Uncorrected Proofs

Uncorrected proofs are pre-publication printings of books which are usually available later as a trade edition. Often the proof will be an imperfect iteration of the actual book. Sometimes it may represent added value in a special collection or because of the donor. Most of the uncorrected proofs which are added to the collection are likely to be gifts, and may be part of Fales Library or another special collection. Since they are roughly equivalent bibliographically to the published edition, we will treat them as copies as much as possible. The following steps should be followed in processing uncorrected proofs:

1. Search BobCat for the author and title. Consider that the title may have changed between the uncorrected proof and published item.

2. If there is already a copy of the published edition in BobCat, add the proof as a copy with 955 notes about the proof, including signatures, etc. and variations in title, subtitle, etc. For example:

955 BB $l BSPEC
             $c 1
             $s Uncorrected proof, signed by the author.

955 BB $l BMAIN
             $r [barcode]
             $s Uncorrected proof, with title: Lucia Rather, or, My life as a cataloger.

3. If there is not a copy of the published edition in BobCat, catalog the proof originally. (Often, there will be CIP copy available in RLIN or OCLC on which to base the record.) Use notes as appropriate to indicate we have the proof.

4. If the proof has been cataloged originally and we later get the published edition, the records should be combined with the basic bibliographic record reflecting the published edition and 955 copy-specific notes about the proof.

5. In the rare case where the proof and published edition are significantly different, two records should be made, based on cataloger judgment. In case of doubt, use one record.