The Proof of the Pudding: Using Library of Congress Proof Slips

LmRARY OF CoNGREss proofsheets have been available to libraries for a long, long·time. Unfortunately, some academic libraries which might find it profitable to use them are not doing so. These libraries might benefit from a review of some of the ways in which proofsheets are being employed by other libraries. On the other hand, some of the libraries now purchasing this valuable resource are not taking full advantage of it. The latter might benefit from considering a system in which proofsheets are used throughout the resource-building and processing activities of a medium-sized university library. After noting some current applications, such a system will be outlined below. First, a few facts about the proofsheets may be desirable to set the scene. They are created when copy for new Library of Congress catalog cards is run on long sheets, five cards at a time. Complete sets of these sheets, or partial sets based on broad subject classifications, may be purchased from the Card Division.1