Showing papers in "Cataloging & Classification Quarterly in 1997"
TL;DR: In this article, the necessary competencies for future catalogers suggested by the cataloging community are examined, and the recommendation is for a curricular syndetic structure that identifies relationships among courses and links courses with the concepts and competencies necessary for organizing information.
Abstract: SUMMARY Continuous consideration of the curriculum and the environment is required to provide a cataloging curriculum responsive to an evolving profession yet grounded in solid theory and principles. The necessary competencies for future catalogers suggested by the cataloging community are examined. Fifty-two ALA-accredited library school programs are analyzed to determine the strength of cataloging within the curriculum and the degree to which the competencies are addressed. It is concluded that adequate education of future catalogers requires an expanded view beyond traditional cataloging courses. The recommendation is for a curricular syndetic structure that identifies relationships among courses and links courses with the concepts and competencies necessary for organizing information.
27 citations
TL;DR: Gregor and Mandel as mentioned in this paper claimed that there is only a "ten to 20 percent" agreement among subject catalogers in assigning LC subject headings, which is based on a serious misreading of previous studies of indexer consistency.
Abstract: An article published in 1991 “Cataloging Must Change!” by Dorothy Gregor and Carol Mandel, has popularized the belief that there is only “ten to 20 percent” agreement among subject catalogers in assigning LC subject headings. Because of this alleged lack of consistency, the article suggests, catalogers “can be more accepting of variations in subject choices” in copy cataloging. This inference, however, is based on a serious misreading of previous studies of indexer consistency. The “ten to 20 percent” agreement figure actually derives from studies of people trying to guess the same natural language key words, precisely in the absence of vocabulary control mechanisms such as thesauri or Library of Congress Subject Headings. The sources cited by Gregor and Mandel fail to support their conclusion; in fact, some of the sources directly contradict it. A naive acceptance by the library profession of the “ten to 20 percent” claim can only have negative consequences for the quality of subject cataloging ...
26 citations
TL;DR: This article, written from a supervisor's perspective, outlines some of those specific attributes that the authors look for when recruiting and explains their importance in today's cataloging environment.
Abstract: While the literature addresses to some degree the practitioner's view on the educational requirements of the entry-level cataloger, usually in the form of the theory vs. practice argument, little is written about specific qualities, skills, and abilities that the cataloging supervisor looks for when recruiting new catalogers. This article, written from a supervisor's perspective, outlines some of those specific attributes that we look for when recruiting and explains their importance in today's cataloging environment.
15 citations
TL;DR: Though all library operations are affected by the development of technology, technical services operations are the first to undergo massive organizational restructuring in response.
Abstract: Summary: Though all library operations are affected by the development of technology, technical services operations are the first to undergo massive organizational restructuring in response. Some current changes and their effects on library cataloging departments are addressed. Two cataloging options are discussed. One is the use of vendor services, such as OCLC's Contract Cataloging, Prompt-Cat, and OCLC Selection. The other is the use of non-traditional staff. The impact of such changes on the role of librarians and on staff education is considered.
15 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that there is no evidence to indicate a collapse of demand for cataloguing skills by libraries and related organisations, however, there is evidence of a decline in demand in the US since the late 1980s, and a significant shift towards temporary work in the UK.
Abstract: SUMMARY Findings of an investigation into cataloguing vacancies advertised over a twelve month period (March 1995 to February 1996) in the US and the UK are presented and discussed. The study was undertaken to investigate current trends in cataloguing employment, providing empirical input to the debate over the present status and the future of cataloguing in both countries. Supplementary data was derived from questionnaires circulated during the same period to UK employment agencies and practising UK cataloguers. Wider inferences and conclusions are drawn in a final discussion, suggesting that there is no evidence to indicate a collapse of demand for cataloguing skills by libraries and related organisations. However, there is evidence of a decline in demand in the US since the late 1980s, and a significant shift towards temporary work in the UK.
11 citations
TL;DR: The responses indicated four areas in which catalogers use the Internet: searching the OPACs of other libraries, communicating with colleagues, accessing online cataloging documentation and publications, and authority work.
Abstract: Catalogers have been reporting the ways they use the Internet for several years, but as yet there has been little evaluation done to determine for which areas of cataloging the Internet is a valuable tool and for which areas it is not as useful. A survey was conducted in an effort to elicit this information. The responses indicated four areas in which catalogers use the Internet: searching the OPACs of other libraries, communicating with colleagues, accessing online cataloging documentation and publications, and authority work. Some catalogers also related processes for which they have found the Internet to not be efficient.
11 citations
TL;DR: The role of technology in cataloging knowledge and research is explored in this paper, where a conventional view of cataloging practice is followed by a critical review of impacts of technology on cataloging theories.
