Showing papers on "Cataloging published in 2010"
TL;DR: Results show that MARC, AACR2, and LCSH are the most widely used metadata schema, content standard, and subjectcontrolled vocabulary, respectively, followed by EAD, MODS, VRA, and TEI.
Abstract: This study explores the current state of metadata-creation practices across digital repositories and collections by using data collected from a nationwide survey of mostly cataloging and metadata professionals. Results show that MARC, AACR2, and LCSH are the most widely used metadata schema, content standard, and subjectcontrolled vocabulary, respectively. Dublin Core (DC) is the second most widely used metadata schema, followed by EAD, MODS, VRA, and TEI. Qualified DC’s wider use vis-a-vis Unqualified DC (40.6 percent versus 25.4 percent) is noteworthy. The leading criteria in selecting metadata and controlled-vocabulary schemata are collection-specific considerations, such as the types of resources, nature of the collection, and needs of primary users and communities. Existing technological infrastructure and staff expertise also are significant factors contributing to the current use of metadata schemata and controlled vocabularies for subject access across distributed digital repositories and collections. Metadata interoperability remains a major challenge. There is a lack of exposure of locally created metadata and metadata guidelines beyond the local environments. Homegrown locally added metadata elements may also hinder metadata interoperability across digital repositories and collections when there is a lack of sharable mechanisms for locally defined extensions and variants.
73 citations
01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: With more than 10 million volumes and an annual increase of about 50,000, the Bibliotheque Nationale de France is one of the biggest libraries in the world.
Abstract: With more than 10 million volumes and an annual increase of about 50,000, the Bibliotheque Nationale de France is one of the biggest libraries in the world. It is also one of the oldest and since the sixteenth century, it has been entrusted with the mission of collecting, cataloging, preserving, and providing access to the French print heritage. Although the library's history consists of several turning points, the last decade of the twentieth century has brought an unprecedented change in the life of the institution: new information technologies, new buildings, new collection management politics, and new services. More than ever, today the library is part of a national and international network of libraries and other cultural institutions whose goal is both to share the wealth of their resources and assert their identities
66 citations
01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) is the title of a report prepared by an IFLA study group and published in 1998 as mentioned in this paper, which defined the user tasks find, identify, select, and obtain.
Abstract: Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), is the title of a report prepared by an IFLA study group and published in 1998. The term “FRBR” is used to refer both to the report and to the conceptual model described in that report. The FRBR report defined the user tasks find, identify, select, and obtain; developed the FRBR conceptual model to describe bibliographic data; and mapped the user tasks to the bibliographic data. The FRBR model is based on entity-relationship modeling and identifies three groups of entities. Group 1, consisting of work, expression, manifestation, and item is the most fully developed. Group 2 consists of persons and corporate bodies. Group 3 consists of entities that can serve as subjects but that belong to neither Group 1 nor Group 2. The FRBR model has generated both theoretical discussion and applied research, and has affected the modeling of authority data, the development of cataloging rules, and the design of systems for the display of bibliographic data. Although there are unresolved issues associated with the FRBR model it still provides hope for a useful organization of the bibliographic universe
59 citations
TL;DR: An online survey of cataloging and metadata professionals in the United States examines the perceived importance of metadata quality, metadata quality evaluation criteria and issues, and mechanisms for building quality assurance into the metadata creation process.
Abstract: This article evaluates practices on metadata quality control in digital repositories and collections using an online survey of cataloging and metadata professionals in the United States. The study examines (1) the perceived importance of metadata quality, (2) metadata quality evaluation criteria and issues, and (3) mechanisms for building quality assurance into the metadata creation process. The survey finds wide recognition of the essential role of metadata quality assurance. Accuracy and consistency are prioritized as the main criteria for metadata quality evaluation. Metadata semantics greatly affects consistent and accurate metadata application. Strong awareness of metadata quality correlates with the widespread adoption of various quality control mechanisms, such as staff training, manual review, metadata guidelines, and metadata generation tools. And yet, metadata guidelines are used less frequently as a quality assurance mechanism in digital collections involving multiple institutions.
