How to Use SOLAR for Retrospective Conversion
The Maine InfoNet Holdings Database can be used in several ways to further
retrospective conversion of library catalog information to electronic form. The
nature of the collection, the availability of staffing and of funding are
some of the variables that may come into play when planning a conversion
project.
Model #1
- Any existing MARC records are loaded into the Holdings
Database
- Any existing non-MARC electronic data is run through
off-line process to match against MARC resource files, with
resulting MARC records loading into the Holdings Database.
- Optionally, library may create brief data files of search
keys (isbn, lccn, title) and local information (call number,
any other local info to be inserted in the record, if found). MSL
runs these, reports matches.
- The GUI Cat cataloging client software is used to search
for titles in multiple Z39.50 online catalogs and download
matching records.
- Other online resources, if any are available to the library,
are utilized to acquire good quality MARC records.
- Library requests batch output of resulting MARC records.
- Library has the option to export records individually
from within GUI Cat.