Abstract: SUMMARY Uncertainty over the future of cataloging and the gap between cataloging research and practice exist partially because of the rapid change in technology over this century. The role of technology is explored in its relation to cataloging knowledge and research. The history of technology in cataloging is examined: a conventional view of cataloging practice is followed by a critical review of impacts of technology on cataloging theories. Recommendations are made on some issues of cataloging research and the directions cataloging researchers and practitioners should take.
8 citations
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TL;DR: Experimental OPACs have been developed in an attempt to assist users in conceptual transformation of their information needs into searchable queries, and other non-traditional models for storing and retrieving information should be considered to create an intuitive OPAC.
Abstract: SUMMARY Advances in computer and communication technology have had an important impact on online public access catalogues (OPACs). The client/server model, the Internet, protocols, and standards such as Z39.50 have resulted in newly designed interfaces which reduce syntactic and semantic knowledge required to conduct effective online searches. Experimental OPACs have been developed in an attempt to assist users in conceptual transformation of their information needs into searchable queries. These experiments are based primarily on determining users' behavior at the OPAC terminal, which needs much further study. Meanwhile, other non-traditional models for storing and retrieving information should be considered to create an intuitive OPAC.
8 citations
TL;DR: This book proposes a return to a largely forgotten area of study—classification theory, and some suggestions for exploration are nonmonotonic logic systems, neural network models, and non-library models.
Abstract: SUMMARY Classic classification schemes are uni-dimensional, with few exceptions. One of the challenges of distance education and new learning strategies is that the proliferation of course work defies the traditional categorization. The rigidity of most present classification schemes does not mesh well with the burgeoning fluidity of the academic environment. One solution is a return to a largely forgotten area of study—classification theory. Some suggestions for exploration are nonmonotonic logic systems, neural network models, and non-library models.
8 citations
TL;DR: The authors used a survey instrument to obtain university faculty input on the usefulness of including and displaying typical elements of the catalog record, including title, primary author, date, subjects, other authors, and series, and moderately high levels of agreement for summary notes, contents notes, standard numbers, publisher, pagination, and related titles.
Abstract: The institution of library cataloging has come under fire as rigid and unresponsive to user needs. How well does the information provided in the catalog record serve the user? In this study we used a survey instrument to obtain university faculty input on the usefulness of including and displaying typical elements of the catalog record. Results indicate the highest levels of agreement with usefulness of title, primary author, date, subjects, other authors, and series; moderately high levels of agreement for summary notes, contents notes, standard numbers, publisher, pagination, and related titles; and lower levels of agreement for reference notes, place of publication, index notes, illustrations, and size.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed the consequences of the traditional division of library staff into technical services and reader services and of decreased interest in cataloging by library managers, and the appropriateness of holistic library science and practice for today and the future is argued.
Abstract: SUMMARY Some consequences of the traditional division of library staff into Technical Services and Reader Services and of decreased interest in cataloging by library managers are reviewed. Ways in which non-catalogers have had limited involvement in cataloging are noted. Different forms of a holistic approach to library practice are described. Advantages of a holistic work plan are suggested. Problems of a holistic work plan are considered and some solutions advanced. Implications for education in cataloging in library schools are identified, and several methods for providing a more holistic context to professional education proposed. The appropriateness of holistic library science and practice for today and the future is argued.
TL;DR: The cataloging has always depended on choices made by non-catalogers and it has been driven by technology as mentioned in this paper, and technological innovations expand the range of materials requiring bibliographic control and also improve the quality of that control.
Abstract: SUMMARY Cataloging has always depended on choices made by non-catalogers and it has been driven by technology. Technological innovations expand the range of materials requiring bibliographic control and also improve the quality of that control. In the near future, economic factors will constrain opportunities to continue improving quality. Technological factors will continue to broaden demands on catalogers. Inability to continue expanding the revenue streams of supporting institutions will limit catalogers' efforts while rapid growth of information bearing technology, particularly on networks, will inflate demands for cataloging. Librarians must develop expanded skills with automation networks and modem software systems if they are to maintain control.
TL;DR: A personal portable information interface is described that can be used as a standard with which to compare available networked services and resources, and the delivery of those resources to specific user populations.
Abstract: SUMMARY A personal portable information interface is described. The framework of the personal portable information interface encompasses the attributes of Access, Accuracy, Attractiveness, Assistance, Appropriateness, and Adaptability. This model can be used as a standard with which to compare available networked services and resources, and the delivery of those resources to specific user populations.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of the Internet on the work of the descriptive cataloguer are examined, and it is argued that such services provided by the World Wide Web will have a profound influence on the practice of descriptive cataloguing.
