Subject: Non-Standard and/or Mixed Format Policies

Purpose: To provide policies for non-standard and/or mixed format materials.


Many materials received by the LSU Libraries are traditional books or serials. These are usually in a printed format that can be readily sensitized for security purposes and housed in the main library stacks. Some materials, however, require special processing and/or security measures because:

• the primary materials, or the accompanying pieces, are not in a standard, traditional format, or
• the materials are susceptible to damage or theft.

The major goals of the LSU Libraries in providing access to materials are:

• maintaining an open stack shelving arrangement where patrons can browse materials;
• maintaining optimum control/security to insure that the Libraries' materials are available in a complete, undamaged condition.

To meet these goals, types of materials identified as requiring special handling and/or security measures include:

1. Non-book or Non-standard Formats (e.g., the primary piece is in a non-book format, it may or may not be accompanied by pamphlets, guides, or other text material that should remain with the non-standard piece.)

Examples:
• Music scores/part (unbound)
• Computer disks
• CD-ROMs
• DVDs
• Laser disks
• Videocassettes
• Sound cassettes
• Slides
• Loose-leaf binders (selected)
• Microforms with other non-book materials
• Charts
• Maps
• Plates/photos
• Other nonstandard formats

2. Mixed Format (e.g., the primary piece is in standard book/serial format, but it is accompanied by pieces in nonstandard format)

Examples: Book or serial format accompanied by:
• Music scores/part (unbound)
• Computer disks
• CD-ROMs
• DVDs
• Laser disks
• Videocassettes
• Sound cassettes
• Slides
• Microforms
• Charts
• Maps
• Plates/photos, others

3. High Risk Standard Format (i.e., materials highly susceptible to damage/mutilation or theft due to various reasons)

Examples:
• Very expensive non-rare materials
• Photography or art books containing erotica
• Sexually-explicit materials

This policy addresses general collection/Middleton Main items. Policies and procedures for handling these materials in locations other than general should be based on this document, but may be modified, with the permission of the Libraries' Administration, as applicable for the needs of the location's special clientele, available facilities, and resources.

Stand-alone microforms and microforms with an accompanying pamphlets or guides are not included in this policy because special housing is provided for those collections.

GENERAL COLLECTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. All materials with non-Dewey or non-LC call numbers will go to the Circulation stacks.

2. Thesis and Dissertations:

• Circulation has been housing Middleton copies of thesis and dissertations containing mixed format pieces. These items will be returned to the stacks.
• In the event pieces are odd-sized, they will remain in the Circulation stacks.

3. Selected National Geographic maps will no longer be housed in Circulation but will be sent to Education Resources and housed there with other maps.

4. Loose journal, mixed format pieces will be processed and shelved like monograph mixed format items.

5. CD versions, whether cumulative or single that duplicate serial issues/volumes, will be added to the print record with a MRDF call number and housed in Circulation.

6. All mixed format monographs will be sent to the stacks.

• If the mixed format piece(s) come(s) inside a pocket in the volume, it will be tagged for security and sent in the pocket within the book to the stacks, or
• If it arrives separately with the book, it will be tagged for security and placed in a labeled container adjacent to the book in the stacks.

7. The only mixed format materials housed in the Circulation stacks are over-sized items. All others will accompany the volumes to the stacks.

The Circulation Department will provide shelving behind the Circulation Desk to shelve the non-book, mixed formats, and high-risk materials not available in the open shelves. All materials will be charged to patrons when use is requested, including building-use-only materials. Inventory of materials will be made at the time of charging and discharging.