Scope:  This procedure summarizes instructions for processing videos, video CDs, and DVDs for individual libraries.

Contact:   Laura Daniels

Unit: Cataloging

Date last updated:  

Date of next review: January 2025

Standard convention for Accession type call numbers:

     Videocassettes:       Use Video

             NB: As of July 2014, all VHS tapes housed in the former Olin Media Center, and many of the unit libraries VHS collections, were moved to the Annex.  See the section for each library for more detailed information.

 DVDs/Videodiscs/Blu-ray discs:  Use  Videodisc

DVDs: As a theft protection measure, Physical Processing staff will write the call number on the disk label in indelible ink, when space permits.  


General notes

Placement of barcodes

Added copies

Blu-ray discs

Single-boxed, multi-part videocassettes for Africana, Kroch, and Uris Library Dean Room

Multi-part sets, each in secure container

Inserts laid in DVD containers

Missing DVD or missing booklets, guides, etc.

Discs that won't play in all machines

Materials for course reserve

Special instructions for storage masters

Individual libraries

  Africana Library

  Africana Library accompanying videos/DVDs

  Africana Library videos w/accompanying material

  Annex

  Math Library

  Veterinary Library

  Conservation

  Fine Arts Library

  Fine Arts Library accompanying videocassettes

  Fine Arts Library accompanying videodiscs (hardcover books)

  Fine Arts Library accompanying videodiscs (paperback books)

  Hotel Library

  Hotel Library accompanying videos

  Icelandic

  ILR Library

  ILR Library accompanying videos

  JGSM Library

  Kroch Library (ECH, SASA, WAS)

 Accompanying video recordings and Video recordings with accompanying print material

 Kroch Library: Special designations

  Mann Library (includes Ornithology Library)

  Music Library

  Olin Library

  Uris Library Dean Room

Videocassettes w/accompanying material or Videocassettes that accompany other material

DVDs w/accompanying material or DVDs that accompany other material

General Notes:

Placement of barcodes

For videocassettes, videodiscs, and Blu-ray discs: -- Place the barcode near the upper right corner of the container. Try not to cover title. Exception: Africana video recordings.


Containers -- Catalogers should not barcode, or create item records, for CD jewel cases that contain DVDs, unless they are going to the Annex.  DVDs (for Annex see below) should be housed in an actual DVD container, available from the department supplies area. Do write the call number on the flyer, which should be securely attached to the piece, then put them on the Physical Processing truck.  Physical Processing staff will tattle tape the item, write the call number on the item and send directly to Uris Library, Dean Room.

Annex containers --  DVDs going directly to the Annex do not need to be put in the larger black DVD cases if they arrive housed in a jewel case; if they arrive in a paper sleeve, it is also preferred a jewel case be used. DVDs arriving in the manufacturer's case may remain in that case along with any inserts.  Accompanying DVDs separated from their book(s) when routed to the Annex should go in jewel cases. Summary: don't change the case; if it doesn't have a case, use a jewel case.  Do write the call number on the flyer, which should be securely attached to the piece, then put them on the Physical Processing truck. 

Added copies 

Use same CLAMSS number as first copy.  Add appropriate copy number.

Blu-ray discs

Blu-ray discs should be cataloged on a bibliographic record for a Blu-ray disc, not a conventional DVD record. However, they are shelved with conventional DVDs, so they will be given a number in the same "alphabet".  That is, choose "videodisc" for selecting the next accession number for your Blu-ray disc in CLAMSS. [See exception for Music.]

Special instructions: Single-boxed, multi-part videocassettes:  

When processing a two-cassette set that is distributed in one container:

  • Place the barcode near the upper right hand corner of the container
  • Use pt.1-2 in Enum area of Item record
  • Use 2 in Pieces area of Item record   

  Multi-part sets, each in secure container 

  • Barcode each cassette or disc container
  • If a caption is lacking, but must be supplied for enumeration, use the term "tape" or "disc"
  • For Dean Room (Uris and Asia) : House the discs in as few cases as possible, and label as concisely as possible. Use 2-, 3-, or 4- disc on containers, as appropriate

Inserts (Guides, Booklets, Pamphlets, etc.) laid in DVD containers  

Inserts inside the DVD container, e.g. a single a single or folded sheet, are not considered accompanying material, and should not be considered for item record creation nor piece counts. Catalogers should leave them in place for handling by public services staff.  For more substantial accompanying material such as guides, booklets, pamphlets, see library specific instructions.  

