'Realia' record type added

LibraryWorld Realia Object

The category type "Realia" refers to any 3-dimensional object that occurs in real life. Another definition by a New York Times author refers to Realia as "eccentricity worth preserving." What an exciting classification term! Over the past few years Realia objects have grown increasingly popular [and relevant] to many library collections. University libraries will often receive donations that include non-text items relevant to the story of that collection. Special libraries often obtain preserved animal specimen, old photographs, musical instruments, the list goes on and on. The diversity that the category type allows for requires careful cataloging (how does one, for instance, write a catalog description for a lock of Sylvia Plath's hair?) to be sure. But with the increasingly rich world of multimedia objects the Realia classification appears to be an important option to offer our customers.

To create a new Realia record, navigate to the Catalog app from your main library page. Click 'New Record', and select the 'Realia Object' from the first option on the far right of your screen.

Once clicked you will be prompted to manually enter the catalog information. Please note that the 'medium' field has been auto filled as Realia for you. You can also create a Realia record via the 'Material Type' descriptions, which provide general definitions for each material type classification option available to LibraryWorld customers.

Happy Cataloging!