Showing papers in "Cataloging & Classification Quarterly in 2006"
TL;DR: The results of a questionnaire survey show that catalogers and other metadata specialists are undertaking a broad range of CPD activities, and would welcome more opportunities to upgrade their skills and knowledge.
Abstract: It has been widely recognised that MLS courses and on-the-job training need to be supplemented by continuing professional development (CPD), if catalogers are to fulfil their potential and remain in the field. The results of a questionnaire survey show that catalogers and other metadata specialists are undertaking a broad range of CPD activities, and would welcome more opportunities. They are especially keen on short courses, but also interested in more formal and longer-term programs, and are looking to upgrade their skills and knowledge in both traditional and emerging areas. While most think that their CPD efforts can advance their careers, many catalogers consider levels of support from employers and the profession to be less than adequate.
31 citations
TL;DR: The author makes recommendations for classification online to solve these vexing problems of end users: staging of access, retrieving the best material in response to user queries, and automatic approaches to finding additional relevant information for an ongoing search.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper examines the forty-year history of online use of classification systems. Enhancing subject access was the rationale for obtaining support to conduct research in classification online and for incorporating classification into online systems. Catalogers have been the beneficiaries of most of the advances in classification online and operational online systems are now able to assist them in class number assignment and shelflisting. To this day, the only way in which most end users experience classification online is through their online catalog's shelflist browsing capability. The author speculates on the reasons why classification online never caught on as an end user's tool in online systems. Both the information industry and the library and information science community missed the opportunity to lead the charge in the organization of Internet resources; however, OCLC, the publisher of the Dewey Decimal Classification, has made substantial improvements to the scheme that have increased i...
29 citations
TL;DR: The authors advocate a fully faceted syntax using the facets of a modern faceted library classification (The Bliss Bibliographic Classification, 2nd ed.) and demonstrate how this might be accomplished so as to integrate the new syntax with existing headings.
Abstract: Moving to a fully faceted syntax would resolve three problems facing Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): (1) Inconsistent syntax rules; (2) Inability to create headings that are coextensive with the topic of a work; and (3) Lack of effective displays for long lists of subdivisions under a single subject heading in OPACs and similar electronic displays. The authors advocate a fully faceted syntax using the facets of a modern faceted library classification (The Bliss Bibliographic Classification, 2nd ed.). They demonstrate how this might be accomplished so as to integrate the new syntax with existing headings.
28 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the development of a mentoring program for aspiring catalogers, sponsored and administered by the ALCTS CCS Committee on Education, Training, and Recruitment for Cataloging (CETRC), is described.
Abstract: This paper traces the development of a mentoring program for aspiring catalogers, sponsored and administered by the ALCTS CCS Committee on Education, Training, and Recruitment for Cataloging (CETRC). Background is given on the reasons for establishing the program, as well as the two pilot programs that preceded the current, ongoing mentoring service. Results of the assessment of the second pilot are shared. Though CETRC still faces challenges in sustaining the program on an ongoing basis, the Committee feels it is a valuable endeavor worth continuing.
24 citations
TL;DR: The case for the participation of catalogers in the creation of descriptive metadata creation is examined, an extension of the catalogers' existing skills, abilities, and knowledge, and it should be encouraged and supported.
Abstract: This article examines the case for the participation of catalogers in the creation of descriptive metadata. Metadata creation is an extension of the catalogers' existing skills, abilities, and knowledge. As such, it should be encouraged and supported. However, issues in this process, such as cost, supply of catalogers, and the need for further training will also be examined. The authors use examples from the literature and their own experiences in descriptive metadata creation. Suggestions for future research on the topic are included.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored 89 technical services managerial position announcements published during a four-year period in order to determine the common aspects of employers' expectations for these positions, including academic preparation, professional experience, supervisory and training abilities, bibliographic control tasks, technical understandings and familiarities.
Abstract: Employers articulate expectations for technical services managerial positions including academic preparation and professional experience (cataloging, classification, authority control, acquisitions), supervisory and training abilities, bibliographic control tasks, technical understandings and familiarities with a theoretical basis for organization technical skills (bibliographic utilities, tools) and non-library specific competencies. Therefore, technical services managerial position announcements provide insight into shifting requirements regarding graduate education, expertise, and preferred preparations for these positions. This empirical research study explores 89 technical services managerial position announcements published during a four-year period in order to determine the common aspects of employers' expectations. A rigorous content analysis methodology enabled the researcher to identify employers' expectations and requirements among types of libraries.
