Showing papers in "Cataloging & Classification Quarterly in 2009"
TL;DR: Results of the study indicate a pressing need for the building of a common data model that is interoperable across digital repositories.
Abstract: This study presents the current state of research and practice on metadata quality through focus on the functional perspective on metadata quality, measurement, and evaluation criteria coupled with mechanisms for improving metadata quality. Quality metadata reflect the degree to which the metadata in question perform the core bibliographic functions of discovery, use, provenance, currency, authentication, and administration. The functional perspective is closely tied to the criteria and measurements used for assessing metadata quality. Accuracy, completeness, and consistency are the most common criteria used in measuring metadata quality in the literature. Guidelines embedded within a Web form or template perform a valuable function in improving the quality of the metadata. Results of the study indicate a pressing need for the building of a common data model that is interoperable across digital repositories.
147 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that lifecycle modeling provides a theoretical framework that can enhance the understanding of metadata, aid communication about the topic of metadata in the repository environment, and potentially help sustain robust repository development.
Abstract: The Dryad repository is for data supporting published research in the field of evolutionary biology and related disciplines. Dryad development team members seek a theoretical framework to aid communication about metadata issues and plans. This article explores lifecycle modeling as a theoretical framework for understanding metadata in the repository environment. A background discussion reviews the importance of theory, the status of a metadata theory, and lifecycle concepts. An analysis draws examples from the Dryad repository demonstrating automatic propagation, metadata inheritance, and value system adoption, and reports results from a faceted term mapping experiment that included 12 vocabularies and approximately 600 terms. The article also reports selected key findings from a recent survey on the data-sharing attitudes and behaviors of nearly 400 evolutionary biologists. The results confirm the applicability of lifecycle modeling to Dryad's metadata infrastructure. The article concludes that lifecycle...
58 citations
TL;DR: Neither the standards nor the software underlying institutional repositories anticipated performing name authority control on widely disparate metadata from highly unreliable sources, so both machines and humans are stymied in their efforts to access and aggregate information by author.
Abstract: Neither the standards nor the software underlying institutional repositories anticipated performing name authority control on widely disparate metadata from highly unreliable sources. Without it, though, both machines and humans are stymied in their efforts to access and aggregate information by author. Many organizations are awakening to the problems and possibilities of name authority control, but without better coordination, their efforts will only confuse matters further. Local heuristics-based name-disambiguation software may help those repository managers who can implement it. For the time being, however, most repository managers can only control their own name lists as best they can after deposit while they advocate for better systems and services.
47 citations
TL;DR: The findings of the study show that knowledge and skills centering on traditional cataloging and classification standards remain highly relevant in the digital environment and accordingly to metadata professionals.
Abstract: This study presents the current state of the roles and competencies sought from metadata professionals. We conducted a comprehensive content analysis of 107 job descriptions posted on the AUTOCAT listserv from January 2003 through December 2006. Multivariate techniques of cluster and multidimensional scaling analysis were applied to the content analysis. Results show that the principal responsibility expected of metadata professionals concerns metadata creation (73.8%). In addition to metadata creation, electronic resource management, awareness of trends, and digital library development constitute the core areas of demand in the metadata profession. The findings of the study also show that knowledge and skills centering on traditional cataloging and classification standards (60.7%) remain highly relevant in the digital environment and accordingly to metadata professionals.
44 citations
TL;DR: The contrasts between the mission of each repository effort will show the importance of local customization, while the experience of all three institutions forms the basis for recommendations on strategies of benefit to a wide range of librarians and repository planners.
Abstract: Many institutional repositories have pursued a mixed metadata environment, relying on description by multiple workflows. Strategies may include metadata converted from other systems, metadata elicited from the document creator or manager, and metadata created by library or repository staff. Additional editing or proofing may or may not occur. The mixed environment brings challenges of creation, management, and access. In this article, repository efforts at three major universities are discussed. All three repositories run on the DSpace software package, and the opportunities and limitations of that system will be examined. The authors discuss local strategies in light of current thinking on metadata creation, user behavior, and the aggregation of heterogeneous metadata. The contrasts between the mission of each repository effort will show the importance of local customization, while the experience of all three institutions forms the basis for recommendations on strategies of benefit to a wide range of librarians and repository planners.
41 citations
TL;DR: Questions about cataloging’s ability to customize bibliographic records are discussed and possible ways for cataloging to focus on users and move toward a more ethical cataloging practice are explored.
