Cataloging STEM Materials, Kits and Curriculum Resources Presented at the 2017 Association for Rural and Small Libraries conference Cynthia Hughes, Metadata Librarian Technical Services University of Wyoming, Coe Library

1. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Cataloging STEM Materials, Kits,
and Curriculum Resources
Cynthia Hughes

2. IMPORTANT MARC FIELDS
245 & 246 Title & Varying Form of Title
300 Physical Description
500 Notes
505 Contents Note
520 Summary
521 Audience of Item
538 System Requirements
586 Awards Note
IMPORTANT: Construct as specific and thorough lists of
contents in 300 and 505 fields as possible.

3. 300 Field
Vague: Better:
1 toy, 5 pieces ; 1 toy (Sphero SPRK edition (iOS
in container and Android Controlled Gaming
19 x 16 x 10 cm System)), 1 pencil, 1 protractor,
1 guide, 1 power adapter,
1 charging base ;
in container 19 x 16 x 10 cm
Sphero 2.0 SPRK Edition

4. GMDs
• Kit
• Toy
• Realia
• Game
• Flash card
• Chart
• Diorama
If using, add $h [GMD] to 245 field:
Example: 245 00 Scooby-Doo cake pan $h[realia].
245 00 My first science experiments $h[kit].

5. If using RDA 33X fields…
336 Content Type = “what kind of information is it?”
three-dimensional form ǂb tdf ǂ2 rdacontent
337 Media Type = “do I need equipment to view it?”
unmediated ǂb n ǂ2 rdamedia
338 Carrier Type = “where is it stored?” or “what kind of
container holds it?”
object ǂb nr ǂ2 rdacarrier
--Susan Moore, University of North Iowa

6. Constructing Call Numbers
• Dewey
• Homegrown system (Use a 099 Marc Field):
Examples: J KIT STEM FRA
CURR-E LA-Rea SCH K-3 2005 KIT
TLL1877 (Tool Lending Library)
PAN FIRE TRUCK
– Textbook codes provided by a State Dept. of Public
Instruction: Combination of audience, material type,
subject and type of material
Example: CUR 9-69-401 Teacher’s Ed.

7. CHALLENGES
• Many, many pieces!!!
• Time-consuming to process and monitor pieces in circulation.
• How to label? How will you store these materials?
• How will you circulate? Counting pieces after item returned?
• How to keep track of missing and broken pieces?
(Note on item? Note in record? Create spreadsheet?)
• How will you handle replacements for missing pieces, extra
pieces, replacements for consumable parts, etc.?
If you decide to collect technology materials, please keep in
mind that some of your patrons may have difficulty accessing
all the components: for example, if the manual is online, etc.

8. Processing Supplies
Case for Keeping Original Boxes: Aesthetics
Case for Using Alternative Containers: Durability
• Clear Backpacks, Storage Boxes, Map Tubes (if not
using original boxes)
• Sources: Post Office, Walmart, Dollar Stores,
Lakeshore Learning, Really Useful Boxes…

9. Sources for Ordering Materials
• Lakeshore Learning www.lakeshorelearning.com
• SparkFun
https://www.sparkfun.com/?gclid=CIqRuYmd3c0CFRCOaQod2N8Ppw
• Blue Orange Games www.blueorangegames.com
• Mindware www.mindware.com
• Science Wiz www.sciencewiz.com
• Fat Brain Toys
https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toys/toy_categories/index.cfm
• Thames and Kosmos www.thamesandkosmos.com
FUN & GAMES AWARD LISTS
• http://www.nappaawards.com/
• http://www.parents-choice.org/allawards.cfm
• http://www.toyportfolio.com/#!awards-1/cjg9
• https://www.treasuredpassages.com/img/100Best_2014_PressRelease.pdf

10. How to Incorporate Activities with Kits
Pictures courtesy of Panorama City Branch,
Los Angeles Public Library

11. Using Images in Catalog Records
Why do it?
• Ease of Circulation
• Keeping Track of Parts: So many parts!
Which monster?

