FAQ: How is it determined what name is used for each library that has holdings in the NHU-PAC?

Each NH library that registers with NHAIS is assigned an HSA code and a stamp. The stamp is used anywhere in the NHU-PAC or the Interlibrary Loan system where the name of the library is displayed. The HSA code provides the unique identifier for that library in NHAIS and the stamp tells users of the system who a particular HSA code refers to.

The stamp is created following a set of standard rules so that the stamps will be consistent and allow users of NHAIS to more easily interpret unfamiliar stamps.

Each stamp begins with the name of the municipality where the main branch of the library is physically located. These municipality designations are selected from the official list of NH incorporated cities and towns . The municipality name is included even when it is actually part of the name of the library.

Following the municipality is the name of the organization of which the library is a part, if this is relevant. For example, stamps for college libraries include the name of the college.

The final part of the stamp is the name of the actual library. The library names also follow a couple of standardizing rules:

• The word library is never included in the name.

• When abbreviations or initials are used, the periods are ommitted.

• If a library is named after a person, only the last name is spelled out, all other names are replaced by single initials.

• The words High School are always represented as H S

• NH State Agency libraries have their agencies abreviated in their stamps. For example any New Hampshire State Library collection is indicated as NHSL followed by a designation for the specific collection.