21 citations
TL;DR: The role of DDC in the ongoing HILT (High-level Thesaurus) project is discussed, and the primary concern is with the subject interoperability solution piloted in phase II, and with the use of D DC as a spine in that approach.
Abstract: The role of DDC in the ongoing HILT (High-level Thesaurus) project is discussed. A phased initiative, funded by JISC in the UK, HILT addresses an issue of likely interest to anyone serving users wishing to cross-search or cross-browse groups of networked information services, whether at regional, national or international level - the problem of subject-based retrieval from multiple sources using different subject schemes for resource description. Although all three phases of HILT to date are covered, the primary concern is with the subject interoperability solution piloted in phase II, and with the use of DDC as a spine in that approach.
18 citations
TL;DR: Among the more surprising results are the hugely dominant share of browsing activities, the good use of browsing support features like the graphical fish-eye overviews, rather long and varied navigation sequences, as well as extensive hierarchical directory-style browsing through the large DDC system.
Abstract: This study explores the navigation behaviour of all users of a large web service, Renardus, using web log analysis. Renardus provides integrated searching and browsing access to quality-controlled web resources from major individual subject gateway services. The main navigation feature is subject browsing through the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) based on mapping of classes of resources from the distributed gateways to the DDC structure. Among the more surprising results are the hugely dominant share of browsing activities, the good use of browsing support features like the graphical fish-eye overviews, rather long and varied navigation sequences, as well as extensive hierarchical directory-style browsing through the large DDC system.
16 citations
TL;DR: Two improvements are suggested: expand the MARC character repertoire and add rules to AACR to allow nonroman access points to find nonroman script library materials.
Abstract: For finding nonroman script library materials, catalogs with romanized access points alone are inadequate because they are unfamiliar to those who seek these materials. Relevant writers are surveyed. Information technology and MARC have eliminated the need to rely on card filers who knew only the order of letters in the roman alphabet. Two improvements are suggested: expand the MARC character repertoire and add rules to AACR to allow nonroman access points. Other issues are briefly described.
15 citations
TL;DR: The authors discuss the issues and difficulties specific to cataloging these fragments, how an online catalog can facilitate this ambitious task, and why MARC tagging was adopted for this purpose.
Abstract: The University of Pennsylvania Library and the Tay-lor-Schechter Genizah Research Unit at Cambridge University Library in England have embarked on a project to digitize their joint holdings of manuscript fragments from the Cairo Genizah. One goal of this collaboration is to develop and implement an online catalog and image database for the University of Pennsylvania's collection of Genizah fragments, which will provide the foundation for a global electronic repository and catalog of the entire Cairo Genizah. The project staffs have developed preliminary guidelines for standardized descriptive metadata. The authors discuss the issues and difficulties specific to cataloging these fragments, how an online catalog can facilitate this ambitious task, and why MARC tagging was adopted for this purpose.
14 citations
TL;DR: This article investigates classification and subject heading systems used in academic health sciences libraries and the reasons these systems were chosen and the respective systems used at the general libraries at the same academic institutions, in order to find out if there is a desire for conformity.
Abstract: This article investigates classification and subject heading systems used in academic health sciences libraries and the reasons these systems were chosen. The study also ascertains the respective systems used at the general libraries at the same academic institutions, in order to find out if there is a desire for conformity. Specific attention is paid to the question whether a shared OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) may play a role in this desire. The results show that 75% of the survey participants from academic health sciences libraries use primarily the NLM (National Library of Medicine) classification system and 95% use MeSH (Medical Subject Headings). General libraries at the same institutions overwhelmingly use the systems developed by the Library of Congress. The most compelling reason for the use of NLM systems is that they are considered the most appropriate for medical collections.
TL;DR: Views of recent graduates, and of chief cataloguers and other trainers, show that the general opinion is that not enough is being taught about cataloguing and classification.
Abstract: SUMMARY A survey of postgraduate education and training for cataloguing and classification in the British Isles in late 2003 was carried out by consulting websites and sending an e-mail request. Cataloguing and classification have become largely invisible in professional education, but it appears that most courses still include something about them, though not always as a compulsory module and usually without much practical work. The course at University College London is described. Views of recent graduates, and of chief cataloguers and other trainers, are included, and show that the general opinion is that not enough is being taught about cataloguing and classification. Finally, the article looks at training given by commercial providers.
