Lending new materials prior to cataloguing

I have already had to make this decision in my library, I found it quite easy to decide.  For teachers or for students who have requested or need brand new resources for projects, I will lend new resources before cataloguing.  The Bellingham public library talks about minimizing physical, intellectual and time barriers as part of access(http://bellinghamschools.org/department-owner/instructional-technology/library-collection-management).  Cataloguing is done by our District Library and can take 1-2 weeks if it is a “rush” but up to a year if they have to create a MARC record for an unusual item.  Therefore if I have purchased a resource for a particular teacher or students for a research topic I will let them have it right away and then send it for cataloguing on return.  I keep track with a sticky note on my wall, but I also remember since it doesn’t happen very often.  If they like the resource I end up with great reviews and good future demand for the item. 

Last year I bought a DVD from an American music/dance teacher for teaching the life cycle of the butterfly that was reviewed in the School Library Journal (http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/893076-312/caterpillar_to_butterfly_adventures_in.html.csp).  I lent it out to the K teacher upon its arrival in May and at the end of the school year sent it for processing. This was particularly important since the DVD was purchased from an individual who wasn’t even aware that they would want to offer a MARC records.  I knew if I sent it for cataloguing the K teacher would not have the resource for their butterfly unit that year. I notice in the catalogue that it still isn't catalogued (http://prin.ent.sirsidynix.net/client/drc ). I got a great review and an excited teacher already planning to plan around the resource more in the following year!