The current national catalog code should be followed in the provision of descriptive cataloging in small, medium and large libraries. Any MARC standards followed by the bibliographic utility in use such as OCLC, RLIN, WLN, etc. should also be followed. Authority control should be provided within the local catalog of small, medium and large libraries. At minimum, this means that the form of each heading will be uniform so that all titles properly collocate. At most, it could mean that a structure of cross references and authority notes are provided in the catalog for the user.
Authority work is essential to a catalog, especially as it grows.
Split files work against the user's location of all pertinent titles. Any local variations on such national standards should be recorded in the local manual. All libraries utilizing commercially available automated serials check-in should take advantage of them to produce holdings lists and management reports to better advertise and manage serial holdings. The use of a commercially available software package to facilitate routing will be the standard for large libraries and is recommended for medium ones. Changes to the routing list should be made in 1-3 days for large,medium and small libraries.