TL;DR: This article analyzed bibliographical references/notes in articles in Cataloging & Classification Quarterly (CCQ) for every other year from 1994 to 2004, and found that the use of e-resources in bibliographic organization research is increasing.
Abstract: How are library professionals who do research about bibliographic organization using electronic resources (e-resources) in their journal articles? Are they keeping pace with the use of e-resources outside the library world? What are the e-resources most used in their research? This article aims to address these and other questions by analyzing bibliographical references/notes in articles in Cataloging & Classification Quarterly (CCQ) for every other year from 1994 to 2004.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the problems encountered by cataloguers in Trinidad and Tobago using DDC and LCC and provide recommendations on how the relevant sections of the classification schemes can be amended to provide better support for the classification of Caribbean popular music.
Abstract: SUMMARY The classification of Caribbean popular music poses problems to cataloguers. The paper discusses the problems which have been encountered by cataloguers in Trinidad and Tobago using Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification (LCC). Some of the creative solutions adopted to circumvent these issues are discussed. Further, the paper offers recommendations on how the relevant sections of the classification schemes can be amended to provide for Trinidad and Tobago as well as Caribbean popular music.
TL;DR: Investigations of the transmission and study of works such as medieval saints' lives and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as well as works conceived in electronic form give insight into the processes involved and provide some clues for how catalogers can cope with these factors.
Abstract: The concept of a “work” is fundamental to cataloging and users, but there is no clear understanding of the point at which one work becomes another. Various factors influence the setting of the boundaries of a work including that of the reception of the work. Brief investigations of the transmission and study of works such as medieval saints' lives and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as well as works conceived in electronic form give insight into the processes involved and provide some clues for how catalogers can cope with these factors.
TL;DR: Bibliographic records in academic libraries, the LC, and the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) are analyzed to identify the issues and problems of the McCune-Reischauer (MR)1 system, the Korean romanization scheme currently used in the United States.
Abstract: This paper analyzes cataloging rules for Korean materials focusing on the McCune-Reischauer (MR)1 system, the Korean romanization scheme currently used in the United States. This system has been used for a long time in many Western countries, and was officially adopted by the Library of Congress (LC) for use in the cataloging of Korean language materials. Considering users' information-seeking behavior and searching abilities, however, the MR system has many drawbacks for increasing users' ability to retrieve information. This paper analyzes bibliographic records in academic libraries, the LC, and the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) to identify the issues and problems of the MR system. A user survey conducted demonstrates that the MR system is not a user-customized tool based on users' searching ability. Several solutions are suggested to overcome the limitations of the MR system.
TL;DR: Critical issues raised include the indexing of constructed or synthesized complex concepts, inconsistencies in how enhancement terms are portrayed and the absence of them in some instances, the problem of equating conceptual context with disciplinary context, and problems associated with not indexing one type of special table.
Abstract: SUMMARY The “Relative Index” of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is investigated over the span of its lifetime in 22 editions of the DDC as to its character as a concept indexing system, its provision of conceptual contexts for the terms it lists, and the way in which the index intersects with special tables of categories used in the system. Striking features of the index that are discussed include how the locater function of an index is expressed in it, its practice of including concepts that have not been given specific notational locations in the system, its two methods of providing conceptual contexts for indexed terms (by means of the notation of the system and by the insertion of enhancement terms that portray conceptual context), and how the index has intersected with three types of special tables of categories in the system. Critical issues raised include the indexing of constructed or synthesized complex concepts, inconsistencies in how enhancement terms are portrayed and the absence of the...
TL;DR: General trends in education for cataloging and classification in Mexico are seen by comparing the different Mexican LIS schools and their program curricula.
Abstract: SUMMARY The main objective of this paper is to provide an overview about education for cataloging and classification in Mexico Mexican Library and Information Science (LIS) schools have traditionally featured a strong emphasis on cataloging and classification learning, which continues to be an important part of their curricula Additionally, as in other countries, education for cataloging and classification in Mexico has been influenced by the changes that libraries and Library Science have experienced as a result of new technological developments General trends in education for cataloging and classification in Mexico are seen by comparing the different Mexican LIS schools and their program curricula
TL;DR: The work and steps that go into creating a funnel project, the training process, and includes a brief discussion of the types and scope of records that the South Dakota NACO Funnel Project has created to date are described.