Abstract: Library and Information Science takes a user-centered approach to research and practice, and helping users is the highest principle in ethics statements, such as the American Library Association's code of ethics. The cataloging field, however, generally has not taken a user-centered approach in research or in the development of cataloging standards. Instead, the responsibility to meet users’ needs has been placed on catalogers in practice, who are encouraged to customize bibliographic records to meet their local users’ needs. Previous research suggests that catalogers are constrained in their ability to customize bibliographic records, because catalogers do not know who their users are and cannot identify their users’ needs. In addition, library administrators limit customization in favor of fast and efficient cataloging processes. If catalogers in practice cannot customize bibliographic records, how can local users’ needs be met? Who is responsible for meeting users’ needs in cataloging? What is the “rig...
40 citations
TL;DR: Past processes and workflows for print theses and dissertations with the present workflow for electronic versions are compared and the changing roles of students, technicians, and librarians in the metadata process are described.
Abstract: In July 2005, the Oregon State University Libraries began accepting electronic versions of student theses and dissertations into ScholarsArchive@OSU, the library's institutional repository. By January 2007, all Oregon State University graduate students were required to deposit their final research. This article compares past processes and workflows for print theses and dissertations with the present workflow for electronic. We provide the rationale for changes and review the cost- and time-savings produced. We describe the changing roles of students, technicians, and librarians in the metadata process as well as the value of students describing their own work.
34 citations
TL;DR: This article prepares catalogers for the new cataloging standard Resource Description and Access (RDA) by giving trainers and Library and Information Science educators the information they need to plan training for themselves and their staff or students.
Abstract: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Cataloging and Classification Quarterly on 23/09/2009, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/” http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01639370903203234
33 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that the syntax of ISBD is an essential component of RDA and all future international and national cataloging codes.
Abstract: This article discusses the changes that are occurring in the world of cataloging. It argues that these changes need to be coordinated. It also discusses the feature of current OPACs, FRBR, the Paris Principles and its proposed replacement (ICP), AACR2 and its proposed replacement (RDA), ISBD, and the relationships between and among these standards. It argues that the syntax of ISBD is an essential component of RDA and all future international and national cataloging codes.
24 citations
TL;DR: Although the bibliographic content of most of the catalog records examined was poor when assessed by professional cataloging practice, their social features can help make the library catalog a lively community of interest where people can share their reading interests with one another.
Abstract: This article examines and evaluates the social features and comprehensiveness of the catalog records of sixteen popular social cataloging Web sites to determine whether their social and cataloging features could or should impact the design of library catalog records. Selected monograph records were evaluated to determine the extent to which they contained the standard International Standard Bibliographic Description elements used in Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules–based cataloging practice. The heuristics Communication, Identity, and Perception were used to evaluate the sites’ social features. Although the bibliographic content of most of the catalog records examined was poor when assessed by professional cataloging practice, their social features can help make the library catalog a lively community of interest where people can share their reading interests with one another.
21 citations
TL;DR: This study investigates how end-users categorize library resources by employing the free-listing technique, commonly used by cognitive scientists and information architects, and results indicate that end-user categorizations of library resources may emphasize other facets, such as purpose, audience, and extent, in addition to content and carrier.
Abstract: Resource Description and Access (RDA) includes new lists of content and carrier types intended to replace the General Material Designations (GMDs) and Specific Material Designations (SMDs) of the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR), and which represent taxonomies designed to facilitate searching on content and carrier attributes of resources. However, these taxonomies were not constructed through analysis of end-user categorizations, nor have they been tested on end-users. This study investigates how end-users categorize library resources by employing the free-listing technique, commonly used by cognitive scientists and information architects. The results indicate that end-user categorizations of library resources may emphasize other facets, such as purpose, audience, and extent, in addition to content and carrier, and also levels of the content and carrier facets other than those represented by the RDA terms.
TL;DR: In this paper, the strengths and weaknesses of using a library catalog model to improve access to Internet resources are discussed and compared with a review of related efforts, with the expectation that catalogs, cataloging, and libraries in general will continue to evolve.
Abstract: This paper reviews issues related to the cataloging of Internet resources and considers short- and long-term directions for cataloging and the general provision of library services for remotely accessible, electronic information resources. The strengths and weakness of using a library catalog model to improve access to Internet resources are discussed and compared with a review of related efforts. Based on experience gained through two OCLC Internet cataloging projects, the authors recommend continued and vigorous appplication of library cataloging standards and methods for Internet resources with the expectation that catalogs, cataloging, and libraries in general will continue to evolve
TL;DR: The scope, technological context, process of decision making, conceptual framework, and amount of change involved in the adoption of the two different statements of International Cataloguing Principles are compared.
