Cataloging

About: Cataloging is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4770 publications have been published within this topic receiving 32489 citations.

Integrating Metadata Creation into Catalog Workflow

Abstract: The University of Oklahoma Libraries recently undertook a project designed to integrate digital library metadata creation into the workflow of the Cataloging Department. This article examines the conditions and factors that led to the project's genesis, the proposed and revised workflows that were developed, the staff training efforts that accompanied implementation of the project, and the results and benefits obtained through the project's implementation. The project presented several challenges but resulted in an improved workflow, greater use of Cataloging Department resources, and more accurate and useful metadata while increasing the Library's capacity to support digitization efforts in a timely fashion.

RDA Implementation and Training Issues across United States Academic Libraries: An In-Depth E-Mail Interview Study.

Abstract: This study aims at providing in-depth perspectives on the ways in which cataloging and metadata professionals have coped with RDA training and implementation through an e-mail interview method. Results show that the performance-based, “learn-as-you-go,” peer learning method is found by practitioners to be most effective in acquiring and applying RDA knowledge and skills to real work situations. In terms of local RDA training resources, catalogers in research libraries have access to many special in-house training sessions. In contrast, those working in non-research libraries rely mostly on webinars and other online learning materials. The study shows that different versions of RDA instruction and training materials produced by the Library of Congress and other organizations have contributed to some confusion among practitioners. This indicates that it is critical for practitioners to access up-to-date, standard training materials that include concrete examples, best practices, and practical workbooks. The study also points out that there is currently a gap for practitioners between their day-to-day cataloging practices and RDA principles based on the FRBR framework. As RDA moves us to a Linked Data world, there will be a critical need to bridge this gap. The results also indicate that considerable efforts need to be made to provide more training materials in relatively “blank” areas, such as special, non-book formats, and foreign language materials.

The Use of Standards in the Application of the AMC Format

Abstract: As archivists begin to use the new MARC Archival and Manuscripts Control (AMC) format, they will find themselves confronting many unfamiliar questions, not the least of which relate to the use of traditional library-based standards controlling the form and content of certain information elements. This article explores the ramifications for archivists using standards relating to cataloging codes, name authorities, and subject headings. In addition to explaining the importance of these standards as they relate to both the demands of the format as well as traditional archival principles, some suggestions are made to help ease the archivists into this "brave new world" of automation-induced library-archives coexistence.

Using Verbal Reports to Understand Cataloging Expertise: Two Cases

Abstract: The author discusses the use of verbal reports in protocol analysis to study the quality of cataloging knowledge and skills. The author begins with a discussion of the literature on expertise and on the use of verbal reports and protocol analysis in general, and proceeds to present two examples of the use of verbal reports collected as part of a research project on cataloging expertise. Using findings derived from the verbal reports, the author illustrates the process of hypothesis generation for further research.