Re: Mapping Mat type to bcode_

[Elizabeth Thomsen <et at noblenet dot org>]

We struggled with this when we implemented our Innovative system.  On 
our old system, we had format codes that were as specific as we needed 
them to be: Large Type, Cassette, CD, etc.  These were translated from 
the fixed fields in the MARC records.

The data is all there and can be mapped, but you can't get it directly 
from a single field.  Sometimes you need a map that points to another 
map.  For example, our parameters were set up so that if the 008 code 
was for a sound recording, the system would check a map from the 007 
code for speed and use that to choose an appropriate code for the 
incoming record.  Formats like Large Type, Braille, Microfilm, etc., 
came from the FormItem code in 008.   The details here might be slightly 
off, but you get the idea.  It worked beautifully, as long as the 
incoming data was correct.

We couldn't figure out how to duplicate this on the Innovative system 
and were unwilling to give up our more specific formats, so we elected 
not to map anything to this field and add our codes manually.  Most of 
our libraries participate in centralized cataloging, and enter brief 
temporary records using templates that have format codes in them.  When 
we download records from OCLC to overlay these, we use CatMe macros that 
either have the format code already in them, or that prompt the user to 
choose one.  (Our macros are here if anyone wants to see them:
http://www.noblenet.org/swapshop/database/catmemac.htm)

I still wish we had our maps from the old days to do these 
automatically.  It would have been really helpful as we've added large 
batches of MARC records for new member libraries.  I'm been meaning to 
revisit this issue to see if it could be done.  Has anyone with load 
table training or otherwise figured out a way to do this?

--
Elizabeth Thomsen, Member Services Manager
NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange
Danvers MA 01923
et at noblenet dot org