Tienes poco personal en la biblioteca. ¿Cómo priorizar las tareas de catalogación de manera efectiva?

I will prioritise the work, books in high demand, or useful to teaching aids, I will keep them visible to users and let them know, so that if they can wait will work on them later. I seek help in other works followed for ex., pasting labels etc.

When you're short-staffed in the library, start by cataloging new and popular books first since they’re in high demand. Next, tackle items that are often requested or likely to be borrowed. Get help from volunteers for routine tasks, and process similar items together to save time.

Technology has expedited the cataloging process for decades. With the creation of OCLC, originally started as a cooperative cataloging activity in Ohio in 1967, bibliographic records have been widely shared through data and file transfers. Even before that, some libraries used to create microfilm and microfiche of their card catalogs that were helpful for other institutions that needed to catalog items in their collections. Automated catalogs, copy cataloging, and other technology techniques have expedited the process of creating bibliographic records. Even with these advances, many libraries will still need to prioritze which items receive attention (i.e., best sellers in public libraries and electronic resources in academic libraries).

The items that require the highest priority are often those that have the highest demand, either historically or due to an immediate trend. Historically in-demand items include best sellers in public libraries, action reports and recent research in special or corporate libraries, and electronic resources in academic libraries. Those that have increased interest due to an immediate trend include course-related textbooks in academic libraries that have textbook loan programs, and materials related to a special event or notable activity in public libraries. All tech services departments have items that sit on the shelf and collect dust. It is inevitable. Knowing what to prioritize is the sign of a librarian who understands their patrons.

The best librarians maintain rigorous statistics, both to justify resources and to find ways to get priorities funded. Demonstrating progress in offering access is an important technique that librarians can use to show that they make progress, despite the challenges they may face. Monitoring progress is not like looking through a glass window at the world outside. It's more like directing traffic, expediting activities, assessing where you are, and determining the short- and long-term adjustments that need to occur to get you in the best direction possible.