Announcements
MSC 2025 Spring Meeting and Call Number Analytics Training
Recordings of the MSC 2025 Spring Meeting and call number analytics training are available on the MSL YouTube channel (links below).
The following materials were referenced during the training:
Bib Record Import and Load Match Points
When we import bib records into WorkFlows, the system looks at specific MARC tags, or match points, to see if there is a matching record already in the system. We have updated our match points to only system control numbers and OCLC numbers found in MARC tags 001 and 035. We have removed ISBN, LCCN, ISSN, or UPC as additional match points. ISBN and the other standard numbers were previously used with an intent to reduce the number of bib records describing the same resource with only slight differences in the bibs. However, these standard numbers created inadvertent overlays of bib records, particularly with series and manga bibs. Inadvertent overlays proved to be significantly more difficult to discover and clean up than duplicate bib records.
Please confirm your SmartPort Properties have the Bibliographic Record Load Options set to the updated match points on each computer that uses SmartPort. For instructions see our Using SmartPort to Import Bibliographic Records article.
Phone Number Cleanup Update
Earlier this spring, we sent out a survey about how your libraries use the various phone fields on your patron records as the preliminary step to consolidating those fields. That consolidation work will be starting this week, and you should begin using the PHONE field for the primary number as you register new patrons if you have not already switched over. This process will not affect the PH-NOTICE field, the SMS tab for text messages, or schools or libraries that do not enter phone numbers.
You do not need to manually edit existing patrons, the MSC team will be doing that work in batch.
Enterprise Online Catalog Updates
We recently updated the generic cover art in Enterprise to reflect images that match the item formats. If the image and the item format do not match, then that is due to an error in the MARC record and would need to be corrected for the image to display. If you have any questions, please open a help desk ticket.
SirsiDynix is currently troubleshooting issues with the New York Times Bestseller lists. These lists display on the main page in the book river dropdown menu. We will let you know when this has been fixed.
GovDelivery Archive
We recently split our GovDelivery Article KB into two separate articles to help with page load time. You can see the most current newsletters in the main GovDelivery Newsletter Archive article, and previous years in the GovDelivery Newsletter Archive – 2023-2024 article.
CMC Meeting on Wednesday, June 4, from 11:00 – 12:00
The CMC will hold an online quarterly meeting on Wednesday, June 4, from 11:00 am -12:00 pm. Zoom meeting link and meeting materials are posted on the ASPeN event page.
All MSC members are welcome to attend.
Upcoming Training: Patron Privacy and Practical Steps for Data Management in Montana Public Libraries (Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 12:30pm)
Managing data effectively is essential for protecting patron privacy and meeting legal obligations in today’s libraries. This one-hour Zoom presentation is designed for public library directors and staff seeking practical guidance on data management practices that safeguard sensitive information.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of what qualifies as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), the legal requirements for protecting library records, and how to distinguish between different types of library data. The session will highlight best practices for data management, demonstrate how to apply privacy principles to your library catalog, and provide opportunities to analyze and respond to realistic data privacy scenarios.
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Recognize and define Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in the library context
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Navigate legal requirements for the protection of library records
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Distinguish which types of information qualify as library records
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Implement best practices for managing and securing data
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Integrate privacy principles into your library’s catalog systems
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Evaluate and address privacy concerns through real-world scenarios
Join us to strengthen your library’s data management strategies and ensure patron privacy is protected at every step.
A recording will be made available after the session.
1 CE Credit – Library Administration
MSC Office Hours - Tuesday, 6/3
Join us Tuesday, 6/3 at either 10 am or 2 pm for MSC Office Hours. We will be available the whole hour to troubleshoot specific issues, help brainstorm how to get a new project started, or answer any questions you may have! Drop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole time.
Meeting information can be found on ASPeN or simply join using this link.
Did You Know?
Brief records are a great temporary solution for when an item may not have a full bib record or is going to be used temporarily for ILLs. However, items with brief records that are a permanent addition to your collection should be updated to a full bib record. Additionally, ILL brief records should be deleted after use and should not be continually reused.
We have a great BCA report in the following folder pathway that can identify what brief records are in your collection: Shared Reports > Cataloging> Catalog Clean-up Reports.
Additionally, if you need a record created for a brief item, check out this great KB article: Original Cataloging Record Assistance
Upcoming Events
MSC Office Hours on Tuesday, June 3 at 10 am & 2 pm
Location: Zoom. Meeting details can be found on the ASPeN Events calendar.
CMC Meeting on Wednesday, June 4 from 11:00 – 12:00
Location: Zoom. Meeting details can be found on the ASPeN Events calendar.
Patron Privacy and Practical Steps for Data Management in Montana Public Libraries, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 12:30pm
Location: Zoom. Meeting details can be found on the ASPeN Events calendar.
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