7.5. Advanced Reader Copies and Donated Items

Advanced Readers Copies

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) or Advanced Reading Editions (AREs) are promotional materials sent out prior to publication. They are generally marked as such and usually marked "Do Not Sell". Libraries should not add these items to the NC Cardinal catalog. Some libraries may choose to circulate these locally as Non-Cataloged paperback books or in a local Non-Cataloged type created specifically for these item types. 

Donations

Library system specific information including gift or donation information should not be included in bibliographic records within NC Cardinal, which are shared by the entire consortium. Catalog the item as you would normally, following the recommended MARC templates for the item type (i.e., book, Blu-ray, etc.). NC Cardinal recommends that libraries use a book plate, plaque, or some other form of acknowledgment for gifted items OUTSIDE of the catalog.

For Internal Records

If Libraries wish to keep records of donated items:

• Create an item statistical category. For example: donation: yes/no
• Use an Excel spreadsheet to track donations
• Create a COPY-level item note for each individual barcode. These notes should not be made public.

For Public Facing Information

Libraries who wish to indicate in the public catalog that an item was donated should use the Digital Bookplate Item Tag. Please see the page on Item Tags for instructions on using digital bookplates.