12. ONE WAY TO ADD IMAGES
• Take Picture of Parts with Digital Camera
• Use PhotoRazor to resize images (free product)
Thumbnail 200 dpi
View 1000 dpi

13. • Use Excel to Keep Track of Saved Images
1000 dpi 200 dpi

14. MARC FIELDS TO USE TO
ADD LINKS TO IMAGES
• 856 4 |uhttp://digital.uwyo.edu/kits/view/U18102
0191813/ 001_1000pix.jpg|zView Contents
• 962 000:000:URL:b6329044:007824:0:0:0:0:0:0|tCo
ntents|vn|uhttp://digital.uwyo.edu/kits/view/U181
020191813/001_1000pix.jpg|ehttp://digital.uwyo.e
du/kits/thumbnail/U181020191813/001_200pix.jpg

15. EXAMPLES : Robotic Toy
Sphero 2.0 SPRK edition
(Robotic Toy)

16. 099 CURR-E|aTE-Com|aSPH|a4-12|a2015|aKIT
245 00 Sphero 2.0 :|bSPRK : school, parents, robots, kids.
250 SPRK edition.
264 1 Boulder, CO :|bSphero ;|bOrbotrix, Inc.,|c[2015]
264 4 |c©2015
300 1 toy (Sphero SPRK edition (iOS and Android Controlled Gaming System)), 1 pencil, 1
protractor, 1 guide, 1 power adapter, 1 charging base ;|c in container 19 x 16 x 10 cm
500 “Model: S003. SKU: SUS”—Box.
500 “Join the robotics revolution. Shape, color & procedure : Ages 5-7. Visual-based programming
: ages 7-12. Text-based programming : ages 12-15. Object-oriented programming : ages 15-18.
Advanced programming : ages 8 to infinity."--Box.
505 0 Sphero SPRK edition -- Inductive charging base -- Genius kit with a protractor, notebook, and
pencil -- Quick Start guide -- Sphero SPRK app -- Power Adapter.
521 Ages 5+.
650 0 Mobile robots.
650 0 Information technology|xStudy and teaching (Primary)
856 4 |uhttp://digital.uwyo.edu/kits/view/U181020191813/001_1000pix.jpg|zView Contents
962 000:000:URL:b6329044:007824:0:0:0:0:0:0|tContents|vn|uhttp ://digital.uwyo.edu/kits/view/U18102019
1813/001_1000pix.jpg|ehttp://digital.uwyo.edu/kits/thumbnail/U181020191813/001_200pix.jpg
Publishing
Edition
Model #
Age of Audience

17. Attaching Barcode, Noting number of pieces…
Kit
# of Pieces
Kit

18. Example: Electric Circuits
Squishy Circuits
…

19. 099 CURR-E|aTE-Tec|aSQU|a2-12|a2014|aKIT
245 00 Squishy circuits hardware kit.
260 [Minneapolis, MN] :|bSquishy Circuits Stores LLC,|c[2014?]
300 1 kit (1 recipe card, 1 motor, 1 Piezoelectric buzzer, 1 mechanical
buzzer, 1 4 AA battery pack, 25 LEDs in red, green, white, yellow
and blue) ;|cin container (18 x 21 x 3 cm.)
520 Kit contains design tools and activities which allow kids of all ages to
create circuits and explore electronics using play dough.
521 Ages 5+.
650 0 Electronic circuits|xStudy and teaching|xActivity programs.
650 0 Electronics|xStudy and teaching|xActivity programs.
710 2 Squishy Circuits Stores, LLC. Publisher
LEDs

20. Example: E-Textiles
LilyPad Design Kit

21. 245 00 LilyPad design kit.
246 3 Lily pad design kit
260 Boulder, CO :|bSparkFun Electronics,|c[2014?]
300 1 kit (1 felt sheet, 1 conductive fabric, 1 needle set with 5 needles, 3
conductive thread bobbin, 4 SimpleSnap (2 male, 2 female), 7 coin cell battery,
1 LilyTiny, 1 LilyPad slide switch, 1 LilyPad button board, 2 LilyPad rainbow
LED strip, 3 LilyPad coin cell batter holder (switched), 4 LilyPad coin cell
battery holder (unswitched)) ;|cin container 11 x 24 x 5 cm
500 Product code KIT-12073
520 "The LilyPad Design Kit (LDK) is a great way to get started with e-textiles. The
LDK includes everything you need to complete 6 simple experiments that will
teach you how to sew basic circuits, light LEDs, create interactive designs, and
more. You don't need any previous sewing or electronics experience to use
this kit…LDK Tutorial, LDK Wish List and Product Video available through this
website under the documents section: NOTE FIELD SHORTENED
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12073" – Publisher’s website.
650 0 Electronic circuits|xStudy and teaching|xActivity
programs.
650 0 Electronics|xExperiments.
650 0 Arduino (Programmable controller)
Link to…
Subject headings
Alternative Title

