Mandate for change: merging acquisitions and cataloging functions into a single workflow

In 2001, The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Libraries cataloging and acquisition units merged to become a larger totally integrated department, renamed Bibliographic Services. Historically, acquisitions and cataloging functions were managed separately, although initial pre-order cataloging procedures were in place since late 1993. Prior to the merger in 2001, cataloging staff selected and exported MARC records in advance of the ordering functions performed exclusively by acquisitions staff. Library administrative personnel, concerned with the persistent lag time from receipt of the order card to actual receipt of the item, mandated change. After implementing new procedures and streamlining workflow, a sample analysis of productivity and fill rates for two fiscal years, before change and after, demonstrated significantly that cataloging at point of order is desirable in providing faster delivery of new materials.