Abstract: Describes a new Program for Cooperative Cataloging NACO funnel project that was begun in August 2004 among four academic and one state library in South Dakota. The desire to start this project originated from the South Dakota State Library, whose cataloging staff wanted to receive training on authority record creation in order to create and update authority records for state agency names. Details the work and steps that go into creating a funnel project, the training process, and includes a brief discussion of the types and scope of records that the South Dakota NACO Funnel Project has created to date.
TL;DR: The main problems of cataloging Persian language materials as it is practiced in North America are discussed in this article, where the problems are grouped by origin: those that originate from the implementation of the ALA-LC Romanization Tables for Persian; those that occur either because of misleading examples used in that Table's rules for application section, or a lack of functional knowledge of Persian; and those that appear in the treatment of names generally and choice and form of main entry specifically, due to the application of inappropriate rules for Persian names.
Abstract: The main problems of cataloging Persian language materials as it is practiced in North America are discussed. The problems are grouped by origin: those that originate from the implementation of the ALA-LC Romanization Tables for Persian; those that occur either because of misleading examples used in that Table's rules for application section, or a lack of functional knowledge of Persian; and those that appear in the treatment of names generally and choice and form of main entry specifically, due to the application of inappropriate rules for Persian names. Suggestions for dealing with these cataloging issues are presented.
TL;DR: An analysis of the contents of cataloging and classification courses and teaching methodologies of six of the country's eight LIS Departments reveals that cataloging practices of the 1960s and 1970s dominate, a wide scale absence of newer technologies, nonavailability of competent teachers, and poor lab facilities both in terms of equipment and library materials.
Abstract: Cataloging and classification has been regarded as a required course in the curricula at all levels of library education in Pakistan. An analysis of the contents of cataloging and classification courses and teaching methodologies of six of the country's eight LIS Departments reveals that cataloging practices of the 1960s and 1970s dominate, a wide scale absence of newer technologies, non-availability of competent teachers, and poor lab facilities both in terms of equipment and library materials. Suggestions include: revision of curricula, arrangements to train cataloging and classification teachers in developed countries, improvement of laboratories, and the organization of continuing education programs.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of continuing education programs for catalogers offered by various library schools, human resource development institutions, automation vendors, and professional associations in Saudi Arabia is presented.
Abstract: SUMMARY Studies have revealed that LIS programs of the four library schools in Saudi Arabia are traditional, and their cataloging courses do not cover new trends and issues in the organization of information. As a result, graduates of these schools lack the required skills for various cataloging positions, especially in an electronic library environment. Once hired, they need to embark on a continuing education program to develop these skills. The paper aims to review continuing education programs for catalogers offered by various library schools, human resource development institutions, automation vendors, and professional associations in Saudi Arabia. Several other continuing education opportunities available to catalogers, such as Web-based training, professional reading, and electronic discussions lists, are also discussed.
TL;DR: An authority control project in the Keystone Library Network, an eighteen-member library consortium in Pennsylvania, is examined, made possible with monies procured through two Library Services and Technology Act grants.
Abstract: This article examines the implementation of an authority control project in the Keystone Library Network, an eighteen-member1 library consortium in Pennsylvania. The project was made possible with monies procured through two Library Services and Technology Act grants. The first grant funded staff training opportunities; the second covered base file cleanup of bibliographic records. The grant process and the management of the authority control project are described in detail.
TL;DR: A number of findings are revealed, including the increasing focus on machine-readable cataloging, cooperation in Cataloging, improving the practical part of cataloging and classification education, the need for continuing education of instructors, and continuing development of Cataloging courses.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper concentrates on the current state of cataloging and classification education in Egypt The authors highlight the changes which have occurred in the past five years and also envision expected changes for the near future All courses related inclusively to cataloging (both descriptive and subject) and classification of library materials have been examined Research design includes analyzing curricula, distributing a written questionnaire, and interviewing library and information science faculty from different departments throughout the country The paper reveals a number of findings that are of particular relevance to current and near-future cataloging and classification education in Egypt Among these findings are the increasing focus on machine-readable cataloging, cooperation in cataloging, improving the practical part of cataloging and classification education, the need for continuing education of instructors, and continuing development of cataloging courses
TL;DR: Using DDC mainly for retrieval purposes, not for shelving, leads to certain new approaches in classifying with Dewey which are described in detail and presented together with the German web service Melvil.