58 citations
TL;DR: A comparison of the two institutions illustrates some of the difficulties facing the reference archivist seeking subject retrieval of archival and manuscript materials arranged according to the principles of provenance and original order as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Current theories of subject and information retrieval are predicated on the experience and needs of libraries and information centers and do not effectively address the needs of archives. Both libraries and archives seek to aid users in locating information. The problems faced by the two institutions, however, are as different as their materials, organizing principles, and descriptive techniques. A comparison of the two institutions illustrates some of the difficulties facing the reference archivist seeking subject retrieval of archival and manuscript materials arranged according to the principles of provenance and original order. Archives and libraries differ most obviously in the materials they collect. For the most part, libraries collect books and other published materials which are produced in multiple copies in relatively uniform sizes and formats. Generally, a book is created quite deliberately by an author, as a literary product treating a particular topic. On the other hand, archives accession unique documents w ich vary widely in size and format. The documents are usually created by many authors as the byproduct of personal and organizational activity. Rarely are they self-conscious literary productions. Unlike a book, which can stand alone as an author's thoughts on a single topic, archival documents generally make sense only as part of a group of records. Record groups reflect the many activities which created them and may be useful for many subjects. Retrieval of individual books relating to a specific subject is a primary goal for the library, and librarians have devised both classification and cataloging techniques to accomplish subject retrieval. On the other hand, subject retrieval of individual documents has not been a primary goal for most archivists. Library classification brings books treating the same subject together on the shelf, thereby creating one important and powerful mode of subject access. The classification notation gives
50 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined job descriptions dating from 2000 through 2008 that were featured in advertisements for both metadata librarian and cataloging librarians, to determine where these two roles converge and diverge, and what these commonalities and differences convey about the role of metadata librarian today.
Abstract: Metadata librarian positions have been increasing in academic and research libraries in the last decade, paralleling the expanded provision of, and thus description of and access to, digital resources. Library literature has only begun to explore the significance and implications of this new, still evolving role. In the context of a twenty-first-century academic library, what knowledge and experience should a metadata librarian have? How different is the job of a metadata librarian from the job of a cataloging librarian? One way to determine the kinds of qualifications and skills being sought is to consult job postings for metadata librarians. The authors examined job descriptions dating from 2000 through 2008 that were featured in advertisements for both metadata librarians and cataloging librarians, to determine where these two roles converge and diverge, and what these commonalities and differences convey about the role of metadata librarians today.
42 citations
TL;DR: The authors illustrate the various issues raised by vendor-supplied records and the impact of new guidelines for provider-neutral records for electronic monographs as well as describing workflow for batch cataloging using the MarcEdit utility.
Abstract: Electronic book collections in libraries have grown dramatically over the last decade. A great diversity of providers, service models, and content types exist today, presenting a variety of challenges for cataloging and catalog maintenance. Many libraries rely on external data providers to supply bibliographic records for electronic books, but cataloging guidance has focused primarily on rules and standards for individual records rather than data management at the collection level. This paper discusses the challenges, decisions, and priorities that have evolved around cataloging electronic books at a mid-size academic library, the University of Houston Libraries. The authors illustrate the various issues raised by vendor-supplied records and the impact of new guidelines for provider-neutral records for electronic monographs. They also describe workflow for batch cataloging using the MarcEdit utility, address ongoing maintenance of records and record sets, and suggest future directions for large-scale management of electronic books.
39 citations
TL;DR: The challenges of managing Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) records for the Springer e-book collection at the University of Illinois at Chicago University Library are explored and tools and methods to improve record quality while working in a consortial setting are discussed.
Abstract: E-books have become a substantial part of many academic library collections. Catalog records for each e-book title enhance discovery by library users, but cataloging individual books may be impossible when large packages are purchased. Increasingly, libraries are relying on outside sources for their e-book catalog records, which may come from vendors or third-party record services and are frequently included in the price of a subscription. Rather than handling individual items, catalogers find themselves managing and manipulating large sets of catalog records. While dealing with the records in batch is the only practical way to provide access to the large sets, batch processing does bring about a new set of challenges. This paper will explore the challenges of managing Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) records for the Springer e-book collection at the University of Illinois at Chicago University Library. It discusses tools and methods to improve record quality while working in a consortial setting. It provides lessons learned, continuing challenges of working with vendor records, and some steps that might help other libraries expedite the process of getting vendor records into the catalog.
