President's Appreciation Award Nomination Letter
Several years ago, copy cataloging was moved from the Cataloging Department to the Acquisitions Department in the library. Carol was asked, along with a department faculty member, to create a training manual and then to train the new copy catalogers. These were people who were not hired to be copy catalogers and who had no background or experience in copy cataloging. Carol spent many hours creating and testing the manual, and then trained the five new copy catalogers, all while maintaining her own busy cataloging workload and serving on several library and BYU committees. After a new copy cataloger finishes their initial training, Carol reviews their work for at least a year to make sure that material is being cataloged and classed correctly. She then continues to act as a mentor going forward as the copy cataloger gains more experience and moves through the levels of copy cataloging.
Carol Barksdale is the cataloging specialist for social science, education, science, maps, religion, and family history materials at the Harold B. Lee Library. She also processes materials for the Ensign College library. While Carol works in the Cataloging & Metadata Department, she also works closely with personnel in acquisitions to oversee copy cataloging. She is a patient teacher and very willing to take the time needed to ensure that all parties involved fully understand the required process, and she is quick to follow up when there are any questions. Because of her diligence, the items the library receives are cataloged and made accessible to students promptly. Carol works across various library departments to ensure that the library is doing everything it can to effectively meet patrons’ needs.
There is no one in the Cataloging & Metadata Department who knows more about department processes and how to effectively get materials cataloged and on the library shelf for patron usage than Carol. She works closely and effectively with peers, faculty, and student employees. She takes the time to listen, makes sure everyone is included in necessary conversations, then provides thoughtful and inclusive answers. She is honest, friendly, and considerate, yet not afraid to ask the hard questions and make sure that all sides of a critical decision have been considered. Carol has time for everyone who comes to her door, and she works tirelessly and selflessly to make sure that questions are answered, and situations are resolved.