At the beginning of this year, PSRML distributed greenbar printouts of the holdings records (as of JULY 1995) to SERHOLD contributors to assist library staff in updating serials holdings information using the Online SERHOLD U pdating System. Area SERHOLD Coordinators were trained by PSRML, and have subsequently trained library staff in their area groups to use this system. In October, PSRML contacted each of these SERHOLD Coordinators to determine how well individual libraries in their areas are doing with updating their holdings. While the majority of these libraries are using the system without difficulty, a small but significant number have not yet updated their holdings. This means that the DOCLINE system is ro uting and referring requests based on holdings information that is at least 18 months old. Libraries who have not updated are (1) still getting requests for journals they have cancelled or weeded from their collections and (2) not getting requests for jo urnals they have added to their collections during this time interval. In addition, many of the holdings reported for these libraries have not been upgraded from level X to level 3. Unfortunately, this means inefficient and inaccurate routing and referr al for these libraries AND for all libraries in the DOCLINE system who list these libraries in their routing tables.
The advantages of the Online SERHOLD Updating System are that changes in holdings information can be entered directly by the SERHOLD library at any time, and these changes are reflected in DOCLINE on a weekly basis. This ensures more accurate holdings information on a more timely basis than was possible with the "old" system. But none of these advantages will be realized if the system is not utilized as soon as possible after changes in holdings occur. For those groups and consorti a interested in obtaining a union list product, failure of individual libraries to update holdings information will result in a union list with inaccuracies.
PSRML is asking that all libraries update their holdings records in SERHOLD by the end of 1996 and that they establish a schedule to update at regular intervals. If you are having difficulties with equipment, telecommunication software or you need tr aining or training manuals, first contact your Area SERHOLD Coordinator. If you do not know who your Coordinator is or you need additional assistance, don't hesitate to contact Heidi Sandstrom, the Network Coordinator at PSRML. Make a date to update soo n!