Missing DVDs or missing booklets/guides, etc.  

When DVD or CD is missing from the book or booklet/guide/miscellaneous material is missing from the DVD, write a note on flyer so that Physical Processing staff  know that we did not receive the item. In the Holdings, add appropriate Holdings note e.g., Library copy lacks booklet.  

Discs that don't play  

When handling a disc that may not play in all American players (i.e. Region 2-6 or DVD-R), write a note indicating the appropriate information on the flyer for the Public Services staff/Access Services who will attach an informational sticker if appropriate (i.e. PAL sticker).  

Materials requested for course reserves

Starting in 2020, digitized versions are created for course reserves. DVDs to be digitized for reserves are placed in the box for Jessa after receipt and before cataloging. Jessa will usually mark the flyer "digitized" before returning the discs to LTS. By the time a DVD that was ordered for course reserves reaches a cataloger, it has been digitized and is no longer considered a rush.


Instructions for individual libraries:

A. Africana Library

  1. Location:  afr (for DVDs) or afr,anx for videocassettes
  2. Call number:  Accession number: Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See instructions  
                afr  Video 25 afr  Videodisc 1
  3. Barcoding:   DVDs: Place barcode on inside cover of the DVD container in upper right corner, just above videodisc tray.  Videocassettes: Place barcode on right corner of cassette, just above window of the tape.
  4. Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with accession number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing.

Africana Library: Accompanying VHS & DVDs

If manageable, DVD may be housed in pocket of hardcover text with appropriate Holding statements; otherwise:

  • Location (create separate holding records):   afr for main item ;  afr for videodisc
  • Call number:  LC-type for main item Accession number for video
  • Holdings note:  on main item: Request accompanying video at Circulation Desk ; on video:  Accompanying text shelved in stacks   
  • Barcoding:  use single barcode on each piece if shelved separately; otherwise, use appropriate piece count.   See also   special instructions  
  • Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing. Be sure to pencil the call number on the main text.

Africana Library:  Video recordings with accompanying printed material

  • Location:  afr
  • Call number:  Accession number for both items, using appropriate term for accompanying printed material. Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See instructions  
  • Barcoding:  use single barcode on each piece 
  •     See also special instructions  
  • Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing. Be sure to pencil the call number on the printed text.

B. Annex  

  1. Location:  ---,anx
  2. Call number:  LC-type, or Accession number (using CLAMSS).
  3. Special Holdings instructions when processing a storage master: Suppress Holdings record from public display, add Holdings note:  Storage Master--Not for public use
  4. Barcoding:   See     general notes . See container instructions above for the   Annex . 
  5. Physical Processing:  Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See instructions .  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing.
  6. Accompanying DVDs: Any accompanying DVDs designated for any Annex location will be stored separately in a jewel case with its own item record.

C.   Math and Vet    

  1. Location: math
  2. Call number:  Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See instructions    
  3. Holdings notes: No note necessary for Math.   
  4. Barcoding: see      general  notes      
  5. Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing. Pencil the call number on the cassette label and on a press-apply label on the container.  

    Math Library: Accompanying videos  

    • Location (create separate holdings records):  math (for text) math (for video)
    • Call number:  LC-type for text  ;   Accession for video
    •  Holdings note (for text): Accompanying video (accession #) available at Circulation Desk
    • Barcoding:    see   general notes  
    • Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing. Be sure to pencil the call number in main text.  

Veterinary Library  

    • Location:  Videocassettes: vet     

    • Videodiscs: vet,res  

    • Call number:  LC-type
    • Call number suffix (Videocassettes): Audio-visual

      Videodiscs: Call number prefix: Disk

    • Barcoding:  see   general notes    
    • Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing.  

