The Monograph Cataloging Unit (MCU) catalogs English and foreign-language materials in all print and non-print formats. We create or edit the MARC, VRA, Dublin Core, or other metadata records using national standards as well as those that may be unique to the MIT Libraries. We also search and verify personal and corporate names, series, and subject headings, creating new authority records as needed.

In addition to providing cataloging services to all MIT libraries, MCU also manages and maintains quality control for ongoing outsourcing projects, both onsite with contract catalogers and offsite through a commercial cataloging vendor.

MCU is also responsible for maintaining the Ex Libris MetaLib Knowledge Base, as well as an increasing number of e-title packages.

Staff
Selina Wang, Associate Head, 3-0535
Yahya Melhem, Aga Khan Cataloger, 3-5906
Brandie Doyle, Digital Resources Metadata Assistant, 3-9879
Robert Hall, MIT Publications Cataloger, 3-0665
Jane Marcus, Cataloging Assistant, 3-5656
John Melczer, Copy Cataloger, 3-0746
Daniel Saulean, Copy Cataloger, 3-0605
Gordon Thomas, Video Specialist, 3-0643
Mary Jeanne Yuen, Cartographic Materials Specialist, 3-0697

Workflow
As items are received and processed by the Acquisitions Department, they are placed on the MCU work supply shelves, which we like to call 'The Wall'. Books are kept on 'the Wall' in chronological order, according to the date of receipt. Catalogers take sections of books from the Wall to work on them at their desks. Non-print materials and rush items are delivered directly to designated cataloging specialists. In either case, the catalogers begin by searching OCLC Connexion for the titles.

If acceptable cataloging records are found, we catalog these materials for the MIT Libraries, following any special instructions peculiar to our various divisional and branch libraries.

If acceptable cataloging records could not be found, those items are sent out to an offsite vendor as 'Offsite Cataloging' (OFFCT). Materials that are sent out to OFFCT come back to MCU after one month.

Once cataloged, materials are normally held overnight. This allows the OCLC records produced the previous day to be loaded into the MIT library catalog (Barton). At this point the cataloger can perform quality control as needed. Materials are then sent to Preservation for call number labeling.

In addition to cataloging in Connexion, all catalogers are also involved in digital projects where they contribute their cataloging expertise to the production of metadata, in collaboration with the Metadata Specialist.