36 citations
TL;DR: The result is a software component for the retrieval of bibliographic records that are independent of the bibliographical format used in cataloging that features great flexibility in terms of configuring search types without the need to change the software implementation.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of the research is modeling and implementing a software component for the retrieval of bibliographic records using the Apache Lucene retrieval engine.Design/methodology/approach – Object‐oriented methodology is used for modeling and implementation of the bibliographic record retrieval engine. Modeling is carried out in the CASE tool that supports the unified modeling language (UML 2.0), while the implementation is using the Java programming language and open source components.Findings – The result is a software component for the retrieval of bibliographic records that are independent of the bibliographic format used in cataloging. It features great flexibility in terms of configuring search types without the need to change the software implementation.Research limitations/implications – One of the constraints of this system relates to the problem of searching linking entry fields. UNIMARC format defines fields used to link the item being cataloged to another bibliographic item, so those f...
32 citations
Book•
09 Jul 2010
TL;DR: This indispensible Special Report helps catalogers by Concisely explaining RDA and its expected benefits for users and cataloguers, presented through topics and questions.
Abstract: Resource Description and Access (RDA) is the new cataloguing standard that will replace the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR). The 2010 release of RDA is not the release of a revised standard; it represents a shift in the understanding of the cataloguing process. Author Chris Oliver, Cataloguing and Authorities Coordinator at the McGill University Library and chair of the Canadian Committee on Cataloging, offers practical advice on how to make the transition. This indispensible Special Report helps catalogers by: Concisely explaining RDA and its expected benefits for users and cataloguers, presented through topics and questions, Placing RDA in context by examining its connection with its predecessor, AACR2, as well as looking at RDA's relationship to internationally accepted principles, standards and models, Detailing how RDA positions us to take advantage of newly emerging database structures, how RDA data enables improved resource discovery, and how we can get metadata out of library silos and make it more accessible, No cataloger or library administrator will want to be without this straightforward guide to the changes ahead.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate representation of transgender people and experiences in Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and suggest strategies available to librarians to render transgender people more visible and accessible in library catalogs, including incorporating new technologies and modifying established cataloging instruments.
Abstract: This article evaluates representation of transgender people and experiences in Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). It compares LCSH treatment of transgender topics to that of controlled vocabularies developed to describe lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) collections, as well as their treatment by scholarly LGBT encyclopedias. The appraisal of these knowledge domains demonstrates the continued relevance of subject descriptors as a mode of knowledge production both for information professionals and for those we serve. It also suggests strategies available to librarians to render transgender people more visible and accessible in library catalogs, including incorporating new technologies as well as modifying established cataloging instruments.
TL;DR: The study shows that the use of online tools has advantages over manual methods, and librarians perceived the method to be useful and easy to use.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the survey on the use of online tools and techniques for cataloguing and classification in Nigerian librariesDesign/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was designed to elicit information from librarians on pertinent areas relating to the use of online tools for processing library resourcesFindings – The results of the survey reveal a high level of awareness among librarians in Nigeria about the benefits that could be derived in the use of online tools for cataloguing and classification processes The study further reveals the need for continuing education programmes for cataloguers for effective use of the tools The study shows that the use of online tools has advantages over manual methods Librarians perceived the method to be useful and easy to use The paper reveals ICT infrastructural facilities as major constraints facing libraries in the use of online tools One of the expectations at the onset of the follow‐up study was that most of the proble
TL;DR: Until this descriptive study, the faculties of the ALA-accredited library schools had not been surveyed as a population in regard to their perceptions about faculty status for academic librarians, nor had they been surveyed about how education at library schools prepared academic librarian for faculty roles.
