Showing papers on "Cataloging published in 1993"

Library Research Models: A Guide to Classification, Cataloging, and Computers

Abstract: Most researchers, even with computers, find only a fraction of the sources available to them. As Library of Congress reference librarian Thomas Mann explains, researchers tend to work within one or another mental framework that limits their basic perception of the universe of knowledge available to them. Some, for example, use a subject-disciplinary method which leads them to a specific list of sources on a particular subject. But, Mann points out, while this method allows students and researchers to find more specialized sources, it is also limiting-they may not realize that works of interest to their own subject appear within the literature of many other disciplines. A researcher looking through anthropology journals, for example, might not discover that the MLA International Bibliography provides the best coverage of folklore journals. In Library Research Models, Mann examines the several alternative mental models people use to approach the task of research, and demonstrates new, more effective ways of finding information. Drawing on actual examples gleaned from 15 years' experience in helping thousands of researchers, he not only shows the full range of search options possible, but also illuminates the inevitable tradeoffs and losses of access that occur when researchers limit themselves to a specific method. In two chapters devoted to computers he examines the use of electronic resources and reveals their value in providing access to a wide range of sources as well as their disadvantages: what people are not getting when they rely solely on computer searches; why many sources will probably never be in databases; and what the options are for searching beyond computers. Thomas Mann's A Guide to Library Research Methods was widely praised as a definitive manual of library research. Ronald Gross, author of The Independent Scholar's Handbook called it "the savviest such guide I have ever seen-bracingly irreverent and brimming with wisdom." The perfect companion volume, Library Research Models goes even further to provide a fascinating look at the ways in which we can most efficiently gain access to our vast storehouses of knowledge.

Search Patterns of Remote Users: An Analysis of OPAC Transaction Logs.

Abstract: The focus of this study is the search behavior of remote users of the University of California MELVYL Library System, an online public access catalog (OPAC). Transaction logs from randomly selected remote user search sessions are analyzed. Descriptive data on the number and type of searches, choice of search mode and database, number of retrievals, number and type of errors, and use of system HELP facilities are presented. The search data have been cross-tabulated with demographic data on the same group of remote users, collected through an online survey conducted by the authors. Effectiveness of system usage is discussed. A case is made for the desirability of additional heuristics in the catalog portion of the system. The MELVYL Library System of the University of California (UC) first became accessible outside the library setting in the mid-1980s. Remote usage has risen steadily since that time and typically accounts for more than one-third of the half-million queries entered in the system each week during peak usage periods.[1] In an effort to understand more fully this growing user population, the investigators undertook a two-part study. The findings of the first part of the study, an online survey of users who accessed the MELVYL system from outside the library setting, were reported previously.[2] The present report contains the results of the second phase of the study. In this phase, the investigators coded selected data from the transaction logs of the surveyed group, used microcomputer programs to compare those data by user status and other user characteristics, then visually reexamined the user command portions of many of the individual logs to gain further insight into user search behavior. THE MELVYL LIBRARY SYSTEM The MELVYL system provides access to nearly eight million monograph and periodical titles held principally by libraries of the University of California.[3] In addition, the system offers its users access to several periodical index databases and serves as a gateway to many other specialized databases and library catalogs. Users may access this rich array of resources directly from their homes, offices, or other sites, through dial-up or networked connections. The MELVYL system began as a prototype online catalog for the University of California, a nine-campus, doctorate-granting institution, which currently supports a main library on each campus, nearly one hundred branch and specialized libraries across the system, and an enrollment of more than 166,000 students. The system serves as a union catalog, to which the campus cataloging agencies contribute their records. Most of the campus libraries implemented local online catalogs during the 1980s; these serve as their primary catalogs and as a gateway to the UC union catalog residing within the MELVYL system. After a decade of development, the catalog portion of the MELVYL system has achieved the status of a second-generation OPAC. It generally reflects Charles Hildreth's hypothetical construct of features that constitute "a qualitative leap of progress over first-generation online catalogs."[4] For example, the system supports keyword access to a variety of fields, explicit Boolean search logic, limiting capabilities, optional and automatic truncation of search terms in some kinds of queries, extensive help facilities (including contextual help screens), and multiple display formats. Some examples of special processing introduced to improve retrieval are the "normalization" of search terms in several fields and the treatment of title words as "exact" titles under certain conditions.[5] Appendix A contains a summary description of system commands and indexes.[6] Hildreth states that researchers involved in information retrieval generally acknowledge that "today's conventional keyword-indexed, inverted file, Boolean logic search and retrieval systems like BRS, DIALOG.... LEXIS-NEXIS (and all second-generation OPACs) are powerful and efficient but are dumb, passive systems which require resourceful, active, intelligent human searchers to produce acceptable results. …

