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Common Errors in Cataloging

Duplicate records.

Suggestion: When cataloging in Unicorn, search first by title to make sure there are no duplicates.

Wrong LIBRARY, HOME/CURRENT LOCATION, or Cutter Number/Date in call number.

Suggestion: Highlight Call Number and Library on your B&F printout as a final step to review your call number.

Established heading not authorized on your record.

Suggestion: Check for typos, spacing, and coding.

Non-matching barcodes.

Suggestion: Make sure the barcode on your book matches the barcode on the Unicorn record. If it doesn't, search title in Unicorn--there might be a duplicate record

Ending punctuation in 260 and 830 fields.

When the 260 field ends with a bracket and the 830 field ends with a parentheses, they should not be followed by a period.

Multiple |b in 245.

Subfield code b is not repeatable in the 245 field. When using existing Unicorn brief records, check coding carefully.

Subfields in 490 field.

Valid subfield codes for this field are: |a, |l, |v, and |x. Do not use |p or |n in this field.

Vitus is looking into blocking invalid subfields in 490 from being accepted in Unicorn, i.e. error message will display when an unacceptable code is entered.

Last modified: June 22, 2005