Reference Desk Materials

Procedure for materials kept behind the reference Desk.

1. Materials to be kept behind the Reference Desk receive a holding cod of “refd” in the item record. A designated reference librarian may be authorized to update item records and may change the holding code in item records between “ref” and “refd” as needed. Materials for the reference desk are processed as if they were going on the regular reference shelves, and the call number on the item contains only Ref. and the LC number. The Reference Dept. will physically designate an item that is to be kept behind the Reference Desk, usually by placing a red dot by the call number on the item and changing the item location code to “refd”.
2. Special considerations.
3. CD-ROMs and other Computer Optical Discs: the discs are processed with a typed call number label on the CD case, the call number written with a fine line felt pen on the disc itself, and a barcode on the back of the CD case, in the same manner as music CDs. These will receive a location code of “refd” and will be kept behind the reference desk. If they accompany a book that is on the reference shelf, place a label in the back of the book where the book pocket would normally go that says “Please ask for accompanying CD-ROM at the Reference Desk”.
4. Accompanying booklets are not generally bar-coded, they only receive a typed call number label. If the accompanying material is better suited to an envelope it may be placed in a manila envelope and the call number placed on the envelope. Call numbers may be written on the individual items placed in the envelope as needed.
5. Note: when searching these items using a “create lists” function, one would need to search by item location to find Reference Desk materials as the bibliographic automatically coordinates the bib and item record locations this policy may need to be re-examined.
6. Count as “books” on monthly report.