Veterinary Library: Accompanying videos/DVDs

    • Location:  vet
    • Barcoding:    When there is accompanying material, or when a DVD accompanies a book, barcode main piece and change piece count accordingly. Vet staff will handle how to house additional pieces and add Holdings notes to accommodate their decision.  
    • Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing.  Call number labels will need to be made for each physical piece

D. Conservation  

  1. Location:  cons
  2. Call number:  LC-type
  3. Barcoding:  see     general notes    
  4. Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing.

E. Fine Arts Library

Videocassettes and Videodiscs:  

  • Location:  fine (for DVDs) or fine,anx (for videocassettes)
  • Call number:  Accession number (e.g. for videocassettes: fine / Video 105). Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See instructions    
  • Barcoding: see   general notes
  • Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing.

Accompanying Videocassettes

  • Location:  fine
  • Call number:  LC-type for main item ; No call number for video
  • Holdings note: For accompanying video ask at Circulation Desk
  • Barcoding:  see   general notes  
  • Physical Processing:  Send items to LTS Physical Processing

Accompanying Videodiscs:   DVDs + Hardcover book (whether book accompanies DVD or DVD accompanies book)

  • Location:  fine
  • Call number:  LC-type
  • Holdings details:
    • Book with accompanying DVD
      •   Holdings statement: text
      •   Holdings statement for supplements: 1 DVD / Holdings statement for supplements note: <in pocket of text>
    • DVD with accompanying book
      •   Holdings statement: 1 DVD / Holdings statement note: <in pocket of text>
      •   Holdings statement for supplements: 1 text
  • Barcoding:  Barcode text only, create item record, and change piece count as appropriate. Include note on flyer that volume includes DVD in pocket.
  • Physical Processing:  Call number labels will need to be made for each physical piece

    Note: If more than 2 DVDs are received or if DVDs are too big to put in pockets in book, do not create item records. Send to Conservation Dept. with note that box should be made to handle all pieces and that completed box should be returned to cataloger for barcoding.

Videodiscs: DVDs + Paperback book (whether book accompanies DVD or DVD accompanies book)

  • Location:  fine
  • Call number:  LC-type
  • Holdings details:
    • Book with accompanying DVD
      • Holdings statement:  text
      • Holdings statement for supplements: 1 DVD / Holdings statement for supplements public note: <in pocket of text>
    • DVD with accompanying book
      •   Holdings statement: 1 DVD / Holdings statement public note: <in pocket of text>
      •   Holdings statement for supplements: 1 text
  • Barcoding: 
    • Barcode book, create item record, and change piece count as appropriate
    • Send book and DVD to Conservation Dept. Include note on flyer that volume includes DVD in pocket.

       

  • Physical Processing:  Call number labels will need to be made for each physical piece

    Note: If more than 2 DVDs are received or if DVDs are too big to put in pockets in book, do not create item records. Send to Conservation Dept. with note that box should be made to handle all pieces and that completed box should be returned to cataloger for barcoding.

F. Icelandic  

  1. Location:  rmc,icer
  2. Call number:  LC-type
  3. Barcoding:  Do not barcode   
  4.  Physical Processing:  Items will be housed in Rare and will not circulate. They need no physical processing. Send directly to Rare.

  G. Hotel/ILR /JGSM 

  1. Location:  hote (for DVDs) or hote,anx (for videocassettes)
                     ilr (for DVDs) or ilr,anx (for videocassettes)
                     jgsm (for DVDs) or jgsm,anx (for videocassettes)
  2. Call number:  LC-type  
    Holdings note (Videos and DVDs):   Request at Main Circulation Desk.
     
