Record preferences

These options can be found and edited under the School/Organisation Settings in My Profile.

Please note that these preferences apply only for records downloaded from SCIS Data. If you are using Z39.50 or Z-cataloguing to import your SCIS records, then these settings do not apply.

MARC 21 file format

The MARC 21 file format is the default. Many library systems require the standard MARC 21 format. This file contains MARC 21 records in a single long string. If you are unsure about the download file format to use for your system, please consult with your library management system vendor.

Download preference

The default format is to include downloaded MARC records and cover images together in one zip file. If you are unsure about the download file preference that best suits your system, please consult with your library management system vendor.

Holding format

The default field for call numbers in SCIS records is the Dewey Decimal Classification number (MARC 082) tag. If your local system requires call numbers to be output in the Location (MARC 852) tag, choose the MARC holdings format (852 tag) option. An additional tag containing the call number will be added to the record.

Dewey preference

Abridged DDC

This is the default for first-time users of SCIS Data. Abridged Dewey numbers are recommended for most primary schools and for all New Zealand schools. Numbers from the abridged edition are generally no longer than seven digits (four after the decimal point).

Full DDC

Full Dewey numbers may be suitable for secondary schools or schools with larger collections. Numbers from the full edition are generally no longer than nine digits (six after the decimal point).

ISBN format

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) has been expanded from 10 digits to 13. The date for full implementation of ISBN-13 was 1 January 2007. SCIS records catalogued prior to 1 January 2007 generally have a 10-digit ISBN in the ISBN (MARC 020) field; in many cases, the 13-digit ISBN has been added to the Other Standard Number (MARC 024) field. Either the 10- or 13-digit ISBN may be used to order SCIS records.

ISBN as is

This is the default. The record will be output in your data file with the ISBN as entered in the record. For nearly all resources published prior to 2007, the ISBN will be in 10-digit format. Most resources published after 1 January 2007 will have only a 13-digit ISBN; these records will contain the ISBN in 13-digit format.

ISBN‐13 only

If you would prefer to receive all ISBNs in your data file in 13-digit format, choose this option. SCIS Data will convert ISBN-10 to ISBN-13 for your downloads.

Subject heading format

SCIS records contain two types of subject headings: SCIS Subject Headings (SCISSHL) or Schools Online Thesaurus (ScOT).

The SCIS Subject Headings List (SCISSHL) is a controlled vocabulary developed specifically to provide subject access in school library catalogues. It may be used by school library staff to assist in conforming to SCIS standards when assigning subject headings to local resources.

Schools Online Thesaurus (ScOT) is an online thesaurus that describes subjects of curriculum content in the Australasian K–12 education sector. ScOT adheres to thesaurus standards and is developed specifically for primary and secondary schools in Australia and New Zealand. It covers all key learning areas.

SCIS terms only

This is the default option and is recommended by SCIS cataloguing agencies. You will receive SCIS Subject Headings only. If a record has no SCIS Subject Headings, as may be the case for some older fiction records, no subject headings will be supplied.

Both SCIS and ScOT terms

If a record has been assigned both SCIS Subject Headings and ScOT terms, you will receive both sets of headings. Generally, records added to the database since the end of July 2006 have both sets of headings. Otherwise, you will receive SCIS Subject Headings only.