22. Example: Book Kit
TEXT TALK Level C
Contents

23. 099 CURR-E|aLA-Rea|aSCH|aK-3|a2005b|aKIT
245 00 Text talk :|brobust vocabulary instruction.|nLevel C /|cbased on the research
of Isabel Beck and Margaret McKeown.
260 [New York] :|bScholastic,|c[2005?]
300 20 sets of picture books (2 copies each), adhesive notes, professional guide,
chart and marker, display/storage case, dvd ;|cin box 34 x 35 x 18 cm.
500 Title from container.
505 0 Wolf! / Becky Bloom -- Dear Mrs. LaRue / Mark Teague -- The cow who
wouldn't come down / Paul Brett Johnson -- Eat your vegetables (from Rats
on the Roof) / James Marshall. NOTE FIELD SHORTENED
520 Text Talk builds the vocabulary and comprehension skills critical for reading
success. It engages students with read-aloud text, active talk, and robust
instruction.
521 0 Grades K-3.
650 0 Reading comprehension|xStudy and teaching (Elementary)
650 0 Vocabulary|xStudy and teaching (Elementary)
700 1 Beck, Isabel L.
700 1 McKeown, Margaret G.
700 1 Teague, Mark.|tDear Mrs. LaRue.
700 1 Johnson, Paul Brett.|tCow who wouldn't come down.
Added Entry for Each Title
Source of Title Info.

24. Example: Scientific Equipment
pH Sensor

25. 099 CURR-S|aSC-Sci|aVER|a7-12|a2015|aKIT
245 00 pH sensor /|cVernier.
264 1 [Beaverton, OR] :|bVernier Software & Technology,|c[2015?]
300 1 pH sensor :|bplastic,|cin box 6 x 27 x 6 cm +|e1 manual (8 pages ; 22 cm)
336 three-dimensional form|btdf|2rdacontent
337 unmediated|bn|2rdamedia
338 object|bnr|2rdacarrier
500 User's manual available at: http://www.vernier.com/files/ manuals/ph-
bta.pdf.
520 "Our general-purpose pH Sensor can be used across disciplines,
including chemistry, biology, middle school science, and
environmental science."-- Product website.
650 0 Hydrogen-ion concentration.
650 0 Detectors.
650 0 Biosensors.
Link to …

26. Example: Board Game
Robo Rally

27. 099 CURR-S|aTE-Tec|aWIZ|a7-12|a2005|aKIT
245 00 Robo rally :|ba frenzied race filled with computer-driven chaos /|ca strategy game
by Richard Garfield.
260 Renton, WA :|bWizards of the Coast, Inc. ;|bDistributed by Avalon Hill
Games,|cc2005.
300 1 game (8 pawns, 8 flags, 1 timer, 110 cards, 4 factory floor boards, 1 docking bay
board, 2 factory floor reference guides, 8 player program guides, 116 tokens (60
damage tokens, 40 life tokens, 8 power down tokens, 8 archive markers))
:|bcardboard, plastic, col. ;|cin container 34 x 34 x 7 cm. +|e1 rulebook (33 p. : col.
ill. ; 28 cm.)
500 Title from container.
500 "A frenzied race filled with computer-driven chaos!"--Container.
520 Players program factory robots and pit them against each other in frantic,
destructive races across the factory floors avoiding obstacles like gaping pits,
industrial lasers, moving conveyor belts and, of course, other robots. The player
who's robot touches all the flags in order wins the game.
521 Age 12+.
650 0 Board games.
650 0 Robots|xGames.
700 1 Garfield, Richard.
710 2 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
710 2 Avalon Hill Game Company.
#e
Games S.H.
#b

