This presentation discusses library cataloging fundamentals. It begins with an overview of basic cataloging concepts such as organizing information in a logical way to facilitate access. It then discusses different cataloging rules for various formats and containers for records like databases and library catalogs. Finally, it touches on cataloging tools and standards like MARC and metadata, providing tips and resources for cataloging.

1. Library Catalog Presentation
By Roslyn Sprowell
roslyn.sprowell@eagles.usm.edu
6/19/2014 Library Catalog Presentation 1

2. Library Catalog Presentation
Presentation Overview
• Basic concepts of cataloging
-What are we trying to do?
-Different formats follow different rules
• Tools used in cataloging
-Containers for records
-Databases
-Library Catalogs (ILS, OPACs, etc.)
-Spreadsheets , word documents, etc.
-Record data
-Marc
-Unicode, Metadata, etc.
• Help
-Tips
-Suggested resources
-Q&A
http://lili.org/forlibs/ce/able/
course5/08purpose.htm

3. Cataloging Fundamentals: Concepts
Basic Concepts of Cataloging
• What are we trying to do?
• Cataloging attempts to organize materials and information in a logical and
consistent way to facilitate ease of access so that one can find what they need.
• Cataloging is metadata
• Alphabetizing your address book by person’s name is a very simple way of
cataloging information
6/19/2014 Library Catalog Presentation 3

4. Cataloging Fundamentals Concepts Continued
Concepts of Cataloging
• Different formats follow different rules
• Given the physical format of materials, different rules apply to best bring out their
qualities
• For example, materials with many items ( teacher’s edition, audio cd’s, student
workbooks, maybe cataloged as a kit to better highlight all of those individuals
items
• AACR ( Anglo- American Cataloguing Rules) is a cataloging standard
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5. Cataloging Fundamentals Continued
Cataloging consists of three main parts when fit within each other:
• A container is used to store data in an organized manner which can be a database
such as a library catalog, an Access database, a spreadsheet, etc.
• The data ( record which contains the information)
• And the information itself ( created or adapted by the cataloger).
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6. Organizing records: Principles of Databases
Strong containers are where we store our records and information.
• Databases
-Library catalogs (ILS, OPACs, etc.)
- World CAT/OCLC are databases; GALILEO is made up of many databases.
Access Databases
• Other storage containers include card catalogs, online search engines on the
internet word documents and even telephone directory can store information.
http://lili.org/forlibs/ce/able/cours
e5/08purpose.htm
6/19/2014 Library Catalog Presentation 6

7. Cataloging Fundamentals Tools: Principles of Databases
• Our containers can organize information in a variety of ways:
-Alphabetical ( by title, author, etc.)
-Alphanumeric ( Library of Congress call numbers)
-Numerical ( Assigned number in numerical order, most Dewey call numbers)
-Sequential ( such as newest to latest)
- Various patterns such as by series, size, etc.
-The materials of organization are known as Access Points
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8. Cataloging Fundamentals Buzz Words
• Record data
-Some cataloging buzz words
-Unicode
- Unicode is based on MARC 21 and supports foreign language characters
- Many academic libraries and other libraries with large volumes of foreign
language material converting their catalogs to support Unicode.
- Record- wise, it looks the same as MARC and the field tags are the same.
- Metadata means describing data, which is essentially what cataloging is all
about. Metadata in terms of search engines means assigning keywords and other
values assist in search engine retrieval.
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9. Cataloging Fundamentals: Tips
• A good Cataloger is a good Searcher. The Catalog is the foundation and key your
resources, take care of it, maintain it, and it will be easier to find information.
• Do not try to learn everything at one time. Cataloging is as much about the
mindset and principles as it is about the technology. Cataloging takes practice.
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10. “Thank you for your attention. Questions?”
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