Cataloging of Special Collections

[Anne <AMOSS@UA1VM.BITNET>]

I would like to get some input from members of the list who are at
Special Collections that are physically separate from a Main Library.

At the University of Alabama, Special Collections in the past has been
housed in the same building as the Main Library, but this is due to
change sometime next month (with any luck).  Discussion has arisen over
where the cataloging of the material in the collection will take place --
in the new Special Collections building or in the Main Library in the
catalog department.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both
sides of the issue.  One of the main concerns has been the security of
the collection, in moving it back and forth between two parts of campus.

What I am interested in finding out, is how other collections in this
position have dealt with some of these problems.  One of the major
concerns is that there will be staff running back and forth between
the two collections all day long.  I am the monographs cataloger for
Special Collections, but there is also a Serials cataloger and a
non-book (in our collection this usually translates to music) cataloger
who do a lot of work with Special Collections materials.  There are
also a couple of paraprofessionals (aka support staff) who work as
copy catalogers for Special Collections materials.

Thanks in advance for any help on this.  I know that there are
other collections housed separately (LSU springs to mind), so I am
hoping to get some input to show to higher ups on the consequences
of these decisions.


Anne E. Moss
Special Collections Catalog Librarian
Gorgas Library
University of Alabama
AMOSS@UA1VM