Abstract: The faculties of the library schools listed as ALA-accredited are directly involved in setting the direction of the education provided to academic librarians through curriculum development and teaching. The curricula and teaching at ALA-accredited library schools revolve around aspects of librarianship such as providing research assistance at a reference desk, collection development, and cataloging; but they do not address preparing the recipients of the MLS for the demands of faculty status at a college or university library. Thus, while academic librarians may be well prepared to assume professional duties in an academic setting, they may be less well prepared to perform activities such as research and publication that are required of faculty members seeking tenure and promotion. Until this descriptive study, the faculties of the ALA-accredited library schools had not been surveyed as a population in regard to their perceptions about faculty status for academic librarians, nor had they been surveyed about how education at library schools prepared academic librarians for faculty roles. As a result, it was vital that the faculties of the ALA-accredited library schools were surveyed so that their thoughts on faculty status for academic librarians and the education that prepares librarians for faculty roles could be known.
Book•
01 Apr 2010
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a wide-reaching look at how graphic novels and comics can be used to their full advantage in educational settings, including the historical relationship between comics and librarians, the aesthetic value of sequential art, the use of graphic novels in library outreach services, and graphic novel collection evaluations for both American and Canadian libraries.
Abstract: To say that graphic novels, comics, and other forms of sequential art have become a major part of popular culture and academia would be a vast understatement. Now an established component of library and archive collections across the globe, graphic novels are proving to be one of the last vestiges of the printed form actually gaining in popularity. Full of practical advice and innovative ideas for librarians, educators, and archivists, this book provides a wide-reaching look at how graphic novels and comics can be used to their full advantage in educational settings. Topics include: the historically tenuous relationship between comics and librarians; the aesthetic value of sequential art; the use of graphic novels in library outreach services; graphic novel collection evaluations for both American and Canadian libraries; tips and tricks for cataloging comics; and, the swiftly growing realm of webcomics.
TL;DR: A survey examining and comparing the metadata practices of academic and non-academic libraries regarding digital projects explores the types of metadata and vocabularies utilized, issues of interoperability, end-user-created metadata, and staffing for metadata planning and creation.
Abstract: This article presents the results of a survey examining and comparing the metadata practices of academic and non-academic libraries regarding digital projects. It explores the types of metadata and vocabularies utilized, issues of interoperability, end-user-created metadata, and staffing for metadata planning and creation. Participants from 87 academic libraries and 40 non-academic libraries responded to the survey. The survey found that, despite their different environments, academic and non-academic libraries engage in similar metadata practices. The majority of the participating libraries have metadata librarians, who are the primary staff members responsible for all metadata activities. Academic libraries tend to use more metadata schemes, plan for metadata interoperability more frequently, and are more likely to have created new positions responsible for metadata for digital projects.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the relationship of these new designs to evolving cataloging practice and the changing discovery environment and examine the relationships between the new designs and the continued relevance of traditional cataloging.
Abstract: Since around 2005 several striking attempts have been made to rethink the design of library catalogs in production systems; the North Carolina State University's (NCSU) Endeca catalog being a notable example. These developments are taking place just as the continued relevance of traditional cataloging is being questioned. This article examines the relationship of these new designs to evolving cataloging practice and the changing discovery environment.
TL;DR: Results of the ranking part of the comparison task confirm the findings of concept mapping task, while there are individual differences between mental models, on average they gravitate towards FRBR.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to provide some insight into mental models of the bibliographic universe and how they compare with functional requirements for bibliographic records (FRBR) as a conceptual model of the bibliographic universe.Design/methodology/approach – To get a more complete picture of the mental models, different elicitation techniques were used. The three tasks of the paper were: card‐sorting, concept mapping and comparison task. The paper deals with comparison task, which consisted of interviews and rankings, and provides a discussion of the results of the paper as a whole.Findings – Results of the ranking part of the comparison task confirm the findings of concept mapping task. In both cases, while there are individual differences between mental models, on average they gravitate towards FRBR.Research limitations/implications – This is a small study and it provides only a glimpse of the implications of using FRBR as a conceptual basis for cataloguing. More FRBR‐related user studies are needed...
TL;DR: The characteristics of, and reasons for, arrearages are analyzed, and approaches to reducing or eliminating backlogs are assessed.
