In library and information science, cataloging (or cataloguing) is the process of creating metadata representing information resources, such as books, sound recordings, moving images, etc.
Since the 1970s these metadata are in machine-readable form and are indexed by information retrieval tools, such as bibliographic databases or search engines. While typically the cataloging process results in the production of library catalogs, it also produces other types of discovery tools for documents and collections.
Bibliographic control provides the philosophical basis of cataloging, defining the rules for sufficiently describing information resources to enable users to find and select the most appropriate resource.
A cataloger is an individual responsible for the processes of description, subject analysis, classification, and authority control of library materials
Since the 1970s these metadata are in machine-readable form and are indexed by information retrieval tools, such as bibliographic databases or search engines. While typically the cataloging process results in the production of library catalogs, it also produces other types of discovery tools for documents and collections.
Bibliographic control provides the philosophical basis of cataloging, defining the rules for sufficiently describing information resources to enable users to find and select the most appropriate resource.
A cataloger is an individual responsible for the processes of description, subject analysis, classification, and authority control of library materials
Ronald Hagler identified six functions of bibliographic control.[2]
- "Identifying the existence of all types of information resources as they are made available."[3] The existence and identity of an information resource must be known before it can be found.
- "Identifying the works contained within those information resources or as parts of them."[3] Depending on the level of granularity required, multiple works may be contained in a single package, or one work may span multiple packages. For example, is a single photo considered an information resource? Or can a collection of photos be considered an information resource?
- "Systematically pulling together these information resources into collections in libraries, archives, museums, and Internet communication files, and other such depositories."[3] Essentially, acquiring these items into collections so that they can be of use to the user.
- "Producing lists of these information resources prepared according to standard rules for citation."[4] Examples of such retrieval aids include library catalogue, indexes, archival finding aids, etc.
- "Providing name, title, subject, and other useful access to these information resources."[4] Ideally, there should be many ways to find an item so there should be multiple access points. There must be enough metadata in the surrogate record so users can successfully find the information resource they are looking for. These access points should be consistent, which can be achieved through authority control.
- "Providing the means of locating each information resource or a copy of it."[5] In libraries, the online public access catalogue (OPAC) can give the user location information (a call number for example) and indicate whether the item is available.
The published American and Anglo-American cataloging rules in the 20th century were:[12]
- Anglo-American rules: Catalog Rules: Author and Title Entries. 1908.
- American Library Association rules: A.L.A. Cataloguing Rules for Author and Title Entries. 1949.
- Library of Congress rules: Rules for Descriptive Cataloging in the Library of Congress. 1949.
- AACR: Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules. 1967.
- AACR2: Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (2nd ed.). 1978. ISBN 0-8389-3210-X.
- AACR2-R: Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (2nd revised ed.). 1988. ISBN 0-8389-3346-7.
Criticism
Sanford Berman, former Head Cataloger of the Hennepin County Library in Minnetonka, Minnesota, has been a leading critic of biased headings in the Library of Congress Subject Headings. Berman's 1971 publication Prejudices and Antipathies: A Tract on the LC Subject Heads Concerning People (P&A) has sparked the movement to correct biased subject headings. In P&A, Berman listed 225 headings with proposed alterations, additions, or deletions and cross-references to "more accurately reflect the language used in addressing these topics, to rectify errors of bias, and to better guide librarians and readers to material of interest".[22] Berman is well known for his "care packages," mailings containing clippings and other materials in support of changes to subject headings and against racism, sexism, homophobia, and governmental secrecy, among other areas for concern.
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