Abstract: After more than forty-five years of cataloging experience with the Paris Principles and their impact on the international sharing of bibliographic data, the process of replacing them with a wider and deeper set of International Cataloguing Principles has been completed. This article compares the scope, technological context, process of decision making, conceptual framework, and amount of change involved in the adoption of the two different statements.
TL;DR: The Dublin Core Metadata Elements Set as discussed by the authors was developed at the 1995 OCLC/NCSA Metadata Workshop in Dublin, Ohio, USA, and was used to map the Dublin Core data elements to USMARC; problems and outstanding questions are noted.
Abstract: This paper discuesses the goals and outcome of the OCLC/NCSA Metadata Workshop held March 1-3, 1995 in Dublin Ohio. The resulting proposed "Dublin Core" Metadata Elements Set is described briefly. An attempt is made to map the Dublin Core data elements to USMARC; problems and outstanding questions are noted.
TL;DR: The Auraria Library's experience of loading brief MARC records for Mbooks into its online public access catalog is described and some of the issues that arose from the record-loading project are looked at.
Abstract: Mbooks are open-access, digitized books freely available on the Internet. This article describes the Auraria Library's experience of loading brief MARC records for Mbooks into its online public access catalog and looks at some of the issues that arose from the record-loading project. Despite the low quality of the records, librarians in Auraria Library thought that loading them into the catalog was advantageous because of the rich content in the collection and because many of the records could be improved using the global update functionality in the catalog. Making the records available through the catalog, as opposed to merely linking to the entire collection from the Library's Web page, was considered to be valuable because of the aggregation a catalog provides and because the Mbooks collection helped fill gaps in the Library's physical collections. As more open-access, digitized books become available, libraries will need to plan and manage how best to provide access to them.
TL;DR: Whether schemas for resource description restrict access by constraining objectivity is asked, and a paradigm of description is shown that has little reference to potential uses of resources, raising a specter of unfulfilled expectations.
Abstract: We have not properly studied the uses to which catalogs are put by their users, nor have we attempted until recently to consider empirical evidence in the construction of cataloging rules. The result is an oddly rationalized sort of pragmatism inherent in generations of rules for resource description. This lack of theoretical commitment in resource description has ethical implications for all of information organization because it leads to poorly served users of catalogs. One particularly egregious ethical issue is bibliocentrism. Beghtol challenges us to engage in applications research to affirm a theoretical basis, contrasting cultural warrant with ethical warrant. The importance of cultural warrant in the ethics of knowledge representation follows closely on Hj⊘rland's emphasis on activity-theoretic and domain-specificity. The present study asks whether schemas for resource description restrict access by constraining objectivity. The objective is to discover empirically, via case-study method, some of ...
TL;DR: A consensus appears to be emerging that although the character of the professional cataloger's job will continue to evolve over the next 5 to 10 years there will not be a revolution as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Cataloging procedures have evolved in many academic research libraries over the past 10 years. Some predicted trends—outsourcing, original cataloging by paraprofessionals, more digital material—have been borne out. Others, such as a decline in the amount of material to catalog or in the number of professional catalogers, have not. Changes have been mostly procedural and have not affected the catalog itself. Recently, however, the emergence of powerful Internet search engines has allowed researchers to bypass the catalog. This has led some to question the wisdom of continuing it and others to vigorously defend current practice. In 2005–2007 this debate became especially heated, but a consensus appears to be emerging that although the character of the professional cataloger's job will continue to evolve over the next 5 to 10 years there will not be a revolution. The cataloger's basic skills will still be needed and the fundamental nature of cataloging will remain much as we know it.
TL;DR: This article compares and contrast metadata analysis tools that were developed simultaneously, but independently, at two New Zealand institutions during a period of national investment in research repositories: the Metadata Analysis Tool (MAT) at The University of Waikato, and the Kiwi Research Information Service (KRIS) at the National Library of New Zealand.
