01
Go to Metadata Search
Click on Metadata Search in the left sidebar. This is where you search across authoritative national and international bibliographic databases to find records for your collection.
Part 1
Search for a Bibliographic Record
02
Click on the search bar
Click the search bar at the top of the page. Cat & Class accepts any standard bibliographic identifier — title, author, ISBN, LCCN, OCLC number, or CCI.
03
Type a title and click Search
Type the title of the book you want to catalog. Here we search for Rich Dad Poor Dad to demonstrate a title search. Then click the Search button.
04
Note the Pro Tip banner
After results appear, Cat & Class shows a Pro Tip. Title searches may return broad results from multiple sources. For the most precise retrieval, use a standard identifier like ISBN, LCCN, or OCLC number.
Pro Tip: Using ISBN, LCCN, or OCLC number returns exact records instantly — recommended for precise copy cataloging.
05
Switch to Author search and enter a name
Use the search type dropdown to switch between All Fields, Title, Author, ISBN, LCCN, OCLC, Subject, or Call Number. Here we select Author and search for Robert Kiyosaki to find all works by this author.
06
Select the record that matches your item
Review the results and identify the record that best matches the physical item in your collection. Check title, author, edition, and publication year carefully before proceeding.
Part 2
Review and Edit the MARC Record
07
Click View MARC to inspect the record
Click View MARC on the result card to open the full MARC21 record. Always review the record before adding it to your catalog.
08
Review and edit the MARC record
The MARC Editor displays all fields. A summary at the top highlights areas that need attention — such as a missing call number or incomplete subject headings. Click any field to edit it inline.
09
Use CC Chat for cataloging guidance
Click the CC Chat button to ask Cat & Class for guidance while working in the MARC Editor. CC works alongside you in real time — ask questions like How do I improve this record? or What is field 650?
10
Expand CC Chat to full screen
Click the expand icon to view CC's response in full screen. Click it again to return to the split editor view. CC remains available throughout your entire cataloging session.
11
Click Add to Records
When you are satisfied with the record quality, click Add to Records. The record is saved to your catalog with Draft status, entering the approval workflow.
Part 3
Approve, Generate CCI and Circulate
12
Navigate to My Records
Close the editor and click My Records in the left sidebar. Your newly saved record appears with Draft status.
13
Advance through the approval workflow
Click the Draft badge to advance to Review. Click Review to advance to Final. The Draft → Review → Final workflow ensures every record is quality-checked before it receives a CCI.
14
Confirm and generate the CCI
When advancing to Final, Cat & Class prompts you to confirm the record meets quality standards. Click Confirm and Generate CCI to assign a unique Cat & Class Identifier to this record.
15
Your CCI has been assigned
The record now displays its unique Cat & Class Identifier — the CCI. This is the quality hallmark of the CC Bibliographic Commons, certifying that a professional cataloger has reviewed and approved this record.
CCI Assigned: The CCI is Cat & Class's quality hallmark. It confirms this record has been professionally reviewed and approved by a cataloger.
16
Generate a QR code for circulation
Click the QR icon to generate a QR code for this item. Print it and attach it to the physical book. Patrons scan the code with their smartphone to view item details and check out — no app required.
Circulation Ready: The QR code links the physical book to its catalog record. Patrons can check out directly from the shelf using their smartphone camera.
17
Confirm barcode and item location
Leave the barcode field blank to auto-generate, or enter your library's existing barcode. Confirm the call number and the physical location of the item on the shelf. Click Done when finished.
Part 4
Export to Your ILS
18
Click the eye icon to view the finalized record
Click the eye icon on the record row to view the complete finalized MARC record. Hover over the other icons to see available actions — Edit, Export, Ship to ILS, and Delete.
19
Click Ship to ILS
When satisfied with the record, click Ship to ILS to export it to your Integrated Library System. Cat & Class supports Koha, FOLIO, Alma, Sierra, and other major ILS platforms.
20
Select your ILS and download MARCXML
Select your ILS from the list to view tailored import instructions. Click Download MARCXML to save the export file to your computer — ready to import into your ILS for patron discovery.
Your record is cataloged and ready for your patrons
You have searched authoritative bibliographic databases, reviewed and edited the MARC21 record with CC Chat guidance, generated a Cat & Class Identifier, set up QR circulation, and exported to your ILS. This is the complete professional copy cataloging workflow.
Start cataloging your collection
Join library professionals worldwide who are cataloging smarter, faster, and better with Cat & Class.
Go to catandclass.comFree to join. No credit card required.