Serials Cataloging (1987) assesses the state of the art of serials cataloging, especially in two areas: the rules by which the cataloguing record is created and the automation of that record. It looks at how libraries’ dependence upon bibliographic utilities for cataloguing data has led to an acceptance of cataloguing standards that conform closely to internationally accepted principles.

In this important and scholarly book nearly two dozen American librarians discuss the difficulties created by AACR2 with regard to bibliographic control and management of serials in libraries.

The quest to evolve bibliographic control to an equal or greater standing within the current information environment is on-going. As information organizers we are working in a time where information and communication technology (ICT) has pushed our status quo to its limits and where innovation often needs the pressure of do or die in order to get started. The year 2010 was designated as the Year of Cataloging Research and we made progress on studying the challenges facing metadata and information organization practices. However, one year of research is merely a drop in the bucket, especially given the results of the Resource and Description and Access (RDA) National Test and the Library of Congress’ decision to investigate the possibility of transitioning the MARC21 format. This book addresses how information professionals can create a functional environment in which we move beyond just representing information resources and into an environment that both represents and connects at a deeper level. Most importantly, it offers insight on transitioning into new communities of practice and awareness by reassessing our purpose, re-charting our efforts, reasserting our expertise in the areas that information organizer have traditionally claimed but are losing due to stagnation and lack of vision. This book was published as a double special issue of the Journal of Library Metadata.

Retrospective Conversion is an essential guide for library catalogers and technical services managers in the process of converting manual catalog records to machine readable form. It clearly illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of the three conversion methods--converting in-house, contracting to a vendor, and a combination of the two--and covers the areas of cost, staff, time, and record quality for each. Catalogers will learn how to make a bigger investment in advance planning to achieve better end results. Helpful chapters emphasize the need for planning, quality control, and authority control in the creation of a complete catalog in a machine readable form. Also included are case studies that illustrate specific methods in action and provide a wealth of general, usable information. This unique reference covers a variety of valuable topics for catalogers involved in converting manual catalog records. It includes an in-depth bibliography and review of the retrospective conversion literature, including over 200 items addressing general considerations, special formats, and international issues. Specific examples of retrospective conversion are analyzed including projects in medium and large size institutions, non-serials and serials cataloging, music scores, and the Library of Congress’s conversion of the PREMARC file. Specific techniques are explained such as the development of a PC workstation interface to facilitate the conversion process, the use of sampling techniques in project cost analysis, how to determine what quality standards are needed and at what cost, and authority control in both manual and online catalogs.

Cataloging managers will find this book a valuable road map for navigating the metadata needs of the 21st-century library. Demand for instant access, 24/7. Outsourcing issues. Constantly evolving standards. How can catalogers create a flexible, Web 2.0-compliant, flexible, multi-metalingual cataloging department? A daunting challenge, definitely; but with the right guidance, any cataloger can get up to speed and handle these common and confusing problems. Each chapter of Practical Strategies for Cataloging Departments is authored or coauthored by a leader in cataloging, metadata practice, or education in these specialties. This book offers practical advice—based on direct experience—for facing the challenges of organizing information today. Topics include training, collaborating across the library, coping with changes in standards, making strategic selections of vendor cataloging products, developing cooperative organizations, and more. The specific techniques that will help catalogers meet the needs of 21st century patrons are emphasized.

"An index to library and information science".