Abstract: While backlogs have existed in libraries and the literature that describes them, the decline in the acquisition of physical collections relative to digital resources, as well as the availability of cataloging copy has called into question the continued viability and relevance of arrearages. Yet, at a time of economic restraint, a rethinking of library operations is timely, if not urgent. What does nearly sixty years of research tell us about materials that are removed from cataloging workflow pending availability of a bibliographic record? This article analyzes the characteristics of, and reasons for, arrearages, and assesses approaches to reducing or eliminating backlogs.
TL;DR: The paper reviews pertinent literature in the following areas: the future of bibliographic control, general cataloging standards and texts, Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), cataloging varied resources, metadata and cataloging in the Web world, classification and subject access.
Abstract: This paper surveys library literature on cataloging and classification published in 2007–8, indicating its extent and range in terms of types of literature, major subject areas, and themes. The paper reviews pertinent literature in the following areas: the future of bibliographic control, general cataloging standards and texts, Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), cataloging varied resources, metadata and cataloging in the Web world, classification and subject access, questions of diversity and diverse perspectives, additional reports of practice and research, catalogers’ education and careers, keeping current through columns and blogs, and cataloging history.
TL;DR: The most recent and ambitious project, digitizing 13,000 historical images of the university dating from the 1880s into the 1930s, required closer collaboration than any previous project as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Colorado State University Libraries has been creating digitized collections, primarily from its Archives and Special Collections unit, since 2000. These projects involved collaboration among Archives, Cataloging, and Digitization; the most recent and ambitious project, digitizing 13,000 historical images of the university dating from the 1880s into the 1930s, required closer collaboration than any previous project. The three authors, each with a distinctive role in the project, use this case study to illustrate and discuss in detail the different professional and technical skills and perspectives that each brought to the project and how they learned from each other. The authors present lessons learned in how to effectively build successful internal partnerships to further digitization projects.
TL;DR: Students with difficult-to-spell search terms checked spelling more often, changed search strategies to look for the general topic and had fewer successful searches, while students unable to find the correct spelling of a search term were unable to complete their search.
Abstract: Although technology can often correct spelling errors, the complex tasks of information searching and retrieval in an online public access catalog (OPAC) are made more difficult by these errors in users' input and bibliographic records This study examines the search behaviors of 38 university students, divided into groups with either easy-to-spell or difficult-to-spell search terms, who were asked to find items in the OPAC with these search terms Search behaviors and strategy use in the OPAC and on the World Wide Web (WWW) were examined In general, students used familiar Web resources to check their spelling or discover more about the assigned topic Students with difficult-to-spell search terms checked spelling more often, changed search strategies to look for the general topic and had fewer successful searches Students unable to find the correct spelling of a search term were unable to complete their search Students tended to search the OPAC as they would search a search engine, with few search terms or complex search strategies The results of this study have implications for spell checking, user-focused OPAC design, and cataloging Students' search behaviors are discussed by expanding Thatcher's (2006) Information-Seeking Process and Tactics for the WWW model to include OPACs © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Journal Article•
TL;DR: There is strong interest in receiving training in topics relating to planning and management for metadata application, such as metadata quality control mechanisms and documentation, as well as training materials providing hands-on, practical solutions and guidance in an implementation environment.
