state.

They are represented in CLIO by preliminary records with a temporary location of glx,pre. The OPAC displays Precataloging. Ask at Butler circ. They are shelved and retrieved by the CLIO record number which appears both as the call number in CLIO and the number on the spine label.

More About the Precat Backlog

1. Materials eligible for Precat processing:

   Priority 2 & 3 single volume monographs, or complete multi-volume sets which lack standard cataloging copy at the time of processing and which do not fall into an exception category.

2. Materials excluded from Precat processing:

   Go to Exclusion List

Use the following procedures when processing an item which is new to the system and is appropriate for Precat. Search pre-1940 imprints in GC.

1. Bibliographic Record:
   1. If a copy of the item is already in a backlog

      Go to Backlog Processing document

   2. If the item is new, create a preliminary record.

      Go to Preliminary Bibliographic Records: Overview

2. Copy Holdings Record

   Input the location code from the T2 rider. If a location is already present on the copy holdings record, verify that it matches the location on the T2. If there is a discrepancy, overtype existing location with location from T2.

   1. Single Volume Monograph:

      Go to Monograph Processing & Example

   2. Monographic Set

      Go To Monographic Set Processing & Example

   3. Volume Holdings--For complete multi-volume sets, create a volume holdings record according to current procedures. (See CLIO Cataloging Notebook, Vol.152, Vol.160; see CPM651 for standard abbreviations)

   4. Item Record--Add glx,pre in the TEMP LOCATN field for all items as shown in the example:

      Go to Item Record Example
      
      

      • Multi-Volume Pieces--Add volume designations into the ENUM/CHRON field as appropriate.
        
        
      • Books selected for OFFSITE--Place Double-backed Offsite barcode inside back cover for both soft and hardbound items entering Precat.

3. Physical Processing
   1. Determine whether the item being processed falls into one of the categories of material to be Bound upon Initial Processing, given below. If in doubt about whether an item should be bound, consult with a supervisor or process the book for binding.

      Precat Material To Be Bound Upon Initial Processing.

      • Spiral binding
        
      • Lacking a firm front or back cover, or firm cover extends over only part of the pamphlet.
        
      • Material stapled front to back that lacks any kind of spine.
        
      • Material having or consisting of loose pages.
        
      • Thin pamphlet (fewer than 75 pages and 28 cm. or taller)
        
      • Spine consists of sticky tape binding likely to separate or stick to other books.
      • Material with an open window on the front cover.

   2. Mark the verso of the title page with the temporary location GLX,PRE followed by CLIO ID number in UPPER CASE letters.

      Example:

      GLX
      PRE
      AGN
      8765

      For multi-volume sets, add volume designation to the call number in the form that appears in the ENUM/CHRON:

      GLX
      PRE
      AHU
      9476
      Bd.2

      NOTE: The temporary location glx,pre is used regardless of the permanent location, including Offsite locations, given on the T2 rider. The placement of letters and numbers on separate lines is for increased ease in shelving. Also, hook the letter O and slash the number 0 for increased differentiation.

   3. If Plate information is given on the T2 rider, write that information diagonally across the upper left corner.

   4. Discard all book jackets.

   5. (ITEMS NOT TO BE BOUND) Discard all accompanying paper work.

   6. (ITEMS TO BE BOUND) Discard all accompanying paper work and insert a "BIND FOR GLX PRE" rider.

Go to illustration

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