GEN: Cataloging math, science, and social studies materials & library theft

[Vickie Wolfe <vwolfe@COX.NET>]

Hello everyone!

I am a first year librarian at a middle school with 600+ students.  The =
library has historically been the "storage place" for all the math, =
science, and social studies materials (globes, manipulatives, maps, math =
kits, etc.) and associated items here at my school.   These items have =
never been properly inventoried or cataloged. =20

My query is do I need to catalog all these items and create a MARC =
record for them along with bar codes ...

OR ...

should I simply create a data base for these items with serial codes =
recorded and inventory them this way?

There has also been a history of items (some quite expensive - such as a =
PHD, 2 scanners, computers, and printers) "disappearing" from the =
library.  As a new librarian, one of my goals is to keep a closer watch =
on materials in my care and reduce theft.  Do you have any suggestions =
for help with this?  Things are locked; however, they still vanish!

I'd appreciate any suggestions on the cataloging and inventory issue and =
the theft issue.  I know I've asked a lot - but, I know LM_NETers are =
wonderful people and very resourceful!  :)

Thanks!

Vickie Wolfe, Media Specialist
Grover C. Fields Middle School
New Bern, NC  28560
vwolfe@cox.net

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