Data Base Information

Bibliographic, holding, patron, authority, picture, and equipment records  are contained separately in table structures. Each table can hold up to 2 billion records. An unlimited number of tables can be created, enabling  M3 to store any number of records. Tables can span multiple hard disks on multiple servers to accommodate libraries with large volumes of records.

 

M3 recognizes both the USMARC fixed and variable length records. The maximum record length is limited  by the MARC standard when using  a MARC format. The MARC standard is 100K per record and 4K per field. M3 allows all fields of the MARC record to be indexed.

 

There is one bibliographic record for each separate catalog entry.  An unlimited number of holding  records  can be associated with  a single bibliographic record. Holding  records must be linked to a bibliographic  record. Cataloging automatically assigns a sequential  record  number  to each record  in the system.

 

Cataloging allows the MARC record to be customized in many ways. Additional fields or subfields can be added to MARC  records  to add local information  using the MARC standard

 

Templates

M3 Cataloging comes with pre-configured templates using suitable fields to create distinct record differences. Additional templates can be created or existing tem- plates can be modified to meet local needs. Cataloging provides field descriptions and examples, making the cataloging process easy. Library staff  can enter MARC field cataloging instructions and examples  that define how each MARC  field should be cataloged to match the library’s conventions. Users can switch  the MARC field labels from numbers to text for easy use. Cataloging provides  a full screen editor with pop-up lists provided for fields with limited selection criteria. A validator checks the entry of records for possible errors and offers suggested corrections in some cases. Following are some of the templates included in M3 Cataloging:

 

•     Audiocassette    

•     Maps

•     Book    

•     Music CD

•     CD-ROM    

•     Scores

•     Equipment    

•     Vertical File

•     Internet    

•     Video Recording

 

Punctuation and Formating

M3 ensures  accuracy by automatically  adding punctuation and appropriate formatting based on AACR2  and USMARC standards.

 

M3 is the first integrated library system to include the powerful Validation Plus® (V+), a product  of The MARC of Quality. Although other systems offer validation checks, none offers a module with the depth of review provided by V+. Catalogers can check their records for invalid  coding, nonrepeatable fields that are repeated, and obsolete coding. V+ checks fixed and variable fields  for a variety  of codes such as language, country,  geographic area, relator, and more. Users can select only the checks that meet their specific needs. Since all catalogers use non-standard coding on occasion, V+ tables can be customized  for local usage, ensuring accurate and valid MARC record coding. In addition to standard validation, V+ also includes the unique TMQ Error  Checker, which catches common cataloging and coding errors. In the future, V+ will be automatically  updated, with  the latest MARC changes and cataloging checks, as new versions of M3 are released.

 

Textbook Management

M3 enables librarians to store and manage textbook information. Textbook information such as title, author, and all publication information can be entered  as a bibliographic record. Any number of copies can be added, and multiple  copies can be added at once. Barcodes  can be attached to each textbook  and scanned when textbooks  are loaned or returned from students or staff. Inventory provides another method for recording missing textbooks  that are kept in storage rooms. The system  allows  the school  to determine loan periods  that can be assigned by semester, day, week, month, year, or hour. In addition, reports can be generated by homeroom, student, teacher, subject,  and so on. Lists of items not returned can be produced for teaching staff.

 

Reports

All Cataloging reports  are run by ReportTool™,  which is a part  of the M3 Core Package. For more information about ReportTool.

 

Authority Control

The optional Authority  Control module is integrated into M3 Cataloging and allows authorized staff members to import, export, add, edit, delete, and verify authority  records  and the authorized  name, subject, and series (uniform title) headings they manage. Catalogers link authority headings to bibliographic records  to maintain  accurate use of terminology in records and consistent displays in the OPAC. Changes made to an authority-controlled heading are automatically updated globally  in linked bibliographic records. Authority Control lets the library offer patrons the best possible  access to the collection by displaying  “See” and “See also” cross-references  from terms they may search under to terms used by bibliographic records in the catalog.