Introduction to technical services

Abstract: Contents Preface to the Eighth Edition Part I: General Background Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION Libraries and Customer Service Customer Service Philosophy Role of Library Services What are Technical Services? Technical Services Background Knowledge Goals for Staff Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 2: TECHNICAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Tips for Effective Time Management Tips for Meetings Tips for Team Building Tips for Staff Motivation Tips for Communication The "More" Factor The Faster/Better/Cheaper Factors Restructuring to Provide "Faster and Better" Standards Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 3: STAFFING Staffing Categories Librarians Paraprofessional/Support Staff Other Full-Time Staff Staffing Process Recruitment Selecting the Pool Interviewing Staff Development, Training, and Retention Retention Training and Development Performance Appraisal Part-Time Staff Students Volunteers Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 4: TECHNICAL SERVICES ISSUE Technology Outsourcing Cooperative/Consortial Activities Quality Assurance Budgetary Issues Spaces for Technical Services Some Key Issues Planning Issues Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Part II: Acquisitions and Serials Chapter 5: ACQUISITIONS-OVERVIEW Collection Development and Acquisitions Types of Materials Acquired Print Materials Nonbook Materials Electronic Resources General Procedures Request Processing Verifying Ordering Reporting Receiving Orders Acquisition Methods Serials Processing Summary Review Questions Notes Selected Web Sites and Discussion Lists Suggested Reading Chapter 6: DISTRIBUTORS AND VENDORS Making the Selection-Factors to Consider What the Firm Stocks Vendor Technological Capability Speed of Delivery Financial Considerations Vendors' Services Customer Service Considerations Vendor Evaluation Retail Outlets Out-of-Print, Antiquarian, and Rare Book Dealers Summary Review Questions Notes Selected Web Sites Suggested Reading Chapter 7: PRINT AND DIGITAL BOOKS What is Publishing? Types of Publishers Electronic Publishing E-Readers Technology and Information Producers Acquisitions and E-Resources The Google Books Library Project Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 8: E-RESOURCE ISSUES Differences between E-Resource and Print Collection Building Ownership Issues Negotiating the License Group Decision Making Trials Purchase Price Staff and User Issues Technical Issues Cancellations Assessment of E-Resources Statistics Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 9: SERIALS-PRINT AND ELECTRONIC What Is a Serial? Issues and Concerns Cost and Pricing Acquisition Processing Access Preservation Backfiles Changing Nature Assessment and Evaluation Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 10: GOVERNMENT INFORMATION Background E-Government Categories of Government Information U.S. Documents State and Local Governments Canadian Government Information Documents from Other Countries Access to Government Information Accessing U.S. Government Information Preservation of Government Information Federal Depository Library Program Canadian Depository Programs Acquisition of Government Information Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 11: MEDIA Media Issues Current Media Formats Motion Pictures and Video Movie Ratings and Libraries Video and Copyright Other Image Formats Maps Audio Recordings Games Game Ratings Realia Microforms Preservation Microforms Film and Video Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 12: FISCAL MANAGEMENT Problems in Fiscal Management Library Fund Accounting Accounting Balance Sheet Accounts and Ledgers Journal Estimating Costs Allocation of Monies Encumbering Vouchers Order and Invoice Control Reconciliation of Accounts Audits Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Part III: Cataloging and Processing Chapter 13: OVERVIEW AND DECISIONS The Rationale for Good Cataloging Cataloging and Classification Processes Decisions Bibliographic Levels Subject Authorities Classification Systems Catalog Displays A Word About the Figures and Examples Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 14: DESCRIPTION-IDENTIFYING MATERIALS AACR2: Past and Present Organization of AACR2-2005 Descriptive Structure and Data Sources ISBD Punctuation Creating the Description Area 1: Title and Statement of Responsibility Area 2: Edition Statement Area 3: Material Specific Details Area 4: Publication, Distribution, etc. Area 5: Physical Description Area 6: Series Area 7: Notes Area 8: Standard Numbers and Terms of Availability Rule Interpretations Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 15: ACCESS POINTS-RETRIEVING THE RECORD Main and Added Entries Selecting the Main Entry Selection Decision Tree Added Entries Name and Title Authorities Personal Names Corporate Bodies Geographic Names Uniform Titles Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 16: SUBJECT ANALYSIS Determining Subject Matter Enumeration versus Faceting Subject Authorities: Subject Heading Vocabularies Principles of Subject Cataloging Evaluating Subject Catalogs Problems of the Subject Catalog Subject Authorities: Numbers for Classification Principles of Classification Call Numbers Evaluating Classifications Maintenance Issues Subject Analysis for Literary Works Why use Standard Systems? Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 17: SUBJECT AUTHORITIES Library of Congress Subject Headings The Publication Format of LCSH Entries Cross-References in LCSH Subdivisions in LCSH Other Subdivision Instructions LCSH's Canadian Complement Problems with LCSH LC's Children's and Young Adults' Cataloging Program Sears List of Subject Headings The Publication Format of the Entries Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Sears Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 18: CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS Dewey Decimal Classification Format of DDC The Schedules A Closer Look at the Schedules A Closer Look at the Tables Library of Congress Classification Principles Underlying LCC Format of LCC Main Classes of LCC Subdivision in LCC Comparison of DDC and LCC National Library of Medicine Classification Background and Development Format of NLMC Main Classes and Subdivisions NLMC in Libraries "Copy" Classification Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Answers to the Classification Exercises Chapter 19: MARC FORMAT AND METADATA Machine-Readable Cataloging History and Background Elements of a MARC Record Fields Subfields Indicators Content Designation MARC Displays Bibliographic Networks and Shared Cataloging Metadata Dublin Core Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard Metadata Object Description Schema Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 20: COPY CATALOGING Policy Issues 1. Acceptability of Sources 2. Record Fullness 3. Errors 4. Call Numbers 5. Tracings (Subject Headings and Added Entries/Access Points Overview of the Operation Choosing the Source(s) Summary Review Questions Note Suggested Reading Chapter 21: PROCESSING MATERIALS Evidence of Library Ownership Location Information Recording and Tracking Use Preservation and Security Summary Review Questions Notes Suggested Reading Chapter 22: LEADING THE CATALOG DEPARTMENT Management Tasks Needed Skills Department Policies and Procedures When Cataloging Standards Change Writing a Policy Manual Adopting the Policy Manual Current Issues Ten Hints for Leadership Patron Service First and Foremost Review Questions Suggested Reading Indexes Topical Index to the Text Index to Names Index to Figures Type of Media Access Points Description Classification

Characteristics of Duplicate Records in OCLC's Online Union Catalog.

Abstract: Duplicate records in the Online Union Catalog of the OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., were analyzed. Bibliographic elements comprise information found in one or more fields of a bibliographic record; e.g., the author element comprises the main and added author entry fields. Bibliographic element mismatches in duplicate record pairs were considered relative to the number of records in which each element was present. When a single element differed in a duplicate record pair, that element was most often publication date. This finding shows that a difference in the date of publication is not a reliable indicator of bibliographic uniqueness. General cataloging and data entry patterns such as variations in title transcription and form of name, typographical errors, mistagged fields, misplaced subfield codes, omissions, and inconsistencies between fixed and variable fields often caused records that were duplicates to appear different. These factors can make it extremely difficult for catalogers to retrieve existing bibliographic records and thus avoid creating duplicate records. They also prevent duplicate detection algorithms used for tape-loading records from achieving desired results. An awareness of particularly problematic bibliographic elements and general factors contributing to the creation of duplicate records should help catalogers identify and accept existing records more often. This awareness should also help to direct system designers in their development of more sensitive algorithms to be used for tape loading. The resulting general reduction in the number of duplicate records in union catalogs will be a major step toward increased cataloger productivity, user satisfaction, and overall online database quality.

