Library automation solutions provider Ex Libris Group has announced that the international group of renowned library experts who advise Ex Libris on the Alma Community Zone has completed the guidelines and policies underlying the Alma Community Catalog. The advisory group analysed the needs and objectives of Alma users, best practices in metadata, and ways to facilitate collaboration, so as to develop the most appropriate policies for the open and shared Alma community catalogue.
Governed by the Alma community, the Community Catalog comprises metadata records that are open for use and enrichment by libraries that are using the Alma library management service. The purpose of the Community Catalog is to streamline resource-management processes, including acquisitions, cataloging, and fulfillment. The group, which began advising Ex Libris in 2012, includes experienced librarians and metadata experts from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, representing a variety of institutions from individual research libraries to large consortia.
The Alma Community Catalog: Cataloging Standards, Policies, Rights, and Responsibilities document can be found on the Ex Libris website at http://www.exlibrisgroup.com/files/Products/Alma/AlmaCommunityCatalogCatalogingStandardsPolicies.pdf.
