Showing papers on "Resource Description and Access published in 1991"

A Summary of the Treatment of Bibliographic Relationships in Cataloging Rules.

Abstract: A Summary of the Treatment of Bibliographic Relationships in Cataloging Rules In designing future computerized library systems, it would be very helpful to have a conceptual model to guide our efforts. One part of that model would be the various relationships we want to express, including bibliographic relationships, access point relationships, etc. With regard to bibliographic relationships, history has shown no rationale and little consistency in how we relate bibliographic entities. A review of cataloging rules since 1841 reveals differing methods and devices used over the years to show bibliographic relationships, but also reveals a lack of any theoretical rationale for the devices prescribed. Cataloging rules change with changing technologies and pressures of traditions in large libraries, such as the introduction of filing titles when card catalogs came into vogue and the disapperance of dashed-on notes with the introduction of machine-readable bibliographic records. Perhaps we should now work toward a more theoretical approach. Methodology In the mid-1980s an analytical study was conducted to examine the cataloging rules through the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2d ed. (AACR2) to reveal practices for indicating bibliographic relationships in cataloging records and to identify types of relationships.[1] Consideration was given to both the historic rationale and the future importance of expressing bibliographic relationships in catalogs. An effort was made to identify all major cataloging codes and sets of rules used in the United States. Panizzi's rules were also included, since they have been acknowledged as the basis for cataloging codes used in the United States. From the codes and rules identified, twenty-four principal cataloging codes were selected for review. Codes with well-recognized influence on cataloging at both the Library of Congress (LC) and major libraries in the United States were preferred. For codes covering only serials, Pierson's Guide to the Cataloguing of the Serial Publications of Societies and Institutions, second edition, was selected to represent serials cataloging at LC. The codes that were analyzed are listed in appendix A. The glossaries of the various cataloging codes were inspected, along with the ALA Glossaries,[2] to further identify types of bibliographic items and types of linking devices. The ALA Glossaries provided additional terms for bibliographic items not explicitly mentioned in the codes, terms that proved useful in developing the taxonomy of relationships.[3] Once these terms for bibliographic items were listed, they were examined to determine whether any natural categories for a taxonomy might result. Indeed, the categories of bibliographic items provided a very useful perspective on possible structures for the taxonomy of bibliographic relationships.[4] After identifying categories of bibliographic items that could be related, cataloging codes were analyzed to select rules pertaining to bibliographic relationships and linking devices. This was accomplished through a chronological reading and annotation of copies of each of the twenty-four cataloging codes, noting all rules that mentioned making a link between bibliographic records or mentioned relating an item being cataloged to some other item or larger work. Cataloging rules cover a wide range of topics pertaining to the description of bibliographic items and catalog entry. Some rules are specifically about relating items, such as rules calling for series notes. Some rules combine relationship information with nonrelationship information, such as rules calling for entry under a specific name and title with an added entry for a related item's name and title. Some rules combine several types of relationships, such as rules for serials that call for notes on all types of relationships with other serials. Some rules are not associated with any bibliographic relationships, such as simple rules on the measurement of the size of an item and complex rules on some of the decisions for authorship. …

Cataloging for Access

Abstract: There is a new movement afoot to change cataloging philosophy. The aim of library cataloging has been to create a machine-readable card catalog rather than to provide optimum online access for library users. Catalogers need to become operationally engaged in the vision of the "new catalog," and take advantage of the potential of the OPAC. Cataloging for "access" rather than identification should be the motto of Technical Services Divisions in the 1990s. These discussions are already taking place in the Library of Congress, and in such forums as the Technical Services Directors of Large Research Libraries Discussion Group.

An Analysis of Cataloging Copy: Library of Congress vs. Selected RLIN Members.

