Training Module for Name Verification at UM Libraries

Introduction

In this training module, the Authorities Coordinating Team (ACT) intends to teach: the definitions of a name heading, a name authority record (NAR), when to verify names in the National Authority File (NAF), how to interpret and apply the information found in a name authority record, and how to treat bibliographic records with name heading problems. We discuss uniform titles but not names used in series; names used in series are covered in the ACT Training Module For Series Verification at UM Libraries. When you encounter blue, underlined words or phrases in this module, they are links to the definition of that word or phrase in the glossary. Links are also made to examples or to external web resources when appropriate. Due to problems with some of the links in newer versions of Netscape Navigator, we recommend that you use Microsoft Internet Explorer to view this module. We hope this will serve as a reference source to refer to as well as a training tool.

We have arranged the Module in four sections and an appendix.

• Section I
  • Contains a basic discussion of name headings with examples, and a listing of special situations.
  
  
• Section II
  • Discusses how to read and interpret a name authority record.
  
  
• Section III
  • Describes the history of the NAF, authority issues at UM Libraries, and interim guidelines for name verification.
  
  
• Section IV
  • Is a step-by-step guide through College Park's interim procedures for when to verify name headings.
  
  
• Appendix
  • Includes a glossary of terms, abbreviations, phrases, and acronyms useful for authority work at UM, and a quick guide to NAF name authority record codes.

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