The Library Catalog
Where is everything?
New items appear on the library shelves, in just the right place, with call number labels and bar codes attached (or RFID tagged), listed in the catalog, ready to snatch from the shelf, check out, read, and return. To users who never actually see this happening, the process is obviously a secret, magic ritual performed by cataloging wizards in the forbidden areas of the library. Who knows what really goes on behind those "staff only" doors?
Like most magic, cataloging is actually a disciplined practice requiring experience, effort, and an understanding of the tools of the trade. Catalogers use three main tools:
The Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC) is used in deciding where an item fits with others like it on the shelves of the library collection. This is good for browsing the shelves and helpful online to blend physical and virtual collections! More details on Classification page.
Sears List of Subject Headings helps in assigning multiple, standardized headings that will let users find items via the catalog, items that may cover more than one topic or be available in a variety of formats at different locations within the library. Subject headings are coordinated with the DDC.
Classification numbers assigned to the Sears headings in the 19th edition have been revised to conform to the 14th Abridged Edition of the DDC. New headings have been added such as Computer animation, Open access publishing, Stem cell research; Neopaganism, Reality television programs, Body piercing; War reparations, Suicide bombers, Border patrols; Urban fiction and Art pottery.
Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Revised (AACR2, soon to be "RDA: Resource Description and Access" in 2009) is the rule book for creating consistent records for library items. RDA will be "a new standard for resource description and access, designed for the digital world. Built on foundations established by the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR), RDA will provide a comprehensive set of guidelines and instructions on resource description and access covering all types of content and media." (from the Statement of Purpose for RDA)
The current text is the Second Edition, 2002 Revision (with 2003, 2004, and 2005 updates). "The Joint Steering Committee for Development of RDA (JSC) is the new name of the Joint Steering Committee for Revision of AACR. The JSC was responsible for maintaining the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, and is now working on a new code, "RDA: Resource Description and Access".
Tools of the Trade
Classification schemes such as the DDC allow libraries to physically arrange books and other library materials together by topic. This helps the users who prefer the adventure and excitement of browsing the shelves instead of giving in and asking for help or using the catalog!
An item can only be in one place on the shelf, even if the item covers more than one subject. It's relatively easy, for example, to browse for and locate materials for children, items on history, or information about science. But what about the user who needs a children's book on the history of science? Using multiple subject headings on a catalog record for an item helps users find items in the catalog by subject or to find a particular item when the title and author are unknown.
For the record
Preparing the library's catalog is a careful process that provides users with an index or inventory of everything the library has to offer. Every item in the library has a record (a listing or entry) in the catalog.
The AACR2 is the book of magic rules that catalogers use so that library records across Ohio and around the world are consistent. This makes it possible to share library records and combine online catalogs in a county, in the state, or worldwide.
Records can be shared electronically because libraries use a consistent machine-readable electronic format (MARC). Electronic or online catalogs are called OPACs (online public access catalogs) or PACs (public access catalogs).
What Now?
Complete the Activity, try the Explore section, and then go on to the next page: Classification.
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