Abstract: An Analysis of Cataloging Copy: Library of Congress vs. Selected RLIN Members In January 1987 the Cataloging Unit of the Albert R. Mann Library, Cornell University, had a backlog of more than 5,000 monographs. The acquisitions rate in Mann Library had increased 75 percent in the previous two years and the cataloging backlog, reflecting this increase, had doubled. In order to stem the growth of the backlog and perhaps even reduce it, the cataloging staff of the library felt that our methods for handling cataloging copy should be analyzed. Traditionally, current Library of Congress copy had been handled by support staff and original catalogers handled member-contributed copy and original cataloging. The most significant growth in the backlog had been in the original/member backlog. The newly appointed head of Technical Services and two of the original catalogers decided to examine the quality of member-contributed copy and the feasibility of giving Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) member copy to catalogers who work with Library of Congress (LC) copy. At the same time, we would institute, for certain categories of books with LC copy, a pilot procedure of cataloging on receipt in the Acquisitions Unit. For many years, Mann Library, like many other libraries, had maintained a list of preferred member libraries. This list had not been drawn up by any rigorous study, such as that used by Wing. [1] Instead it had been compiled informally, based on the cataloging staff's day-to-day experience evaluating cataloging copy. All the libraries on this list were large academic research institutions with subject strengths similar to Mann Library's. Their cataloging was judged to correspond to ours in adherence to nationally accepted standards, level of description, accuracy of classification, and completeness and specificity of subject analysis. We decided to use our list and test whether the "best" member copy came close to meeting the standards of LC copy. If it were different, we would see how it varied and how we could adjust our training to accommodate it. From the beginning we knew that any such test of cataloging copy could only be made with the cooperation and commitment of the cataloging staff. Although it was somewhat difficult to engage in research while the backlog grew, the cataloging staff was eager to devise a new pattern for technical processing and willingly participated in the study. LITERATURE SURVEY A search of the published literature yielded several studies conducted with the aim of evaluating the quality of member copy cataloging. In 1978, Ryans published a study that analyzed the types of errors found in records contributed to OCLC and the fields most frequently affected. [2] While Ryans looked primarily at the major variable fields (main entry, title, edition, imprint, collation, series, subject headings, and added entries), in a 1981 study of Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) copy Hudson [3] also examined revisions in the fixed fields and tagging. In the first study 60% of 700 records were considered acceptable with no changes. The second study involved 1,017 records, of which approximately 60% required some revision. The quality of Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) member copy was examined by Wing [4] primarily for the purpose of establishing a "preferred order list" of libraries with acceptable cataloging to be used by copy catalogers. Indeed, many libraries use such "white lists" but little has been published about how these lists are determined. [5] The accuracy of Library of Congress cataloging copy, including CIP-based copy, was examined by Taylor and Simpson in 1983. [6] They found very few errors per record on the whole (47% were error free; only 27% had two or more errors or discrepancies), concluding that LC copy is relatively high in quality regardless of origin. METHODOLOGY We were fortunate at Mann Library to be able to draw upon the resources of the Biometrics Unit in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. …

The British Library and University Libraries: A Personal Reflection upon Co‐operation between Libraries Serving Scholarship and Research

Abstract: Upon its establishment in 1973, the British Library was seen by many university librarians with nervous concern and suspicion. The functions, development and influence the British Library has had on the national library scene since then are described. It is argued that, in a time of financial constraints, there is a need for policies to be developed in closest collaboration between the British Library and university libraries in the best interests of the national research community.

The Provision of Information and Library Services to Science and Industry by National Libraries: With Special Reference to the British Library

Abstract: The role of national libraries has been discussed widely over the past three decades and a number of core functions have been identified. Most national libraries have been developed with a primary aim of acting as the steward of the national archive. Traditionally there has been a strong bias towards the humanities and social sciences, with services to the scientific and industrial communities delegated to specific institutions separate from the national library. The British Library is unique in dividing its resources approximately equally between humanities and social sciences and science and technology. The units making up its Science, Technology and Industry division (which include the Document Supply Centre, the Science Reference and Information Service and the National Bibliographic Service) provide a wide range of services which are targeted specifically at the scientific and commercial sectors. Electronic publishing, as it develops, will affect the role of national libraries in collection developme...

The Role and Function of Presidential Libraries.