  3. Barcoding:  see   general notes
  4. Physical Processing:  Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing.

Hotel/ILR/JGSM Libraries: Accompanying video recordings or Video recordings w/accompanying guides  

    • Location:  hote ; ilr ; jgsm
    • Call number: LC-type for both items
    •  Holdings note:  Request accompanying video [DVD] at Main Circulation Desk , or: Request video [DVD] and guide at Main Circulation Desk  
    • Barcoding: Barcode each piece regardless of which is the main piece Text: use single barcode Videocassette:  single barcode on container Videodisc: single barcode on container
    • Physical Processing: Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing. Use separate container for cassette or DVD and rubber band items together. Be sure to pencil the call number in main text.

H. Kroch Library (ECH, SASA, WAS)  

  1. Location:  ech,av ; sasa,av ; was,av
  2. Call number: Accession number: Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See instructions. For videodiscs only, accession number will be followed by language/area code : (SEA), (SA), (CHI), (JPN), or (KOR). For example, ech,av Video 105 (SEA) ; was,av Videodisc 700 (CHI)
  3. Holdings note: Shelved in Uris Library Dean Room.         
  4. Barcoding:  See general notes  ;  See also   special instructions  
  5. Physical Processing: Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing
  6. Accompanying materials: Whether book accompanies videocassette or DVD or videocassette or DVD accompanies book, they should be handled the same as items for Uris, using the appropriate accession number/call number and location (ECH, SASA, WAS). See Uris Dean Room  section, being careful to scroll to the section that fits your situation.

I. Mann Library (including items for Entomology and Ornithology Libraries)    

  1. Location:  mann ; orni
  2. Call number:  LC-type
  3. Holdings note for accompanying materials: No special location notes; items will be shelved in book stacks
  4. Barcoding:   see   general notes  
  5. Physical Processing: Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing.
  6. Accompanying materials: If items can be handled in one physical unit, use appropriate piece count and Holdings statement, accompanied by Holdings notes as needed. Otherwise barcode each piece, using appropriate Holdings statements.

J. Music Library

  1. Location:  mus,av
  2. Call number: Accession number: Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See instructions .  Exception: Do not use CLAMSS for Blu-ray discs. Music Library staff will assign accession number.    mus,av  Videotape 1000 mus,av  DVD1000
  3. Barcoding: DO NOT BARCODE. Music Library staff will create item records, barcode, and note piece count.  
  4. Physical Processing: Put disc or cassette in separate case. Note the call no. and Holdings hrid on location flyer or scrap card and send items to Music Library for physical processing. DO NOT TATTLE TAPE. DO NOT ADD CALL NUMBER LABEL. All call number and property marking will be done at the Music Library.

Music Library: Accompanying DVDs/videocassettes

      • Location (create separate holding records):  mus for main item mus,av for DVD/videocassette
      • Call number: LC-type for main item Accession number for video
      • Holdings note (on main item): Accompanying DVD/videocassette shelved in A/V Collection. On video recording:  Accompanying text shelved in stacks
      • Barcoding: Barcode main item only. DO NOT BARCODE DVD/videocassette
      • Physical Processing: Make call number label for text only. Music Library staff will handle physical processing of DVD/videocassette.          

Music Library: Videos with accompanying printed material

      • Location:  mus,av
      • Physical Processing: Using guidelines for unaccompanied video recordings above, send all items together to Music Library for physical processing.

K. Olin Library 

The only video recordings that will be cataloged for and housed in Olin are video recordings that accompany monographs, i.e., disks in the pocket of a book.

DVDs that accompany hardcover (or paperback) books:  

  • Location:  olin              
  • Call  number: LC-type
  • Holdings details:    
    • Holdings statement: text
    • Holdings statement for supplements: 2 DVDs (or videodiscs) / Holdings statement for supplements note: <in pockets of text>
  • Barcoding:      Barcode text only, create item record, and change piece count as appropriate. Include note on flyer that volume includes DVD in pocket.
  • Physical  Processing: Send items to LTS Physical Processing.

Note: If more than 2 DVDs are received or if DVDs are too big to put in pockets in book, do not create item records. Send to Conservation Dept. with note that box should be made to handle all pieces and that completed box should be returned to cataloger for barcoding.