28. Example: Engineering Toy
GoldieBlox and the Builder’s Survival Kit

29. 099 CURR-E|aTE-Tec|aGOL|aK-3|a2014b|aKIT
245 00 GoldieBlox and the builder's survival kit /|ccreated by Debbie Sterling.
246 3 Goldie Blox and the builder's survival kit
264 1 Oakland, CA :|bGoldieBlox, Inc.,|c[2014].
264 4 |c©2014
300 1 toy (3 character figurines, 1 character bouncy ball, 3 sheets of paper punch
outs, 1 sheet of stickers, 2 big wheel ends, 6 blox, 4 elbow joints, 4 corner
joints, 4 T-joints, 4 cross joints, 7 5-way joints, 4 popcorn joints, 4 coupler
joints, 6 angle joints, 2 star couplers, 8 long axles, 15 short axles, 19 mini
axles, 17 pegs, 6 short flexi axles, 6 long flexi axles, 8 washers, 10 spacers,
2 cord lengths, 1 crank, 2 suction cups, 12 star stoppers, 1 noodle belt, 4
tires, 1 quarter pegboard, 1 mini pegboard,1 table tent, 6 wheel hubs, 8
wheel ends) :|bplastic, fabric, color ;|cin box 56 x 28 x 8 cm +|e1 book (78
pages)
500 Title from container.
505 0 3 character figurines…8 wheel ends, and 1 booklet. NOTE FIELD SHORTENED
521 1 Ages 7-12.
650 0 Mechanical engineering|xStudy and teaching.
700 1 Sterling, Debbie, lecreator.
710 2 GoldieBlox, Inc., lepublisher.
Added Entries
Varying Form of Title

30. RECOMMENDED
FREE WEB RESOURCES
• Kelley McGrath’s Cataloging Three-Dimensional Objects and Kits with
RDA
http://www.ala.org/alcts/confevents/upcoming/webinar/cat/032812
• How to Catalog Weird Widgets and Wonderful What-nots
http://www.vermontlibraryconference.org/Docs/cataloging.pdf
• University of Maine Cataloging Kits Webpage (in AACR2)
http://library.umaine.edu/techserv/Cataloging/Kits.htm
• J. McRee Elrod Kit Cataloging Cheat Sheat
http://special-cataloguing.com/node/1414
• How to Catalog a Kit by Emily Dust Nimsakont
http://www.slideshare.net/nebraskaccess/ncompass-live-how-to-catalog-
a-kit
• OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards
https://www.oclc.org/bibformats/en.html

31. Other Catalog Examples for Reference
• SparkFun Inventor’s Kit (Arduino)
http://catalog.uwyo.edu/search~S1?/Ysparkfun&searchscope=1&SORT=D/Ysparkfun&searchscope=1&SORT=D&SUBKEY=s
parkfun/1%2C5%2C5%2CB/frameset&FF=Ysparkfun&searchscope=1&SORT=D&2%2C2%2C
• Renewable Energy Kit
http://catalog.uwyo.edu/search~S12?/Yrenewable+energy+&searchscope=12&SORT=DZ/Yrenewable+energy+&searchscope
=12&SORT=DZ&extended=0&SUBKEY=renewable+energy+/1%2C19%2C19%2CB/frameset&FF=Yrenewable+energy+&sear
chscope=12&SORT=DZ&1%2C1%2C
• Code Monkey Island (Game)
http://catalog.uwyo.edu/search~S12/?searchtype=Y&searcharg=code+monkey+island&searchscope=12&sortdropdown=&SOR
T=DZ&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=Yrobot+turtles%26SORT%3DD
• Dash and Dot (Robot)
http://catalog.uwyo.edu/search~S12?/Ydash+and+dot&searchscope=12&SORT=D/Ydash+and+dot&searchscope=12&SORT=
D&SUBKEY=dash+and+dot/1%2C3%2C3%2CB/marc&FF=Ydash+and+dot&searchscope=12&SORT=D&1%2C1%2C
• Makey Makey (Electronic circuits)
http://catalog.uwyo.edu/search~S1?/Ymakey-makey&searchscope=1&SORT=D/Ymakey-
makey&searchscope=1&SORT=D&SUBKEY=makey-makey/1%2C1%2C1%2CB/marc&FF=Ymakey-
makey&searchscope=1&SORT=DZ&1%2C1%2C
• Lego Mindstorms Education EV3 Core Set:
http://uwcatalog.uwyo.edu/search~S1?/.b6577851/.b6577851/1%2C1%2C1%2CB/marc~b6577851
• Word Magnets (AACR2 Record)
http://catalog.uwyo.edu/search~S12?/Yrealia&searchscope=12&SORT=DZ/Yrealia&searchscope=12&SORT=DZ&SUBKEY=realia/1
%2C10%2C10%2CB/marc&FF=Yrealia&searchscope=12&SORT=DZ&6%2C6%2C

32. Thanks!
Questions? Please contact:
Cynthia Hughes
chughes5@uwyo.edu