I received quite a bit of helpful information in response to the query I sent
last week regarding the handling of diskettes that come with books.
Here is a distillation of the responses I got:
1) Disk kept behind "front" counter: five replies were variations on this.
A copy of the disk is made, with the original kept in storage as backup.
The copy is placed in a disk file "on reserve" or behind the circulation
counter after being processed (attaching barcode, call number sticker,
tattle tape, booby trap, whatever your library does). A note(s) on the
inside cover(s) of the book indicates the presence of an accompanying
diskette at the counter. Any supplemental material for the disks, such as
directions for installation or use, can be kept in a binder with the disk file.
Several helpful replies included cataloging information. In the MARC
record, the 300 tag describes the disk, the 500 covers system
requirements, and a note in the 590 field indicates where the patron can
check out the disk. Where appropriate, they can be traced in the 740
field in the book cataloging record.
In addition to the 5 replies from Law-Libbers, several local libraries I
contacted directly also use this method.
2) Disks kept with books: one librarian responded that her library keeps
the disks with the books, either by sticking them in the envelopes often
provided or by gluing a sandwich bag to the inside front cover in which
the disk is kept. A notation on the checkout card tells library personnel to
make sure the disk is returned with the book.
3) Finally, one respondent suggested encryption as an option, with
password protection deterring theft and unauthorized use.
I hope this info proves useful to someone out there. Many thanks to the
kind folks who responded; I hope I haven't misrepresented anything you
wrote. May you never loose another disk!
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Brendan Starkey, Reader Services Librarian
Whittier Law School
5353 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 938-3621 Ext. 155, Fax: 938-8639, bstarkey@law.whittier.edu
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