Abstract: SUMMARY The paper will give a short outline of the project DDC German. The project is not limited to a mere translation of DDC 22, but aims at the implementation of Dewey in the library networks of the German-language countries. Use of DDC mainly for retrieval purposes, not for shelving, leads to certain new approaches in classifying with Dewey which are described in detail and presented together with the German web service Melvil. Based on the German experience of cooperation and data exchange in the field of verbal indexing, the paper develops some ideas on future Dewey cooperation between European and American libraries.
TL;DR: The author identifies some problems in teaching DDC, followed by some of the content covered and some methodologies used to overcome the problems.
Abstract: SUMMARY The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system is a logical approach to a hierarchical categorization of recorded knowledge that makes sense to many people. It both illustrates classification theory and provides a practical way to organize information. It is taught in several different settings with content relying upon the purpose of the education or training. With reference to communications from colleagues, the author identifies some problems in teaching DDC, followed by some of the content covered and some methodologies used to overcome the problems. Several examples of teaching tools are included as appendices.
TL;DR: The research findings indicate that in 75% of the libraries the subject inconsistency values are 60% to 85% and that whenever the number of assigned terms increases, the probability of consistency decreases.
Abstract: This study represents an attempt to compare indexing consistency between the catalogers of the National Library of Iran (NLI) on one side and 12 major academic and special libraries located in Tehran on the other. The research findings indicate that in 75% of the libraries the subject inconsistency values are 60% to 85%. In terms of subject classes, the consistency values are 10% to 35.2%, the mean of which is 22.5%. Moreover, the findings show that whenever the number of assigned terms increases, the probability of consistency decreases. This confirms Markey's findings in 1984.
TL;DR: In this article, a self-study program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) was used to develop LIS students' foundation knowledge of descriptive cataloguing, while simultaneously encouraging students to think critically about broader issues that would inevitably impact on their role as information professionals.
Abstract: This paper discusses an innovative approach to teaching cataloguing. At Queensland University of Technology (QUT), students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Library and Information Studies were involved in an independent, learning activity which aimed to develop LIS students' foundation knowledge of descriptive cataloguing, while simultaneously encouraging students to think critically about broader issues that would inevitably impact on their role as information professionals. In the self-study program, learning activities included an interactive multimedia CD-ROM arid a printed workbook with exercises, augmented by the opportunity for group discussion in weekly tutorials to enable students to share key aspects of their independent learning. Students were asked to critically evaluate the CD-ROM and the workbook and also to develop their own professional views about the arguments for and against the inclusion of cataloguing in the LIS curriculum. The paper presents the outcomes of this pilot project.
TL;DR: A critical descriptive study of the situation of cataloging as an academic discipline within Library and Information Science studies in Spain, which is undergoing a reform that will produce important changes as a result of the adaptation of university studies to the common framework of the European Union.
Abstract: SUMMARY Objective: This is a critical descriptive study of the situation of cataloging as an academic discipline within Library and Information Science studies in Spain Material and methods: The descriptive analysis of the sectional contents of the general and specific guidelines of the degrees of Diplomado (three-year degree) and Licenciado (five-year degree) in LIS and the curricular programs of the Spanish university schools or departments Variables analyzed: The denomination and content descriptors of the course offerings and credit hours The test-re-test method was used, with a qualitative processing of data Results: General data is given about the studies in LIS: their introduction, the universities that offer them, and the degrees awarded Cataloging is considered an obligatory core subject matter, and is represented by several courses that present important differences insofar as their denominations, their credits, and their character from one curricular program to the next The average credit
TL;DR: The current state in Australia of education for cataloguing and classification is considered broadly and encompassing descriptive cataloguing, subject access, classification, metadata, knowledge organisation, bibliographic control, and other related areas for all formats of library resources.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article considers the current state in Australia of education for cataloguing and classification (considered broadly and encompassing descriptive cataloguing, subject access, classification, metadata, knowledge organisation, bibliographic control, and other related areas for all formats of library resources). Data comes from subject and course descriptions located in the handbook entries and web sites of Australian programs in library and information studies, and from an informal survey of practising cataloguers and library educators. Conclusions are drawn about the range of subjects taught, their focus, and their levels.