Abstract: This paper identifies various elements of presidential libraries. The advantages and disadvantages of the libraries' centralization or decentralization are discussed, and some common misconceptions held by the public as to the role and function of presidential libraries are identified. Criticism and debate from the professional community about whether presidential libraries have degenerated into costly monuments rather than true archives are presented, and major presidential library contributions are reviewed. The geographic dispersion of the libraries and their impact upon, and ties with, the surrounding communities are considered. In addition, the impact of presidential foundations (e.g., the Jimmy Carter Foundation and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation) and other foundations on the libraries is explored. The balance between the museum and archival functions, and the two separate clienteles who are attracted to these two roles are also described. Also identified are some common experiences shared by these libraries as they pass through their life-cycle: (1) the development/nascent stage; (2) the professional use/research stage; and (3) the mature library. The challenges faced by one such mature library, the Herbert Hoover Library, are outlined and the future of all presidential libraries is considered. (21 references) (MAB) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** Mt DEPARTMENT Of EDUCATION O'fice of Educations( Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 0 This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it 1:.:40, changes have been made to improve (production Quality Points of view or opinions slated in Ihis docir ment do not necesmrily represent Oficial OERI position or policy .. THE ROLE AND FUNCTION OF PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES Linda Fischer Ronald Reagan Library September, 1991 BEST COPY AVAILABLE "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY Jefforizi T. llartley TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)" Introduction and BackgrtAlnd From the vantage point of a new Presidential Library, an archivist's immediate future seems clear: to fulfill the institution's core archival function of processing the holdings and providing reference service. But what do archivists do after the collections have been processed? What happens to a Presidential Library when researchers come in fewer numbers and use the holdings less and less? The ongoing debate surrounding the continuing function of Presidential Libraries suggests that many of the challenges these institutions face are symptomatic of their very nature: their respective attention to a single individual's life limits the scope of their holdings and defines the solicitation and oral history strategy the institution adopts. Moreover, Presidential Libraries are civic institutions which must serve public needs if they are to justify their continued existence in their current foTm. Within the Presidential Library system, there are almost as many opinions about the proper role and function of the Libraries as there are employees. Staff members from the Library with the oldest documents--the Hoover Library--and from the youngest fully functioning Library--the Carter Library--present divergent perspectives regarding the extent to which an archives should depart from its core mission to undertake auxiliary programs. An examination of these differences will demonstrate not only the

New Beginnings: A Report to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on the State of the Library.

Abstract: This paper is a report to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on the changing state of the Harvard College Library and the larger information environment of which it is a part. It is also a call for faculty participation in a strategic planning process designed to reposition the Library to serve an information age university in the twenty-first century. The plan will set priorities and goals for the Library for the next five years and directions for the next decade and beyond. The paper is in three parts. First comes an overview of the external developments that are forcing the Library to change the way it fulfills its mission. These are the price of publications, new computer-based technologies, problems with preservation, an increase in the number of research libraries, and the growth of the information industry. This is followed by a review of the current state of the Library and a glimpse of its future directions. The paper concludes with a description of the strategic planning process and a discussion of the principal issues that need to be addressed, i.e., space, collections, technology, undergraduate libraries, and new media. Supporting statistical materials are appended. (KRN) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** New Beginnings: A Report to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on the State of the Library Richard De Gennaro Roy E. Larsen Librarian of Harvard College February 1, 1991 U DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Eductioni Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC' Trus document has been ,etwoduCed as ,,ec,,Qemvag r eived the oe,son or Organizahon Minor changes have been made to improve reproducnon quakily Points o1 view Or op.reons stated .n (Ns doc u ment do not necessarily represent othc.al 0E141 position or policy This paper is a report to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on the changing state of the Harvard College Library and the larger information environment of which it is a part. It is also a call for faculty participation in a strategic planning process designed to reposition the Library to serve an information age university in the twenty-first century. The plan will set priorities and goals for the Library for the next five years, and directions for the next decade and beyond. The paper is in three parts. First comes an overview of the external developments that are forcing the Library to change the way it fulfills its mission. This is followed by a review of the current state of the Library and a glimpse of its future directions. It concludes with a description of the strategic planning process and a discussion of the principal issues that need to be addressed. These are space, collections, tech logy, undergraduate libraries, and new media. Appended are supporting statistical materials and a timely article on the future of research libraries.

Selection and implementation of integrated systems in Ohio libraries

Abstract: This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the William H. Hannon Library at Digital Commons @ Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. It has been accepted for inclusion in LMU Librarian Publications & Presentations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@lmu.edu. Repository Citation Radcliff, Carolyn and Gatten, Jeffrey, \"Selection and Implementation of Integrated Systems in Ohio Libraries\" (1991). LMU Librarian Publications & Presentations. 88. https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/librarian_pubs/88