An Analysis of Courses in Cataloging and Classification and Related Areas Offered in Sixteen Graduate Library Schools and Their Relationship to Present and Future Trends in Cataloging and Classification and to Cognitive Needs of Professional Academic Catalogers

Abstract: This study examines what is taught in sixteen library schools in the United States. The trends and needs of Cataloging and Classification professionals were analyzed from professional literature and compared with course descriptions. The author identifies the variety of ways that cataloging content is covered in education programs particularly the titles of courses containing cataloging content and also calls for curriculum experts to be aware of the quantitative and qualitative requirements of the profession.

The role of subject headings in access to information: the experience of one Spanish-speaking patron

Abstract: This article examines the role of subject headings in providing access to information for the Spanish-speaking population of the United States. Such tools for assigning subject headings as Li- bran of Connress Subiecr Headinns (LCSH) and Bilindex are ex- am&edSand 6eir effectheness assessed. A pika is made to technical services librarians to go beyond standardized methods of cataloging in order to assure me&ngiul access for Spanish-speaking patrons.

Education for cataloging: a symposium paper

Abstract: Educating catalogers to an ever changing society is a challenge that the profession must be prepared to face. This symposium serves as a revelation to the real importance of cataloging in the profession of librarianship. By sensitizing both library administration and educators to the usefulness of catalogers to the profession, hopefully, will make it a priority.

The Nation's Great Library: Herbert Putnam and the Library of Congress, 1899-1939

Abstract: Before the late nineteenth century, American libraries were primarily small and isolated storehouses of material. By 1899, when Herbert Putnam became the Librarian of Congress, those storehouses were evolving into centers of learning. With his expertise in organization and his desire to create a national library, Putnam transformed the Library of Congress into a world-renowned cultural institution and promoted American librarianship as a full-fledged profession. When Putnam defined the national role of the Library, he made it clear that LC would extend its services not only to Congress but also to scholars, researchers, and other libraries. At the same time, librarians across the country sought recognition for their work and were eager to cooperate with each other to serve users. Putnam linked LC with the rapidly growing library community. His Library of Congress card service created a unified cataloging system. He worked in conjunction with the American Library Association to fill librarians' needs and increased efficiency and communication across the profession that ultimately provided comprehensive service to the public.

Cataloging remote electronic journals and databases

Abstract: With the advent of electronic publications, the cataloger is no longer providing access to just the library's archives. The following paper addresses the changing role of the catalog librarian and provides examples on how the cataloger can provide access to electronic journals using today's technology and formats.

Objectivity in Evaluating Subject Heading Assignment

Abstract: Recent papers have called attention to discrepancies in the assignment of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). While philosoohical arguments can be made that subject analysis, if not a logical impossibility, at least is point-of-view dependent subject headings continue to be assigned and continue to be useful. The hypothesis advanced in the present project is that to a considerable degree there is a clearcut right and wrong to LCSH subject heading assignment. To test the hypothesis, it was postulated that the assignment of a subject heading is correct if it is supported by textual warrant (at least 20 percent of the book being calaloged is on the topic) and is constructed in accordance with the Library of Congress Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings. A sample of 100 books on scientific subjects was used to test the hypothesis.