Videocassettes that accompany books:

  • Location:  olin,anx         
  • Call number: LC-type
  • Holdings details:
    • Holdings statement: text
    • Holdings statement for supplements: 1 videocassette
  • Barcoding: Barcode both items as they will be shelved separately at the Annex.
  • Physical Processing: Send items (rubber-banded together) to LTS Physical Processing. Call number labels will need to be made for each physical piece          

L. Uris Library Dean Room      

DVDs with or without accompanying material (if that material can fit in container):     

1. Location:  uris        

2. Call number: Accession number for both items, using appropriate term for accompanying printed material. Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See   instructions   

 uris,anx call number: Video 25

 uris call number prefix: Dean Room / call number: Videodisc 43

3 . Barcoding:  Barcode the container and change piece count as appropriate.  Add enumeration if more than 1 disc (ex. disc 1-3).

     NB: If accompanying booklet is too large to set in the DVD container, barcode both the container and the print material.

4. Holdings details:

  • Holdings statement:   2 videodiscs
  • Holdings statement for supplements:   1 booklet

    Added copies: Some Holdings show olin,av or the location for earlier copy(ies). When processing a subsequent copy, use Uris location and add c.2 (or c.3, 4, as appropriate).                       

 5 . Physical Processing: Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing.

            Uris Library, Dean Room: Accompanying video cassettes and Video cassettes with accompanying printed material

  • Videocassettes w/accompanying material:
    • Location:  uris,anx
    • Call number: Accession number for both items, using appropriate term for accompanying printed material. Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See instructions  
    • Barcoding: Barcode item(s) as appropriate, depending on whether accompanying material fits in the cassette case, creating item records as necessary. See   special instructions  
    • Holdings details:
      • Holdings statement: text
      • Holdings statement for supplements: 1 Booklet         
    • Physical Processing: Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items (rubber-banded together) to LTS Physical Processing. Call number labels will need to be made for each physical piece
  • Videocassettes that accompany books:
    • Location:  olin,anx         
    • Call number: LC-type
    • Send video and accompanying material to Conservation Dept. w/note that box should be made to handle all pieces and that completed box should be returned to cataloger for cataloging
    • Barcoding: Do not barcode until box is made. Barcode box only, and include appropriate piece count in item record
    • Physical Processing: Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title (if appropriate) and send items to LTS Physical Processing. Call number labels will need to be made for each physical piece
  • DVDs w/accompanying material:
    • Location:  uris
    • Call number prefix: Dean Room
    • Call number: Accession number for both items, using appropriate term for accompanying printed material. Use CLAMSS to assign the accession number. See instructions      
    • Barcoding: Barcode DVD  container only, and include appropriate piece count.        
    • Holdings details:
      • Holdings statement: 1 videodisc
      • Holdings statement for supplements: 1 Booklet    
    • Physical Processing: Annotate location flyer with call number and brief title and send items to LTS Physical Processing. Labels will need to be made for each physical piece
  • DVDs that accompany hardcover (or paperback) books:  
    • Location:  uris         
    • Call number: LC-type
    • Holdings details:
      •   Holdings statement: text
      •   Holdings statement for supplements: 2 DVDs / Holdings statement for supplements note: <in pockets of text>
    • Barcoding: Barcode text only, create item record, and change piece count as appropriate. Include note on flyer that volume includes DVD in pocket.
    • Physical Processing: Send items to LTS Physical Processing. Call number labels will need to be made for each physical piece

    Note: If more than 2 DVDs are received or if DVDs are too big to put in pockets in book, do not create item records. Send to Conservation Dept. with note that box should be made to handle all pieces and that completed box should be returned to cataloger for barcoding.

Kroch Library: Special designations

For videodiscs only, items are separated by language category: SEA for Echols materials, SA for Sasa materials, and CHI, JPN or KOR to distinguish Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages for Wason materials.         


Location    Language/Area code     Example
ech,avSEAVideodisc 396 (SEA)
sasa,avSAVideodisc 922 (SA)
was,avCHIVideodisc 63 (CHI)
was,avJPNVideodisc 272 (JPN)
was,avKORVideodisc 314 (KOR)