Code Categories
The Code Categories administrative tools enable you to customize certain types of data for use in Decision Center. Some library system databases include information at a granular level that renders tools unwieldy and less useful for action-oriented analysis. Roll-up versions of such data often can provide more meaningful and usable recommendations.
Decision Center Administration (DCA) enables you to customize the following code types:
For each code type, you can create new roll-up categories, specify the roll-up category name, select the codes included in the roll-up, and determine the display order in which the new categories appear in the Decision Center interface. After your library creates categories for the first time, Decision Center assigns one of your categories as the default category in Decision Center Administration and marks the default category with a yellow star. Default categories do not function differently from other categories when you use them to create reports. You cannot delete the default category from the system once you have created it, though you can rename it, reuse it, or leave it empty with no assigned codes.
Be sure your installation of Decision Center uses the combination of code types that is optimal for your library before you create any roll-up categories. See the Physical Format and Collection topics for more information.
Creating a Roll-up Category
New categories and changes to existing categories appear in Decision Center's Physical Format and Collection filters only after a successful run of the nightly conversation (data load process).
Decision Center allows you to assign each material type or item type code to only one Collection or Physical Format category. Decision Center enforces this restriction to prevent invalid report results due to double-reporting.
To configure a new category or edit an existing one:
- Log in to Decision Center using a login authorized for administration.
- Click the Admin link in the Decision Center header.
- On the Admin page, click Code Categories.
- Select the tab for the type of code you want to customize.
- To configure a new category, click Create New Category.
To edit an existing category, click the category name. The Edit Category page opens.
Choosing Codes for Roll-up Categories
Innovative offers three options for the types of codes used to create roll-up categories:
- Physical Format categories use material type codes (MAT TYPE) and Collections use item type codes (I TYPE). This is the default option.
- Physical Format categories use material type codes and Collections use shelf locations.
- Physical Format categories use item type codes and Collections use shelf locations.
Collections should reflect the way your library manages collections for budgeting, collection development, and shelf space allocation purposes. In Decision Center, Collection categories are intended to be more granular than Physical Format categories. You should decide which code combination option works best for your library. If you want to use option 2 or 3, contact Innovative. If you decide to change your roll-up category code type option, you must delete any existing Physical Format and Collections categories before Innovative can make the configuration change.
- If you are creating a new category, enter a name in the Category Name text box.
- (Optional) Click "Yes" if you want the category to be the default category.
- (Collections only) Specify an Average Width per Copy and an Average Price per Copy for the collection.
If you are editing an existing category, this step is optional.
Collection "Averages"
The Average Width per Copy that you specify applies to the Shelf Space remedy filter calculations in the following Maintenance tools:
Decision Center is "measurement system agnostic". That is, it does not distinguish between units of measure. When you specify an Average Width per Copy for a collection, you enter only a numeric value. That value can represent the average width in inches, centimeters, or any other unit. As long as your input is internally consistent, the application returns accurate results.
When you use the Shelf Space remedy filter, be sure to enter values of the same unit of measure as your Average Width per Copy entries.
The Average Price per Copy that you specify applies to the Budget Projection by Collection tool.
If your site has Acquisitions, you can use the Expenditures by Funds and Formats report to determine a suitable average price per copy by collection. Specify an appropriate time period and run the report. Use the Display remedy filter to show Average Price per Copy.
- Drag and drop entries between the Selected and Available lists to specify the codes included in the new category.
In the dialog box, use the text input boxes to filter list contents and easily find specific entries to drag and drop. Note that filtering a list does not actually remove entries from that list.
- When you are satisfied with your choices, click Save.
- (Optional) Specify the Display Order in which the categories should appear, and then click Update Order.
Click Discard Changes to clear your work and make different choices.
Click Back to all categories to leave the Edit Category page without saving your work.