Discarding the Main Entry in an Online Cataloging Environment

Abstract: The concept of the main entry has lost any meaningful purpose in today's online cataloging environment, despite a multiplicity of definitions. To bring current cataloging tools up-to-date, AACR2 chapter 21 and the MARC format need to be revised. The revision of AACR2 is based on four tenets: (1) minor and repetitive word changes to the text, (2) the removal of the concept of primary responsibility from the rules, (3) the elimination of all rules concerning corporate main entry, and (4) the integration of the added entry rules into the main portion of the text. Updating the MARC format includes the obsolescence of the IXX fields while altering the 7XX fields to indicate former main entries and from which entry the work in hand was Cuttered.

Filing, Filtering, and the First Few Found

Abstract: Card catalogs are dominated by the alphabetic arrangement of the catalog records. Alphabetic arrangement has been carried over to online catalogs, with some unfortunate consequences. Alphabetic order is reconsidered in relation to the purposes of catalogs and differences in catalog technology. Document ranking, subset ranking, and adaptive filtering are examined as alternatives in online catalogs to displays of catalog records in alphabetic order of main entry. It has been customary to arrange catalog records alphabetically in book-form catalogs, card catalogs, and now, online catalogs. There has been some disagreement over details of filing concerning, for example, the treatment of numerals, modified and non-Latin letters, and the choice between "letter-by-letter" and "word-by-word" alphabetization. "Structured" or "categorical" arrangement, departing from strict alphabetization, has been used in some special cases, notably in the arrangements for prolific authors, of historical subdivisions, and in the past, for parts of the Bible. A "structured" approach arranges headings based on the categories to which they belong. For example, period subdivisions are arranged chronologically rather than alphabetical. Nevertheless, alphabetization has been dominant and pervasive principle. In the United States there has been a marked preference for providing subject access by alphabetized verbal subject headings rather than by a classified subject catalog. The use of verbal subject headings and the dictionary catalog that then becomes possible increases the prominence (and complexity) of alphabetical ordering. With some exceptions, the alphabetization of catalog records has been carried over to the display of records in online catalogs. Alphabetic ordering by main entry has become standard, whereas dictionary catalog arrangement has not. The necessity and benefits of alphabetizing catalog records by main entry in online catalogs are less certain than in card files. Feasible and attractive alternatives will be discussed below, but first the issues underlying alphabetic ordering will be reviewed. (For a good, detailed discussion of alphabetical and structured arrangements of subject headings in online catalogs see Headings for Tomorrow.[1] For an older, more general discussion see Beginning, of Course, with A, by Robert Helfer.[2]) THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CATALOG The term retrieval is ambiguous in that it can subsume three distinct functions: 1. selecting (or identifying) documents (as in subject or author searching); 2. finding a document (or a record for a document) with known individual characteristics ("known item searching"), usually, but not necessarily, to ascertain the location of that document; and 3. fetching (delivering) documents. Since the nineteenth century, library catalogs have been designed to support selecting in addition to the finding (locating) the function of a catalog.[3] Like bibliographies, modem catalogs are designed to enable the library user to identify or select items in the collections on a particular subject, by a particular author, and, to some extent, with other characteristics, such as form. However, the distinctive function of a library catalog is as a finding list that enables the library user to ascertain the location (call number) of specific items in the collection once the identity of the item is known. If it did not provide the shelf location of items, it would not be considered a catalog. Alphabetic ordering is, in essence, a very effective device for locating words, usually names: names of people, names of places, names of things, and names of subjects. Alphabetic ordering is effective in the card catalog because as a "manual" system it enables the determination, both for filing and for finding, of the proper location of headings, subheadings, and individual records filed under headings and subheadings. …

An Evaluation of Structured Navigation for Subject Searching in Online Catalogues