Abstract: SUMMARY The effects of the Internet on the work of the descriptive cataloguer are examined. Most of the effects stem from services available via the World Wide Web. These services either put the descriptive cataloguer in closer contact with suppliers, publishers, or vendors, or offer access to a vast range of reference or cataloguing information. It is argued that such services provided by the World Wide Web will have a profound influence on the practice of descriptive cataloguing.
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey of nonprint catalogers in ARL academic libraries describes their demographic and professional background, their position, staffing for non-print cataloging and processing, formats collected and bibliographic access provided, training and competency in and responsibilities for cataloging, work organizational and technical challenges, and career aspects.
Abstract: Today's emphasis on developing nonprint-format collections in academic libraries mirrors advances in information technology. More new than old, these formats impact not only library planning, policy, and budgets, but also the training and the work of those who select, catalog, process, house, access, and circulate them. Results of this 33-item survey of nonprint catalogers in ARL academic libraries describe their demographic and professional background, their position, staffing for nonprint cataloging and processing, formats collected and bibliographic access provided, training and competency in and responsibilities for cataloging, work organizational and technical challenges, and career aspects.
TL;DR: In this paper, an action agenda for technical services in the digital age is developed, focusing on three areas: educational requirements for new information professionals, redesign of organizations, and retooling or re-education of current library professionals.
Abstract: SUMMARY An action agenda is developed for technical services in the digital age. Various cultural changes that must take place in order for the library community to realize the potential of information technology are described. The agenda for change focuses on three areas: educational requirements for new information professionals, the redesign of organizations, and the retooling or re-education of current library professionals.
TL;DR: A comparative analysis of choice and form of main entry in the monograph cataloging of the Library of Congress and that of the British Library and the national libraries of Canada and Australia in 1982 and 1989 is examined.
Abstract: A comparative analysis of choice and form of main entry in the monograph cataloging of the Library of Congress (LC) and that of the British Library and the national libraries of Canada and Australia in 1982 and 1989, examining the extent to which LC practice and that of the other agencies was consistent and, when it was not, the apparent reasons for the inconsistency Part 1 provides a general introduction and background to the study, along with an analysis of broad patterns and patterns affecting the choice of main entry Part 2 will provide an analysis of patterns affecting the form of main entry headings (personal and corporate names), choice and form of uniform titles and titles proper, and miscellaneous descriptive cataloging elements, as well as overall conclusions and recommendations
TL;DR: A comparative analysis of choice and form of main entry in the monograph cataloging of the Library of Congress and that of the British Library and the national libraries of Canada and Australia in 1982 and 1989 is presented in this article.
Abstract: A comparative analysis of choice and form of main entry in the monograph cataloging of the Library of Congress (LC) and that of the British Library and the national libraries of Canada and Australia in 1982 and 1989, examining the extent to which LC practice and that of the other agencies was consistent and, when it was not, the apparent reasons for the inconsistency. Part 1 provided a general introduction and background to the study, along with an analysis of broad patterns and patterns affecting the choice of main entry. Part 2 provides an analysis of patterns affecting the form of main entry headings (personal and corporate names), choice and form of uniform titles and titles proper, and miscellaneous descriptive cataloging elements, as well as overall conclusions and recommendations.
TL;DR: A new approach of harmonizing AACR2r and RAK-WB1 is underway and hopefully will be concluded in the near future and some major problems remain to be solved including hierarchies and romanization.
Abstract: Twenty-five years after IFLA tried an equalization of entries a new approach of harmonizing AACR2r and RAK-WB1 is underway and hopefully will be concluded in the near future Minor and major problems have been analyzed Possible solutions are determined for name entries of persons and corporate bodies An adaption has to be made in German rules in order to reach the same amount of “entities” in an authority file (so far the RAK has no differentiation in personal names) Participation in international name authority files on the basis of “national” entry forms should be implemented as soon as possible A harmonization in the title area, including codes for form titles, is in the stage of final adaption by the new “Rule Conference” as well Some major problems remain to be solved including hierarchies and romanization
TL;DR: In this article, a review of recent developments in the improvement of communication between those responsible for editing the general schemes of classification and their users is outlined, including increased participation in conferences, the publication of guides and manuals for aiding the implementation of general classifications, and the use of the Internet as a means of communicating.
Abstract: SUMMARY Recent developments in the improvement of communication between those responsible for editing the general schemes of classification and their users are outlined. Increased participation in conferences, the publication of guides and manuals for aiding the implementation of general classifications, and the use of the Internet as a means of communicating are all ways in which users hear more about these schemes and can make their views known to those responsible for maintaining them. Increased communication at editorial level, including coordination of current developments and future revisions is discussed. The Dewey Decimal Classification, the Library of Congress Classification, the Universal Decimal Classification, and the Bliss Bibliographic Classification (BC2) are reviewed and the ways in which each communicates with its users and participates in joint enterprises are noted.