Union Catalog

M3 allows users to create, maintain, and communicate using the following union catalog models. A wide area network (WAN) or dedicated Internet connection (static IP address) for each library site is required to set up a union catalog.

M3 Classic Merged Model

M3’s Classic Merged Union Catalog, running on one or more central servers, pro- vides information to all affiliated libraries from a single MARC database. The union catalog takes bibliographic and holding records from each participating library and merges them into the single database. This centralized database contains a single master bibliographic record for each title in the union collection and sepa- rate holding records identifying location, call number, and barcodes at the site level. Duplicate barcode records are merged and associated holding records, each containing a unique holding symbol (location code) identifying the owning library, are re-linked to the “master” bibliographic record. Individual library sites can use M3’s scoping feature to browse only their local collection, selected collections, or all collections in the union catalog. The system links to affiliated libraries using either a WAN or the Internet. A T1 line is highly recommended for adequate com- munications performance. This model runs on a central server solution.

NOTE: There is an additional charge for the creation of the Classic Merged Union

Catalog. Charges vary according to the number of sites and records.

OPAC Access – If all affiliated libraries run M3, no additional software is required. Patrons can select from any number of library locations for information.

Circulating from the Union Catalog – Circulation occurs independently at each individual library. Transactions update the associated holding records instanta- neously over the WAN. There are no local databases and the shared database only exists on the union server.

Cataloging and Maintenance – Reports and batch processing, such as import and export, are run at the central site only. Merged union catalogs can be updated cen- trally or locally:

If cataloging is performed centrally, record edits can be made to either the bibliographic record or the linked holding records. Changes are immedi- ately displayed in the OPAC. New records can be imported in batches with automatic system checks for duplicates. If duplicates are found, the system can add new holding information to the existing bibliographic record. If the system has both a merged union catalog and individual cat- alogs at each location, the union catalog system can output a file of new and updated records for downloading into the local site catalogs. Software can also be installed, allowing remote libraries to automatically download bibliographic and/or holding records when newly added items are scanned.

Some systems may want to allow affiliated libraries to edit records from remote sites. Cataloging software can be installed at the remote sites to provide access to any required cataloging functions.

Virtual Union Catalog using M3 Core Package and Remote Site Software

M3 (with custom configuration) allows any multiple-site library running M3 to be part of a virtual union catalog. If a merged database is not desired or if libraries are not directly affiliated, libraries can participate in a virtual union catalog but maintain their collections separately. A virtual union catalog is created by installing the M3 Core Package on all library automation servers and M3 client software at each library site. Each participating library must have M3 Library Automation software and set up its own separate database. M3 Server software can be configured so patrons can search single or multiple databases simulta- neously. There is a charge for customizing the software based on the number of library collections. This model runs on central server or local server solutions.

Circulating from the Union Catalog – Circulation occurs at each individual library.

Cataloging and Maintenance – Reports are generated and cataloging is updated at each individual library.

Note: Mandarin offers BookWhere V4 and Book- Where Online as optional Z39.50 client software. See Chapter 12 for more information.

Virtual Union Catalog with M3 Core Package and Z39.50Protocol

Z39.50 software is not required for a virtual union catalog unless libraries not using M3 are participating union catalog members. Library sites not using M3 must have Z39.50 client software to access and search bibliographic information. They must also have Z39.50 server software so M3 can broadcast their biblio- graphic information and allow it to be searched by other libraries. Performance is dependent on the total number of sites, circulation and patron workstations, and the communications infrastructure (T1 lines are recommended). This model runs on central server or local server solutions.

OPAC Access – A directory is created which includes the IP address of each partic- ipating library. Once this is defined, OPAC searchers can select all sites or specific sites for searching. When a search is executed, results are returned along with library locations. Non-M3 sites require Z39.50 services to be searched by M3. The sites running M3 need to be configured to search the non-M3 sites using Z39.50. When searching non-M3 sites, holding and transaction information is not usually available. Duplicate records are not automatically removed in a virtual union cat- alog.

Circulating from the Union Catalog – Circulation occurs at each individual library.

Cataloging and Maintenance – Reports are generated at each individual library. Virtual union catalogs can be updated centrally or locally:

If cataloging is performed centrally, bibliographic records can be imported in batches from remote building sites to the specific record col- lections on the central server.

If cataloging functions are performed at the local site level, cataloging can be restricted to authorized staff and specific record collections. Updates at the site level are immediately displayed in that site’s OPAC.