Abstract: Current institutional repository software provides few tools to help metadata librarians understand and analyze their collections. In this article, we compare and contrast metadata analysis tools that were developed simultaneously, but independently, at two New Zealand institutions during a period of national investment in research repositories: the Metadata Analysis Tool (MAT) at The University of Waikato, and the Kiwi Research Information Service (KRIS) at the National Library of New Zealand. The tools have many similarities: they are convenient, online, on-demand services that harvest metadata using OAI-PMH; they were developed in response to feedback from repository administrators; and they both help pinpoint specific metadata errors as well as generating summary statistics. They also have significant differences: one is a dedicated tool wheres the other is part of a wider access tool; one gives a holistic view of the metadata whereas the other looks for specific problems; one seeks patterns in the data values whereas the other checks that those values conform to metadata standards. Both tools work in a complementary manner to existing Web-based administration tools. We have observed that discovery and correction of metadata errors can be quickly achieved by switching Web browser views from the analysis tool to the repository interface, and back. We summarize the findings from both tools' deployment into a checklist of requirements for metadata analysis tools.
TL;DR: The creation of U- SKIS is described, the educational role U-SKIS plays in the scholarly communication arena is addressed, and the implications of implementing scalable workflow systems for other digital collections are explored.
Abstract: The University Scholarly Knowledge Inventory System (U-SKIS) provides workspace for institutional repository staff. U-SKIS tracks files, communications, and publishers’ archiving policies to determine what may be added to a repository. A team at the University of Utah developed the system as part of a strategy to gather previously published peer-reviewed articles. As campus outreach programs developed, coordinators quickly amassed thousands of journal articles requiring copyright research and permission. This article describes the creation of U-SKIS, addresses the educational role U-SKIS plays in the scholarly communication arena, and explores the implications of implementing scalable workflow systems for other digital collections.
TL;DR: The paper examines the value for retrieval of collecting authors' names, identifying authors' roles, collocating works and versions, and providing subject access through classification and controlled vocabularies for digital resources available through the World Wide Web.
Abstract: This paper considers the relevance of Charles Ami Cutter's principles of bibliographic access to the uiniverse of Internet accessible digital objects and explores new methods for applying these principles in the context of new information technologies. The paper examines the value for retrieval of collecting authors' names, identifying authors' roles, collocating works and versions, and providing subject access through classification and controlled vocabularies for digital resources available through the World Wide Web. THe authors identify emerging techniques and technologies that can be used in lieu of or as a supplement to traditional cataloging to achieve these functions in organizing access to Internet resources
TL;DR: This article explores ways that notation in Table 5 Ethnic and National Groups of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system can be used to extend subject access to works about racially mixed people beyond that provided by the rules for constructing standard DDC numbers.
Abstract: This article explores ways that notation in Table 5 Ethnic and National Groups of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system can be used to extend subject access to works about racially mixed people beyond that provided by the rules for constructing standard DDC numbers. The proposed approach makes use of the new 083 field (Additional Dewey Decimal Classification Number) in the MARC Bibliographic Format and techniques developed for DeweyBrowser beta v2.0 by OCLC Research, especially tag clouds.
TL;DR: The ICP replaces and broadens the scope of the Paris Principles from just textual works to all types of materials and from just the choice and form of entry to all aspects of bibliographic and authority data used in catalogues.
Abstract: The Paris Principles (1961) is the most relevant theoretical reference framework in the history of cataloguing; it was taken as the basis for the codes developed worldwide from the mid-sixties. In 2001, it was suggested calling an international meeting to re-examine critically the Paris Principles and to broaden its scope to today's issues. The analysis dealt with the broader bibliographic universe, the greater variety of types of resources, the changes brought about by automation and informatics, the search modes and the languages used by readers who think and act globally, the need to avail of the same strategies to search OPACs, and the need for an architecture built on shared rules. On 2009 IFLA published the Statement of International Cataloguing Principles (ICP). The ICP is built on a highly adaptable conceptual framework and has employed the tremendous diversity of the library and information worlds, both physical and digital. It required strenuous work in the five-year IME ICC (IFLA Meetings of Ex...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify and analyze the different metadata models being used to describe educational features of those specific digital educational objects (such as audience, type of educational material, learning objectives, etc.).
Abstract: Metadata is a core issue for the creation of repositories. Different institutional repositories have chosen and use different metadata models, elements, and values for describing the range of digital objects they store. Thus, this article analyzes the current use of metadata describing those Learning Objects that some open higher educational institutions’ repositories include in their collections. The goal of this work is to identify and analyze the different metadata models being used to describe educational features of those specific digital educational objects (such as audience, type of educational material, learning objectives, etc.). Also discussed is the concept and typology of Learning Objects (LO) through their use in University Repositories. We will also examine the usefulness of specifically describing those learning objects, setting them apart from other kinds of documents included in the repository, mainly scholarly publications and research results of the higher education institution.
