Personnel in Public Services and in Cataloging and Metadata Services were surveyed to determine how they rated the importance of various cataloging services, and to gauge their satisfaction with these services. The two groups differed in the importance and satisfaction scores that they assigned to certain cataloging services. The issues raised by respondents suggested that Cataloging and Metadata Services should take a more proactive approach to communication with Public Services and indicated the need for further research.

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Assessment of cataloging services in an academic library

This paper provides some insight into cataloguers’ and end users’ perception of the importance of bibliographic data for fiction for two purposes: required reading for school and leisure reading. To obtain information about opinion of cataloguers and users, we used multiple data collection methods: observation, think aloud protocol and in-depth interviews. Four studies were conducted: among 30 cataloguers in June 2014 and 32 cataloguers in February and March 2016, and among 105 high school students in November 2011 and 108 adults in July 2012. The focus was on Slovenian catalogers and users. The results revealed similarities between users’ and cataloguers’ view of the most important bibliographic data for fiction. Finally, we propose attributes, considered as important from cataloguers’ as well as users’ standpoint. Most of them could be included in the bibliographic record, regardless of the cataloguing rules and practice.

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The gap between users and cataloguers: perception of importance of bibliographic data for required reading and leisure reading

Purpose: Librarians as creators of the library catalogue should incorporate users’ needs into the library catalogue, however, they are limited by cataloguing rules and practices. Nevertheless, it is crucial to know the needs and difficulties as noticed by librarians in reference interviews. Methodology/approach: Interviews focusing on the issues of current library catalogues and needed changes were carried out with six (6) librarians from public libraries and ten (10) librarians from academic libraries who interact with users daily. The research was conducted in April 2014 and July 2017 in public and academic libraries. Results: The results identify difficulties encountered by librarians in reference interviews. The interviewees have highlighted the problem of different versions of library materials as well as the relative importance of attributes and relationships, which should be included in bibliographic records, and have described their views on current cataloguing rules. Research limitations: The limitation of the research is the convenience sample. Originality/practical implications: The results are important for creators of bibliographic records and authors of new cataloguing rules. They can set the basis for future research and reflection on the enrichment of library catalogues in the framework of current cataloguing practices as well as in the development of new generations of library catalogues, which will be based on different cataloguing rules.

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Mnenja splošnih in visokošolskih knjižničarjev o potrebnih spremembah knjižničnega kataloga

Introduction. Library catalogues enable people to explore and take advantage of the wealth of library collections. However, their use is relatively low, not only because they are difficult to use but also because they lack the needed data. Research questions. To go beyond the constraints of current bibliographic data and find potentially missing data elements, our research investigated what data is needed to help different types of users find, identify, select, obtain, and explore information in the context of fiction. Methods. Using a combination of qualitative methods (observations, surveys, and interviews), different groups of users were investigated. For each of the groups a special study was designed to find out based on which criteria they selected books. Rounding up the series of studies, a focus group and interviews were organised with reference librarians to tap into their rich experience. Results. Although the paper briefly outlines some of the main conclusions from the five studies, more focus is given on the study descriptions from the viewpoint of their design. Conclusions. To improve digital or classical services, investigation of information needs is one of the key areas that can benefit considerably from qualitative research methods. Our paper provides examples of how these studies can be designed and what kind of research questions they can help us answer. Keywords : information needs, interviews, observations, focus groups, library catalogues

Researching bibliographic data with users: examples of 5 qualitative studies

Objective – The objective of the study was to determine if summary notes or table of contents notes in catalogue records are associated with the usage of e-books in a large university library. Methods – A retrospective cohort study, analyzing titles from three major collections of e-books was employed. Titles were categorized based on the inclusion of the MARC 505 note (table of contents) or MARC 520 note (summary) in the catalogue record. The usage was based on standardized reports from 2012-2013. The measures of usage were the number of titles used and the number of sections downloaded. Statistical methods used in the analysis included correlations and odd ratios (ORs). The usage measures were stratified by publication year and subject to adjust for the effects of these factors on usage.

Evidence Based Library and Information Practice

Libraries seek methods of maximizing users' discovery of relevant resources. One of these methods is to enhance bibliographic records with tables of contents. Limited previous research has shown a positive correlation between record enhancement and circulation, but the costs for enhancement can vary widely. The authors present their research in which they examined circulation statistics after retrospectively enhancing records for anthologies of literature with low prior circulation. Results indicate that circulation increased for some subject areas, but not others. The authors conclude that this service is of value to our users, and discuss the issues of costs and selection of items for this kind of project.

Mina Chercourt

Papers

Making Keywords Work: Connecting Patrons to Resources Through Enhanced Bibliographic Records