Jeff Edmunds

Abstract: Batchloading bibliographic records into the catalog, as a rapid and cost-effective means of providing access to electronic and microform collections, has become in recent years a significant workflow for many libraries. Thanks to batchloading, previously hidden collections, some costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, are made visible, and library holdings are more accurately reflected by the online catalog. Subject specialists report significant increases in the use of electronic resources and microforms within days (and sometimes only hours) of loading record sets into the online catalog. Managing batchloading projects requires collaboration across many library units, including collection development, acquisitions, cataloging, systems, and public services. The authors believe that their experiences will be instructive to other libraries and that Penn State’s processes will assist them in making their own batchloading policies and procedures more efficient.

Abstract: Research libraries are using batchloading to provide access to many resources that they would otherwise be unable to catalog given the staff and other resources available. To explore how such libraries are managing their batchloading activities, the authors conducted a survey of the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services Directors of Large Research Libraries Interest Group member libraries. The survey addressed staffing, budgets, scope, workflow, management, quality standards, information technology support, collaborative efforts, and assessment of batchloading activities. The authors provide an analysis of the survey results along with suggestions for process improvements and future research.

Abstract: Most academic theses and dissertations are now born-digital assets (i.e., electronic theses and dissertations). As such, they often coexist with author-supplied metadata that has the potential for being repurposed and enhanced to facilitate discovery and access in an online environment. The authors describe the evolution of the electronic thesis and dissertation (ETD) cataloging workflow at a large research library, from the era of print to the present day, with emphasis on the challenges and opportunities of harvesting author-supplied metadata for cataloging ETDs. The authors provide detailed explanations of the harvesting process, creating code for the metadata transformations, loading records, and quality assurance procedures.

Abstract: In following a practice for developing software now common in the computing industry, OCLC has been developing CORC (Cooperative Online Resource Catalog) live, allowing its customers, primarily libraries, to act as beta testers. This has allowed testers to provide continuous feedback as they use and interact with system features as they are added. This has also given beta testers, who have been predominantly catalogers, the unique opportunity to experience the latest computing technologies in a cooperative cataloging environment. Two catalogers from a large ARL library give a hands-on report from the field, and, in so doing, provide a glimpse of what it is like to catalog Internet resources in CORC.

Abstract: SUMMARY In following a practice for developing software now common in the computing industry, OCLC has been developing CORC ‘live,’ allowing its customers, primarily libraries, to act as beta testers This has allowed testers to provide continuous feedback as they use and interact with system features as they are added This has also given beta testers, who have been predominantly catalogers, the unique opportunity to experience the latest computing technologies in a cooperative cataloging environment Two catalogers from a large ARL library give a ‘hands-on’ report from the field, and, in so doing, provide a glimpse of what it is like to catalog Internet resources in CORC

Abstract: E-books have become a substantial part of many academic library collections. Catalog records for each e-book title enhance discovery by library users, but cataloging individual books may be impossible when large packages are purchased. Increasingly, libraries are relying on outside sources for their e-book catalog records, which may come from vendors or third-party record services and are frequently included in the price of a subscription. Rather than handling individual items, catalogers find themselves managing and manipulating large sets of catalog records. While dealing with the records in batch is the only practical way to provide access to the large sets, batch processing does bring about a new set of challenges. This paper will explore the challenges of managing Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) records for the Springer e-book collection at the University of Illinois at Chicago University Library. It discusses tools and methods to improve record quality while working in a consortial setting. It provides lessons learned, continuing challenges of working with vendor records, and some steps that might help other libraries expedite the process of getting vendor records into the catalog.

Abstract: Introduction This bibliography is meant to accompany the literature review on cataloging and classification covering 2009 and 2010, " Cresting toward the Sea Change, " that is published in the April 2012 issue of Library Resources and Technical Services (volume 56, number 2). It contains citations to English-sources are listed here than were discussed in the literature review. The citations are arranged in the same manner as the article, with entries listed under nine broad topic headings (see the list, below). All site addresses included in the citations were viewed and the links correct as of December 16, 2011. Acknowledgments The bibliography was funded in part through a Carnegie-Whitney grant awarded to Sue Ann Gardner by the Library Resources and Technical Services (LRTS) Editorial Board. Many thanks to Charles Wilt, ALCTS Executive Director, who facilitated the awarding of the grant, and to the LRTS Board for their support. Thanks are due to Anna Sophia Cotton, research assistant for the project, who gathered citations for this project from August through November 2010.

Abstract: Research libraries are using batchloading to provide access to many resources that they would otherwise be unable to catalog given the staff and other resources available. To explore how such libraries are managing their batchloading activities, the authors conducted a survey of the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services Directors of Large Research Libraries Interest Group member libraries. The survey addressed staffing, budgets, scope, workflow, management, quality standards, information technology support, collaborative efforts, and assessment of batchloading activities. The authors provide an analysis of the survey results along with suggestions for process improvements and future research.

Abstract: This article details the results of a 2011 study of cataloger librarians’ changing roles and responsibilities at academic Association of Research Libraries. The study participants, cataloging department heads, report that cataloger librarian roles are expanding to include cataloging more electronic resources and local hidden collections in addition to print materials. They are also creating non-MARC metadata. The increased usage of vendor products and services is also affecting the roles of cataloger librarians at some institutions. The article explores what skills cataloger librarians will need in the future and how libraries are providing training for that future.

Abstract: Since 2004, members of OhioLINK's Database Management and Standards Committee have worked together to produce and distribute bibliographic records for over 44,000 electronic books. Using historical evidence, as well as the personal experience of key personnel, this article examines the ways in which division of labor, cataloging standards, and procedures are negotiated within the consortium. Two case studies illustrate the ways in which cooperative e-book cataloging projects are created, developed, and adapted in response to changing circumstances. Challenges to current practices are discussed, and recommendations are offered to other libraries and consortia preparing to embark on cooperative cataloging projects.