TL;DR: The following article analyzes the FRAD conceptual model, examining its applicability to an authority file for manuscripts, and proposing a way to implement and display this entity-relationship model in a local authority file.
Abstract: To date, the library literature has overflowed with articles on the theory and application of the FRBR conceptual model, but little has been written about its counterpart for authorities: the Functional Requirements for Authority Data conceptual model (FRAD). Discussions of the theory of FRAD have been written by Glenn Patton and members of the FRANAR Working Group, but nothing has been documented yet about its application to real authority files. The following article addresses this gap in the literature by analyzing the FRAD conceptual model, examining its applicability to an authority file for manuscripts, and proposing a way to implement and display this entity-relationship model in a local authority file. The usefulness of this FRAD-based authority file in cataloging manuscripts is evaluated and presented.
TL;DR: In this paper, the issues and considerations involved in providing intellectual access to oral history interviews and a possible cataloging method to libraries holding unprocessed oral history materials are examined. But the cataloging procedures discussed here have worked well from a workflow standpoint as one of the initial steps to create access to Oral histories at Columbus State University, a medium-sized academic library.
Abstract: Cataloging oral histories presents many difficulties, especially for catalogers who have primarily worked with published materials and for institutions without funds or staff dedicated to managing oral history collections. Methods for cataloging oral histories can vary widely among institutions. In this article I examine the issues and considerations involved in providing intellectual access to oral history interviews and offer a possible cataloging method to libraries holding unprocessed oral history materials. The cataloging procedures discussed here have worked well from a workflow standpoint as one of the initial steps to create access to oral histories at Columbus State University, a medium-sized academic library.
TL;DR: An opinion is offered on the scope of the catalog in a research library, and some practical approaches that catalogers can take to reposition the catalog for improved user-access and resource discovery.
Abstract: There has been a flurry of constructive discussion and debate about the future of cataloging and the catalog, from Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and Resource Description and Access (RDA) on cataloging rules (with a focus on content) to next-generation discovery interfaces for the catalog (with a focus on carrier) A topic that is not receiving as much attention in the midst of these discussions is the scope of the library catalog This article offers an opinion on the scope of the catalog in a research library, and the role of the catalogers in this time of transition The article will also elicit some practical approaches that catalogers can take to reposition the catalog for improved user-access and resource discovery
TL;DR: A discussion of the advantages of including class numbers in the bibliographic records for music moving image materials will also demonstrate the applicability and advantages for video collections in general.
Abstract: For almost half a century, music librarians, media librarians, and professional associations have advocated classifying audiovisual materials using the same classification scheme that a library uses for print materials. Despite this strong advocacy, not all media materials have been classified. Music moving image materials have often received the same lack of subject classification access as sound recordings and other media resources. Libraries are now replacing their videocassette collections with DVDs and are presented with the opportunity to rectify this situation. A discussion of the advantages of including class numbers in the bibliographic records for music moving image materials will also demonstrate the applicability and advantages for video collections in general.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the reasons why library students are being deterred from specializing in cataloging and suggest methods to improve the situation, and one highly recommended solution is for library schools to promote job shadowing.
Abstract: Various studies from the past 30 years indicate that the number of new, qualified catalogers is dwindling. This article explores the reasons why library students are being deterred from specializing in cataloging and suggests methods to improve the situation. One highly recommended solution is for library schools to promote job shadowing. Shadowing is a career exploration tool that can be beneficial for both students and practitioners. Both authors have experienced the benefits of shadowing and offer their perspectives on being a shadow and a host.
TL;DR: Various guidelines from the November 2008 draft of RDA that are applicable to transcribing titles and names written in non-roman languages and/or scripts with their counterparts in its predecessor are compared.
Abstract: Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd ed. (AACR2) rule 1.0E1 allows title and statement of responsibility, edition, publication and/or distribution data, and series title to be “transcribed from the item itself in the language and script (wherever practicable) in which it appears there.” However, AACR2 will be replaced by a set of guidelines entitled Resource Description and Access (RDA). This article compares various guidelines from the November 2008 draft of RDA that are applicable to transcribing titles and names written in non-roman languages and/or scripts with their counterparts in its predecessor.