Technical Services Department
The Technical Services Department is located on the third floor of Lauinger Library. It is responsible for the ordering, receiving, cataloging, binding and general processing of library materials in all formats, including electronic, acquired by Lauinger Library, the Blommer Science Library, and the Woodstock Theological Library, as well as the off-site libraries in Fiesole, Italy and Alanya, Turkey.
Receiving/Copy Cataloging Unit
The Copy Cataloging Unit processes newly acquired materials in a variety of formats, languages and subject areas for Lauinger Library, Blommer Science Library, Kennedy Institute of Bioethics Library, CERES, LLT as well as the off-site libraries in Fiesole, Italy and Alanya, Turkey. It is responsible for the on-going maintenance of the library catalog, GEORGE to ensure its accuracy and reliability as a research tool. It also provides online support to Metadata Services Unit.
Physical Processing Unit
The Physical Processing Unit is responsible for the unpacking and routing of all new material delivered to the department by mail, including shipments from vendors such as Blackwell, Touzot, Yankee Books, and others. It also sorts and delivers flat mail to various locations in Technical Services and Collection Development/Reference. The Unit provides stamping, tattle-taping, and labeling of material that is delivered to circulation prior to being shelved. Material that is sent by the Library for commercial binding is also handled by the Unit, including rebinds, pamphlets, and periodicals.
Order/Financial Unit
The Order/Financial Unit is responsible for the ordering of monographic material (such as book, audio-visual CD/DVD, and microform) and out of print titles in all formats to support the resources for the Lauinger, Blommer, and Woodstock Libraries. It is also responsible for the payment and reconciliation of all invoices.
Metadata Services Unit
The Metadata Services Unit creates descriptive metadata for bibliographic records in the library catalog, GEORGE, and for digital objects in the Library’s content management systems. Materials are cataloged in all formats and a wide variety of languages for Lauinger and Blommer Science Libraries. The Unit monitors vendor authority reports and establishes authoritative forms for names and subjects to maintain consistency for these headings in GEORGE. Catalogers update GEORGE database to identify and correct problems and errors as necessary; they plan and carry out special cataloging projects.
Electronic Resources & Serials Unit
The Electronic Resources & Serials Unit is responsible for ordering, receiving, invoicing and claiming of electronic resources and serials. It manages and maintains the Library’s electronic resources and serials subscription. It troubleshoots database access and subscription-related issues. The Unit is also in charge of cataloging of electronic resources and serials as well as maintenance of ERM system.