Abstract: Understanding and improving subject searching in online library catalogues is the focus of this study. Against the backdrop of current research and developments in online catalogues an analysis of the problems and prospects for subject access in the expanding online catalogue is presented. Developments in recent information retrieval theory and practice are reviewed, and a case is made for a new model of information seeking and retrieval that more closely describes much of the subject searching and browsing activity actually conducted by library users. The center piece of this study is the experiment that was conducted using an experimental online catalogue developed to investigate and evaluate the effect of alternative browse and navigate search methods on overall retrieval effectiveness and subject searching performance. The objectives, methodology, and findings of this online catalogue search experiment are discussed. The primary aim of the experimental study was to evaluate the usability and retrieval performance of a pre-structured "navigation" approach to subject searching and browsing in library catalogues. The main hypothesis tested was that the provision and use of a navigation search and browse function would significantly improve overall OPAC retrieval effectiveness and the subject searching performance of OPAC users. The OPAC used in the study was designed and implemented by this author using the database management and retrieval software known as "TiNMAN", provided by Information Management & Engineering, Ltd. TINMAN employs an entity-relational database structure which permits the linking of any field in the stored bibliographic record to any other field. These linkages establish browse and navigation pathways among data fields ("entities") and citations to support guided but flexible searching and browsing through the collection by users. Thus, a rudimentary form of hypertext is provided for the users of the OPAC. The test database consisted of 30,000 Library of Congress MARC bibliographic records selected at random from all LC catalog records for publications through 1988 in the English language in the LC classes HB-HJ (Economics, Business, etc.). For each record, the verbal description of the assigned LC class number found in the printed schedules was added as a subject descriptor to augment the subject cataloging provided by the Library of Congress. Three different OPACs were tested for comparison purposes. The control OPAC lacked the navigation feature. The other two OPACs supported related-record navigation, one on title words only, the other on subject headings only. Searchers were encouraged to use the OPAC's features and search options in whatever manner they wished. Subjects in Group-I were permitted to navigate only on the subject headings from the controlled subject vocabulary assigned to the work cited (augmented by the verbal meanings of the Library of Congress class number). Subjects in Group-2 were permitted to navigate, but only from title words of the work cited and displayed. Navigating from one of these title words would result in the retrieval of all works whose titles had at least one occurrence of the selected word. Subjects in the control group were not permitted to navigate; that is, it was not possible for them to point to a selected data element in a displayed citation to move on to related terms or citations associated with that data element. The positive value of related-record navigation in improving subject searching in OPACs was not clearly determined. The navigation groups performed significantly better than the control groupon the first search task, but all three groups performed nearly equally well on the second search task. Navigation on subject headings or title keywords resulted in higher recall scores, especially among first time, novice users of the system, but precision suffered significantly in title-word navigation. In fact, the control group achieved higher precision scores on both search tasks. Navigation did not seem to aid subject searching performance after greater familiarity with the system was achieved, except perhaps to increase recall in persistent searches without much decrease in precision. Online bookshelf browsing seems to improve recall without a significant decrease in precision, and may be a more positive factor than navigation on either subject headings or title words.

From Cataloging to Organization of Information: A Paradigm for the Core Curriculum.

Abstract: The traditional library and information science (LIS) curriculum for organization of information assumes a cataloging paradigm that is built on the concepts and theories developed throughout the history of library cataloging as well as practical knowledge and skills of applying current standards and systems developped specifically for practice in cataloging. Advocates for LIS curriculum reform point out, however, that this cataloging paradigm must be replaced by knowledge of resources and systems management in order to equip LIS graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for an information society

The Education of Catalogers

Abstract: Educators and practitioners usually have very different views on what should be included in cataloging courses. The educators believe that a good theoretical foundation in bibliographic control and subject analysis will prepare graduates to work as catalog librarians. The practitioners usually believe that the person who completes a cataloging class in library school is qualified to begin a training program. I have been asked to present my views on education for cataloging from the perspective of a practicing cataloger who spends a portion of her time as a library science educator devoted to teaching cataloging.

Performance Measurements for ILL: An Evaluation

Abstract: The evaluation of unfilled lending requests leads a library to analyze the reasons for the unavailability of the requested items. Several reasons are identified and categorized as internal and external. Internal problems, which include staff's poor working habits, cataloging errors and loss of material, are then rectified. The analysis of the external problems reinforces the need for thorough training in searching OCLC and applying ILL standard guidelines.

