II. Holdings Data

a. Required holdings data for MeLCat

1. Barcode or a unique numeric string for each requestable item. Materials going out on MeLCat loan must be barcoded. The barcodes may be added to the items when they are checked out and sent to the borrowing libraries.
2. Library or branch building (required for systems with multiple buildings)
3. Volume designation, if applicable.

b. Highly recommended data for MeLCat

1. Circulation status of each requestable item
2. Call number, if available
3. Shelving location

c. Holdings information must be kept up-to-date.

Recommended frequency of updating varies.

1. Libraries able to export circulation status should export new and changed records at least daily.
2. Libraries unable to export circulation status should export new and changed records at least every 2 weeks.

III. Patron Records

a. MeLCat required fields for patron records

1. Barcode or other unique (on your system) alphanumeric identifier
2. Name
3. Expiration date
4. Patron type
1. If no patron type is in the record, a default patron type will be used.
2. Patron types represent groups of patrons with different circulation privileges, e.g., adults and children, students and teachers, or guest borrowers.
5. Library (required if patron is affiliated with a specific library within a patron file containing records for more than one library)

b. MeLCat highly recommended fields for patron records

1. Email address, to enable MeLCat notices to be emailed.
2. Blocking information, e.g., due to fines owed.

c. Optional fields on patron records

1. Mailing address
2. Telephone number
3. PIN, if needed for logon

d. Updating patron information

Patron information should be kept up-to-date preferably on a daily basis but no less frequently than quarterly.

MeLCat Catalog Policies Committee
November 15, 2004