Guidelines for Evaluation of Core Records

RESTRUCTURED MODEL C: Based on a model originally created by Elaine Yontz and work of the PCC Model C TF

Information to be reported when communicating the efficacy of core level cataloging from the patron perspective

For All User Tasks:

I. General Information

1. Type of library

Public
College
University
Special

2. Identify levels of cataloging compared

Core level compared to full level original cataloging
Core level compared to minimal level original cataloging
Core level compared to full level and to minimal level original cataloging

3. Description of the Sample for each level of cataloging compared

Samples should be comparable in size, subject, language, and span of dates of entry into local catalog)

Elements for consideration:

Sample size (number of titles)
Format(s)
Subject area(s)
Language(s)
Library classification scheme(s)
Span of imprint dates
Span of dates of entry into local catalog

4. Describe the unit of measure to be used in the comparison

(Apply measurement equally to both core and comparison level(s))

Examples of possible units of measure:

Number of charges per title
Number of browses per title
Number of holds per title
Time per search
Patron satisfaction

5. Describe methodology of the comparison

Duration of the experiment
How is data collected/reported?
Other special conditions/activities/controls

II. CORE Record Standard in relation to FRBR USER TASKS

1. User Task: FIND

To find entities that correspond to the user's state search criteria (i.e., to locate either a single entity or a set of entities in a file or database as the result of a search using an attribute or relationship of the entity)

A. Examination of Bibliographic Relationships

Evaluate the usefulness of each part of the record considered for FINDING the type of entity needed by the user

B. User satisfaction: Comparison of user satisfaction with parts of records of differing bibliographic levels for FINDING what is needed

C. Authority work:

Describe level of authority work completed for each level of cataloging compared

• No authority work
• Local authority work only (describe: fields verified, thesauri used)
• Full NACO authority work
  • If applicable: number of headings over duration on experiment
• Full SACO authority work
  • If applicable: number of headings over duration of experiment

D. Evaluation of effect of authority work on user's ability to FIND what is needed

2. User Task: IDENTIFY

To identify an entity (i.e., to confirm that the entity described corresponds to the entity sought, or to distinguish between two or more entities with similar characteristics)

A. Examination of Bibliographic Relationships

Evaluate the usefulness of each part of the record considered for IDENTIFYING the type of entity needed by the user

B. User satisfaction: Comparison of user satisfaction with records or parts of records of differing bibliographic levels for IDENTIFYING what is needed

C. Authority work:

Describe level of authority work completed for each level of cataloging compared

• No authority work
• Local authority work only (describe: fields verified, thesauri used)
• Full NACO authority work
  • If applicable: number of headings over duration on experiment
• Full SACO authority work
  • If applicable: number of headings over duration of experiment

D. Evaluation of effect of authority work on user's ability to IDENTIFY what is needed

3. User Task: SELECT

To select an entity that is appropriate to the user's needs (i.e., to choose an entity that meets the user's requirements with respect to content, physical format, etc., or to reject an entity as being inappropriate to the user's needs)

A. Examination of Bibliographic Relationships

Evaluate the usefulness of each part of the record considered for SELECTING the type of entity needed by the user

B. User satisfaction: Comparison of user satisfaction with records or parts of records of differing bibliographic levels for SELECTING what is needed

C. Authority work:

Describe level of authority work completed for each level of cataloging compared

• No authority work
• Local authority work only (describe: fields verified, thesauri used)
• Full NACO authority work
  • If applicable: number of headings over duration on experiment
• Full SACO authority work
  • If applicable: number of headings over duration of experiment

D. Evaluation of effect of authority work on user's ability to SELECT what is needed

4. User Task: OBTAIN ACCESS

To acquire or obtain access to the entity described (i.e., to acquire an entity through purchase, loan, etc. or to access an entity electronically through an online connection to a remote computer)

A. Examination of Bibliographic Relationships

Evaluate the usefulness of each part of the record considered for OBTAINING ACCESS TO the type of entity needed by the user (most likely, the item)

B. User satisfaction: Comparison of user satisfaction with records or parts of records of differing bibliographic levels for OBTAINING ACCESS TO what is needed