Cataloging Alternatives: An Investigation of Contract Cataloging, Cooperative Cataloging, and the Use of Temporary Help

Abstract: This paper is based on a report issued by an Ohio State University Ad Hoc Task Force which was formed to investigate alternative methods for obtaining bibliographic records from sources outside the Cataloging Department of the Ohio State University Libraries. In this paper, three alternatives are discussed: commercial vendors; cooperative cataloging; and the use of temporary help. The conclusion that was reached by the Task Force was that the use of cooperative cataloging is the best alternative for the Ohio State University Libraries from both practical and economical points of view.

Foundations in Music Bibliography

Abstract: Contents Introduction * The Varieties and Uses of Music Bibliography * The Thematic Catalogue in Music: Further Reflections on Its Past, Present, and Future * Scholarly Editions: Their Character and Bibliographic Description * "Perfuming the Air With Music": The Need for Film Music Bibliography * Supplement to Steven D. Westcott's A Comprehensive Bibliography of Music for Film and Television (ital) * General Principles of Bibliographic Instruction * Music Library Association Projects on Bibliographic Instruction * Music Bibliographic Instruction on Microcomputers: Part I * Music Bibliographic Instruction on Microcomputers: Part II * Integrating Library User Education with the Undergraduate Music History Sequence * Teaching Bibliography to Performers in a University School of Music * A Core Literature for Music Bibliography * The Problem of Definitive Identification in the Indexing of Hymn Tunes * The Cataloging of Chant Manuscripts as an Aid to Critical Editions and Chant History * The Rossini Thematic Catalog: When Does Bibliographical Access Become Bibliographical Excess? * Italian Music and Lyric Poetry of the Renaissance * Discography: Discipline and Musical Ally * Varieties of Analysis: Through the Analytical Sieve and Beyond * Musical Ephemera: Some Thoughts About Types, Controls, Access * Reference Lacunae: Results of an Informal Survey of What Librarians Want * The Bio-Bibliography Series * Three Bibliographic Lacunae * Index

Cataloging of Middle Eastern Materials (Arabic, Persian, and Turkish)

Abstract: Cataloging of materials in Arabic, Turkish, Persian, and related lannuanes presents numerous soecial difficulties. The au- thor discusses-in aet&l problems presenied by the languages and scripts and their romanizations. He also deals with different calendar systems used in the Middle East and with representative problems in Library of Congress classification of Middle Eastern materials. The Middle East cataloger must be aware of and deal with these and 0th- er problems on a daily basis. Library administrators, heads of techni- cal services and catalog departments, and other catalogers also need to be aware of the particular difficulties that Middle East catalogers face.

Catalogers and workstations: a retrospective and future view

Abstract: Since the days of hand written catalog cards, catalogers have continually searched for, utilized, and implemented new technologies in an effort to provide more efficient and accurate access to library materials. From hand written locally produced cards to Library of Congress cards, and from typewriters to increasingly complex computerized workstations, catalogers have experimented with and adapted new methods that would permit them to focus less time on the mechanical aspects of cataloging and more on its intellectual side. Present automated workstations and the promise for tomorrow's more complex systems demand a continued adaptation and redefinition of the cataloger's role in information provision.

Cataloging standards and machine translation: A study of reformatted ISBD records in an online catalog