Abstract: This study aims to examine the current state and needs of continuing education among cataloging and metadata professionals regarding metadata creation and management. Using nationwide survey data, the study finds an active interest in pursuing training and education opportunities on a wide variety of metadata-related topics. The survey results indicate, however, that some professional education needs are not being met by the type of training the respondents have received. In particular, there is strong interest in receiving training in topics relating to planning and management for metadata application, such as metadata quality control mechanisms and documentation, as well as training materials providing hands-on, practical solutions and guidance in an implementation environment. The survey also indicates a strong interest in short courses, including online programs, that are affordable, flexible, and practical for professionals in the field. Keywords: metadata, metadata quality control, catalogers, metadata professionals, continuing education, needs assessment Introduction The ever-growing universe of digital library projects demands a broad community of information professionals with the up-to-date knowledge, skills and competencies needed to address new challenges in metadata creation and management. The rapid growth of digital repositories has led to an acute awareness of metadata as the principal building block in facilitating effective resource description, access, and sharing. New metadata standards and digital library technologies are being developed at a rapid pace as diverse communities of practice seek new ways to organize massive quantities of digital resources. The pace of change in the metadata environment creates an increased demand for continuing education programs that are designed to allow cataloging and metadata professionals to stay up-to-date with current and emerging standards and technologies for describing networked and digital resources. The need for ongoing professional education is made even stronger by the collaborative, decentralized nature of bibliographic control in the twenty-first century. As evidenced in On the record: Report of the Library of Congress Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control (2008), the evolving digital information and technology environment will likely require more active collaboration of the library and information communities as data are increasingly mined and shared from multiple information providers for resource discovery and sharing. Such data sharing and access across ever-growing distributed digital repositories and collections are derived from the creation of interoperable metadata based on accurate, complete and consistent resource description. In turn, factors hindering shared notions of metadata quality are also in part derived from resource constraints related to staff expertise, educational tools, and opportunities among institutions and communities implementing metadata projects. Research on continuing education needs is therefore needed to build a network of competent information professionals with the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to create, manage, and exchange quality metadata in a digital environment. This study aims to examine the prevailing perspectives and interests of cataloging and metadata professionals regarding continuing education in metadata creation and management. While traditional library cataloging remains the principal responsibility expected from cataloging professionals, emerging knowledge and skill sets are increasingly being integrated into the core technical aspects of cataloging (Park, Lu, & Marion, 2009). Therefore, it is essential for this study to evaluate the continuing education needs of cataloging professionals and metadata professionals inasmuch as they play a major role in metadata creation and digital library projects within their own institutions (Park and Lu, 2009). …
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the literature of the past 20 years, in an era of major changes in the way documents and information transit from their creators to their ultimate users.
Abstract: Cataloging and classification education has been a recurring topic in the library and information science literature since the creation of the first library school toward the end of the nineteenth century. This article examines the literature of the past 20 years, in an era of major changes in the way documents and information transit from their creators to their ultimate users. It concludes by suggesting several aspects of classification education that need to be investigated further, in light of these new circumstances.
TL;DR: A body of cataloguing practice has coalesced around cataloguing cultural objects: a Guide to Describing CulturalWorks and Their Images (CCO) since its publication in 2003 as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A body of cataloguing practice has coalesced around Cataloguing Cultural Objects: a Guide to Describing CulturalWorks
and Their Images (CCO) since its publication in 2003. CCO is amanual for describing, documenting, and cataloguing
cultural works and their visual surrogates.The primary focus ofCCOis art and architecture, including but not limited
to paintings, sculpture, prints,manuscripts, photographs, built works, installations, and other visual media.CCOalso
covers many other types of cultural works, including archaeological sites, artifacts, and functional objects from the
realm of material culture. This paper examines the influence of CCO and its implementation in cataloguing settings
for the museum and image library community. In drawing together three diverse scenarios, the authors have
identified common strategies for particular challenges in each one. The showcase projects include: (1) the
development of a de facto standard for contributing cultural and natural history collections to union catalogues
and digital repositories by harmonizing the CDWA Lite and museumdat XML schemas; (2) the use of CCO in the
Society of Architectural Historians Architecture Resources Archive (SAHARA) project, a shared online archive
of photographs that document architecture and cultural landscapes worldwide � the SAHARA project
developed a cataloguing template for use by scholars and librarians; and (3) the application of CCO alongside
other guidelines in records for cultural works in library settings. Emerging CCO cataloguing practice has resulted
in a significant body of records from the museum and image library communities headed for LAM (library/
archive/museum) integrated access environments. The authors comment on how cataloguing decision-making
(e.g. differing concepts about a �work�) may impact the convergence of records in these environments.
TL;DR: Attempts at the University of Houston Libraries, a mid-size research library, to enhance organizational capacity for evolving cataloging roles and to foster organizational relationships that support progress in technical services functions are discussed.
