Technical services Department -- Behind the Scenes

By the time each item reaches the library shelf it already has a long history in Tech Services.

Who places the orders for all new materials after the librarians select them? 
Tech Services checks for duplicates, contacts the vendors and adds ON ORDER records to the library catalog.

How do the librarians keep track of their budgets for the various materials collections?
Tech Services receives and invoices new items on our computer system -- which generates reports of appropriations, encumbrances, and expenditures.

Where do the records for library materials come from? 
Tech Services searches a worldwide database for records for each item. These are imported into our library catalog, then edited by Tech Services staff to customize the descriptions to BTPL's standards and shelving practices. 

What needs to be done after the books are cataloged?
Property stamps, spine labels, datedue labels, barcodes, plastic covers and reinforcements, extra-strength cases and albums for audio-visual materials, scanning/reducing manufacturers' packaging to facilitate shelving -- these are just some of the processing steps.

What happens when items need repair?
Tech Services mends and cleans repairable items, and contacts a book bindery and video/audio repair shops for items needing further help.

Tech Services -- behind and beyond the scene.

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