Abstract: Labeled bibliographic display screens in online catalogs can repackage records created for card catalogs in ways that restructure the record, redefine data categories and contexts, and add or omit selected categories of data. The impact of automated display on catalog records in a medium-sized research library was studied by comparing the card and online versions of 1,005 records created according to the International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) conventions. Thirty-eight types of changes ascribable to the catalog software were identified, and the extent of occurrence in the sample was tabulated for each. Changes found involve rearrangement, inaccurate labeling, repetition, addition, and omission of data elements, along with the elimination of the traditional distinction between descriptive data and access points. The findings suggest that current descriptive cataloging standards may be ill-suited to the creation of records for online display. During the past few years, online catalogs have become ubiquitous in large and medium-sized libraries. The capabilities that these catalogs have and that card catalogs lack have numerous revolutionary implications for the future of bibliographic control and access. One of these capabilities is the automatic reformatting of bibliographic records into a labeled, tabular display format, based on the mapping of labels to MARC fields, with the labels, the mapping, the choice of data elements displayed, and the order in which they are displayed determined locally. This feature has proven extremely popular with librarians, to the point that few if any systems now on the market do not offer it. It is probably safe to say that the resulting line-by-line field displays beside brief, locally standardized verbal tags have replaced the familiar paragraph-style ISBD arrangement in most libraries by now. In a very short time, and with very little fanfare, the face of the catalog record has been transformed. Although the benefits of customizing a library's bibliographic records in this way are self-evident to many, the use of machine reformatting for display raises a number of issues. These include the optimal length of record displays, the relative appropriateness of the various data elements for display, and the way bibliographic items are to be identified and cited, all of which are issues specifically related to the selection and arrangement of bibliographic information. Issues related to labeling include the clarity to the user and accuracy of the labels chosen (or, put another way, the adequacy of the labels for conveying the bibliographic concepts implicit in AACR2 and the MARC formats) and what to do about any inaccuracies, unacceptable ambiguities, clutter, or other noise that may result from an overly literal machine translation from ISBD and AACR2 to a library's chosen version of "patronese."[1] The above reference to machine translation is neither idle nor hyperbolic. In describing the nature of bibliographic records, Hagler writes: Bibliographic data are communicated by means of a language. Since they are expressed in the words of a language such as English or French, it may seem that no other language is involved, but bibliographic language is also present with its own syntax. The "sentences" of bibliographese have a rigid structure and their expression is concise and often elliptical. As with any other language, the beginner can quickly comprehend much, but instruction and experience are needed before all the details and subtleties are either noticed or understood. Like any other language, the language of bibliography is nothing but a set of commonly accepted conventions.[2] Hagler also calls the format of a record "the grammatical structure, or syntax, of the bibliographic language."[3] Neville says much the same thing and describes cataloging as itself a translation process, one that "cannot be mechanized, since it contains intuitive and pragmatic steps for which watertight algorithms could not be written. …

Cataloguing in the official and heritage languages at the National Library of Canada

Abstract: The National Library of Canada's main mandate is to acquire, catalogue, and promote Canadians regardless of language or place of publication. Since Canada has two official languages, Eng- lish and French, the National Library aspires to bilingual biblio- graphic control. Technological advancks t ~ a t link bilinngual authority files and allow a lanmane-specific user interface make bilinmal cat- aloguing of individial ;[ems unnecessary. The National fibmy's cataloguing policy for materials in both official languages is out- lined, as well as policies governing cataloguing in languages other than English and French. As a resource-sharing agency, the National Library also operates a separate Multilingual Bibliosewice (MBS) collection to assist public libraries across lhe country in providing heritage-language material to their users. The MBS currently has collections in thiuty-two languages and several scripts, all of which are catalogued in the vernacular. The automated MBS-MINISIS sys- tem is a pioneer mul...

Catalog record contents enhancement

Abstract: Contents enhancement of catalog records may increase access to books in collections and aid in effective resource sharing by providing more detailed descriptions about library holdings in the catalog. A sample of monographs in San Diego State University Library was studied to determine the extent to which information in books from parts of the collection could be represented better by content notes, and to determine how much of this information has subject or analytical applications. The study revealed that approximately 23% of the books contain discrete content information not already represented in catalog records that could be added

That Elusive Concept of "Aboutness": The Year's Work in Subject Analysis, 1992

Abstract: Interest in classification theory and in facet-based systems was more evident during 1992, the year that marked the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Ranganathan. Efforts to simplify subject cataloging routines include exploration of automatic and semiautomatic methods. Solutions to online subject searching problems might be shifting to the domain of information-retrieval experts. The 1992 subject analysis literature is examined and described using the following categories: theoretical foundations, cataloging practices, subject access in online environments, and specialized materials and topics