Ordering Using the Alma Network Zone

Background

Libraries need to make collection development and acquisitions decisions based on the most current and accurate data – a necessity even more important in the CSU's shared environment. Alma’s consortial functionalities provide real-time look into the acquisitions activities of CSU libraries and the increased transparency across the system will assist in future collection development decisions. A policy is required to avoid the creation of duplicate records and support the on-going maintenance of shared records. The benefits and the impact of creating order records based on the CZ, NZ, and IZ have been considered.

Policy Statement

When ordering materials for individual campus collections that are to be made visible in the Alma Network Zone (NZ), acquisitions staff at CSU libraries should create order records based on the bibliographic records in the NZ.  Materials that are not expected to be shared in the Alma NZ (such as laptops and other in-house equipment or local-only special collections) need not be ordered in the Network Zone. 

Best practice recommendations

As stated, in the interest of system-wide collaboration, it is best for materials to be linked to the Network Zone at point of order when possible.  Prior to ordering and obtaining any bibliographic records from external sources, the NZ should be consulted for matching bibliographic records.  If a match is found, the local PO Line should be added to that bibliographic record. In the event that no existing match is found in the NZ, and in order to maintain a consistent and accurate NZ catalog, brief bibliographic records may be created and added to the NZ in accordance with the policy "In-Process Brief Bib Records with Minimum Acquisitions Data".

Procedures in Alma

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