Showing papers on "Cataloging published in 1979"

Requiem for the Card Catalog: Management Issues in Automated Cataloging

Abstract: Requiem for the Card Catalog helps sort out the problems and possibilities inherent in applying modern technology to the heart of the traditional library. The essays collected in this volume treat every facet of automated cataloging.

Integration of On-Line Reference Service.

Abstract: Despite years of false starts and ex tended discussions, computers and auto mated processing techniques are now im portant tools in the technical service de partments of many libraries. On-line cataloging, circulation control, automated resource sharing, and management in formation systems are increasingly ac cepted as an integrated part of library operations. Automation of public services, on the other hand, has not reached this stage of development and acceptance. Information and bibliographic retrieval systems, such as those available from Lockheed, SDC, and the New York Times, are complicated by financial and technical considerations and are consequently evolving more slowly. There may also be more resistance and reluctance by reference librarians to accept the qualitative changes that on-line systems can produce in reference service. The actual use of on-line bibliographic searching systems is growing at a rapid rate but, regrettably, many librarians see them as a special and exotic service only tangentially related to the reference pro cess. Or they may perceive them as a kind of unique (and very expensive) reference tool not unlike a specialized index or abstract that is useful to only a select handful of advanced researchers. This is

Audiovisuals and non-print learning resources in a health sciences library.

Abstract: The MD undergraduate program at McMaster University, based entirely on self-instruction, requires the provision of all kinds of learning resources. How these are assembled and made available is described. Emphasis is placed on the practical library problems of cataloging, shelving, maintenance, and distribution of audiovisual materials including pathology specimens and 'problem boxes' as well as the more usual films, videotapes and slide/tape sets. Evaluation is discussed briefly.

Microforms and Collection Development in Art Research Libraries

Abstract: While the intention of this article is to reaffirm the positive aspects of microforms in the collection development policies of art research libraries, it is also essential to objectively discuss related factors having strong influences on the selection of materials: the permanence of microforms, equipment costs, and user resistance. Permanence. Paramount is the well documented fact that qualitative scientific analyses of the various types of film have resulted in a proliferation of contradictory conclusions regarding the permanence of diazo versus silver halide film, and the dismaying conclusion that the longevity of color film is limited to that of slides. In fact it seems that the preservation problems involving microforms are almost as complex and serious as those posed by wood-pulp and sulphite paper. Throughout the years many of us have basked in a glow of self-satisfaction after having established preservation programs through the microfilming of deteriorating printed paper books. The background research for this paper has destroyed any sense of security due to frequent references to the discovery by some archival libraries that they have drawers full of hazy diazo film. In the past most of us did not specify the type of film to be used and to this day we probably do not know whether diazo or silver halide film was employed. As a result of painstaking, meticulous research, the Library of Congress recommends that the use of diazo film be limited to temporary records, and not for archival preservation. In addition to the well-known importance of heat and humidity control, the physical housing of microforms is also important; vesicular film according to some experts, must never be in contact with metal. Some experts also state that diazo film is less susceptible to damage by scratching and heat than silver halide, but most strongly believe that silver halide is the most satisfactory. After having come to the conclusion that there is a definitive answer to the

Managing Our Academic Libraries: Ways and Means.

Abstract: There is a new library ecology in which interdependence is the dominant force , and the establishment of new operating mechanisms (such as a national periodicals center and a national library agency) is discussed. Funds in the amounts required to meet libraries' traditional needs will not be forthcoming, and thus libr.aries must transform themselves and make substantial changes in their operations. There is also the need for better ways to set basic policies that determine a library's capabilities, costs, and services. In their management academic libraries have not done as well as their parent institutions in developing reliable data and in putting them to use. But while libraries need the attributes of scientific management, they must not make the mistake of thinking library management is only a science.

Cooperative Cataloging and Automated Bibliographic Networks; Considerations for Public Libraries

Abstract: Collection overlap between public library collections in the United States and Canada is examined from both the general user's and the bibliographer's viewpoint. Random samples of monographs published since 1970 were taken from eight public libraries and searched in the OCLC data base. The consistently high find rate on OCLC and the large percentage of Library of Congress MARC cataloging are discussed.

New Catalog/New Librarian? Reference at LC.

Abstract: That is Herbert Putnam, Librarian of Congress, describing in an annual report the new practice of selling Library of Congress catalog cards. The year was 1901. In 1979 one library official apprised Congress that there are 2.4 million new cards added each year into the library's formal catalogs?in 70,000 card drawers. And if you were to lay all the cards out flat, they would take up 163 acres. But they are not laid out flat, and they do take tens of thousands of filers' days of work to make sure that they go in the right place. The selling of cards in 1901 changed American librarianship significantly. The implementation of AACR 2 in 1981 will change it again, significantly. Reader ser vice librarians in LC are working with processing service librarians to make the change a smooth one and to assure that the closing of the old catalogs and the opening of the new automated ones will continue to serve the users of the library. The first published announcement of the closing of the catalogs appeared in the library's Information Bulletin in No vember 1977. In January 1978 the Pro cessing Services Department convened a meeting with representatives from all reader service and other departments in the library to go over a ten-page docu ment that outlined in some detail the is sues surrounding this decision and the questions that remained to be asked. The document appeared in the Information Bulletin in March 1978. During that spring working staff from the divisions that make up the General Reference Di rectorate of the library met several times. Their discussions focused on specific questions regarding the impact and im plementation of the closing. The repre sentatives were asked to go back to their respective divisions to poll their col leagues as we continued to meet over the months. By June we had sent to Process ing one suggestion regarding shelflisting procedures and the closing of the shelflist. As we continued to confront other questions, there was established in July a Reference/Processing Work Group on the Future of the Catalogs. It is this work group, chaired by the director for cataloging, that has the task of recom mending to the Processing Services De partment suggestions for implementing the closing and minimizing its impact on reader service and processing activities. The work group consists of twelve to fifteen members, including senior mana gers who can make policy decisions and reference staff who work daily with readers and the catalogs. To date there have been ten meetings. One of the first things that became clear to reference staffs was the connection between the

The Washington Library Network Computer System

Abstract: With the development and growth of the Washington Library Network Computer System in recent years, it has emerged as an effective and efficient automated system to support acquisitions, cataloging and other technical processing functions in libraries of all types and sizes. The online union catalog and COM catalog production has greatly expanded the effectiveness of reference and interlibrary loan services. This article covers all features of the computer system. It outlines system hardware, software, and the file structure as well as providing a description of the use of the system. Also discussed are system features such as authority and bibliographic quality control, precision database searching, and automated fund accounting for acquisitions and fiscal management. Other areas covered in this paper are: governance, administration, training, research and development, and types of users, both online and those which want to transfer software as in the recent successful installation of WLN software at the National Library of Australia.

Cataloging: 1966 vs 1976.

Abstract: Based upon a survey of accredited library schools several changes were observed in the teaching of cataloging and classification in the period between 1966-1976. More emphasis was placed upon teaching methodology; fewer schools are requiring students to take cataloging courses and to take fewer credit hours of cataloging; and 74 per cent of the schools introduced computerized cataloging into the curriculum. The authors conclude that library schools need to continue to explore changes in the cataloging curriculums.

Shared cataloging at OCLC

Abstract: This paper describes the governance, organization, and activities of OCLC. In particular, it reports on the processes and products of OCLC's online shared cataloging system, the online union catalog, as well as training, marketing, and prices related to shared cataloging. The paper also describes the computer‐communications system including general design, hardware, software, telecommunications, and terminals.