Continuing Authority Control Services

Authority Express / Authority Update Processing

Bibliographic control in library catalogs is neither easily achieved nor easily maintained. LTI's batch authority control processing exerts control of headings at the time the database receives authority control. However, changes to authority records, the distribution of new authority records, and the addition of headings from new catalog records all affect the integrity of the catalog. The burden of monitoring changes to authorized headings and controlling new headings from current catalog records can be automated, either fully or partially, using continuing authority control services.

Specifically, libraries are confronted with two different problems. The first problem is caused by the addition of new catalog records to the database. Headings in these bibliographic records need to be authorized and, if necessary, new authority records added to the local system. LTI's Authority Express (AEX) service provides ongoing authority control for new catalog records.

The second problem, retrospective in nature, is caused by the weekly distribution of new and revised LC name and subject authority records. Libraries need to be informed of updates so that headings can be changed appropriately, and the corresponding new or revised authority records added to their databases. LTI's Authority Update Processing (AUP) notifies customers of the issuance of new, changed, and deleted authority records distributed following batch authority control. Unlike AEX, where new records are transmitted to LTI for authorization, the AUP service involves LTI reporting to the library about records previously processed.

While there is no requirement to use either the AEX or AUP continuing service, for libraries that do use them, there is never a need to do a batch re-authorization of the entire database and the library's access points remain in synch with national cataloging standards.