Abstract: One of the foremost challenges facing technical services in academic libraries is integrating digital resources and services with existing work without a concomitant personnel expansion. The library's bibliographic data are manipulated and delivered through myriad systems and services, including proxy servers, electronic resource management systems, federated search and link resolver tools, integrated library systems, bibliographic utilities, and dozens of external data providers. In this increasingly complex environment, libraries require flexible data management and flexible staffing, which in turn relies on a reservoir of informed staff and managers who understand the many pieces of the technical services puzzle. This article discusses efforts at the University of Houston Libraries, a mid-size research library, to enhance organizational capacity for evolving cataloging roles and to foster organizational relationships that support progress in technical services functions.
TL;DR: The authors performed a survey in four cataloging discussion lists to determine trends in the integration of non-MARC metadata duties into the workflow of traditional catalogers in U.S. academic libraries, the impact this implementation has had on them, plus catalogers' perceptions towards non- MARC metadata.
Abstract: While a growing body of literature addresses the integration of non-MARC metadata duties into the workflow of traditional catalogers, most of it consists of isolated case studies that describe the integration experience at the local level. No study yet has covered the trends of non-MARC metadata integration in catalogers' workflows on a large scale, much less the impact this integration has had on catalogers. To address this gap in the literature, the authors performed a survey in four cataloging discussion lists to determine trends in the integration of non-MARC metadata duties into the workflow of traditional catalogers in U.S. academic libraries, the impact this implementation has had on them, plus catalogers' perceptions towards non-MARC metadata. The survey, which was administered in August 2008, addresses aspects of non-MARC metadata production such as local procedures, workflows, schemas, tools, training, preconceptions, and the impact new responsibilities have had on the job performance and worklo...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the various issues and challenges arising from e-book cataloguing experienced at the University of Windsor's Leddy Library and the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL).
Abstract: This paper explores the various issues and challenges arising from e-book cataloguing experienced at the University of Windsor’s Leddy Library and the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL). This discussion uses an evidence -based approach to identify and resolve issues relevant to academic libraries as well as to consortia. With the ever rising popularity of e-books within academic libraries, cataloguing librarians are actively seeking more effective methods of managing this new electronic medium, including the development of new cataloguing policies and procedures. This paper will explore the various issues and challenges surrounding e-book cataloguing and processing within academic libraries, and will identify new policies and procedures that may be used to effectively assist in e-book management.
TL;DR: The Getty vocabularies, the "Art & Architecture Thesaurus" (AAT), the Getty "Thesaurus of Geographic Names" (TGN), and the "Union List of Artist Names"® (ULAN), contain terms, names, and other information about people, places, things, and concepts used to catalog, document, and retrieve information relating to art, architecture, andother material culture.
Abstract: The Getty vocabularies, the "Art & Architecture Thesaurus"® (AAT), the Getty "Thesaurus of Geographic Names"® (TGN), and the "Union List of Artist Names"® (ULAN), contain terms, names, and other information about people, places, things, and concepts used to catalog, document, and retrieve information relating to art, architecture, and other material culture. The vocabularies grow over time through contributions from the user community, which include art libraries, visual resources collections, museums, archives, and scholars. The Getty vocabularies are widely used in cataloging communities, where some of the most frequently asked questions concern the history, production, and ongoing development of these vocabularies. This article attempts to answer such questions and provides an introduction to the newest Getty vocabulary, "The Cultural Objects Name Authority"™ (CONA).
TL;DR: This study examined the incidence and prevalence rates of MARC fields in two different sets of library catalog records: a random selection of bibliographic records from the Library of Congress online catalog and a selection of records for two specific works, Lord of the Flies and Plato’s Republic.
Abstract: Library catalog systems worldwide are based on collections of MARC records. New kinds of Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR)–based catalog retrieval systems, displays, and cataloging rules will build on ever-growing MARC record collections. Characterizing the kinds of information held in MARC records is thus an important step in developing new systems and rules. This study examined the incidence and prevalence rates of MARC fields in two different sets of library catalog records: a random selection of bibliographic records from the Library of Congress online catalog and a selection of records for two specific works, Lord of the Flies and Plato’s Republic. Analysis showed that most fields were used in only a small percentage of records, while a small number of fields were used in almost all records. Power law functions proved to be a good model for the observed distribution of MARC fields. The results of this study have implications for the design of new cataloging procedures as well as for the design of catalog interfaces that are based on the FRBR entity-relationship model.