Friday, December 7, 2007

Is Cataloging Relevant in Library 2.0?

A Brief History of Cataloging Distribution Methods:
Cataloging is the process of describing an entity, analyzing its contents, and assigning it a classification number. The process includes collocation which brings together related items and access points which provide searchable access to that entity. The basic process can be boiled down to: What is it? What is it about? How can I find it? Are there anymore like it? Catalogers create extensive bibliographic records that answer those questions and more. Unfortunately catalogers have been limited in the way the information we created could be accessed, displayed and delivered to our customers. Below is a brief history of the methods available for the distribution of the information catalogers create.

The Card Catalog Card

Information was handwritten in Library Script and progressed to typed information on the cards.
  • Information limited to what could fit on a card, with an occasional “2nd” card tied to the first.
  • Cards were typed in sets [main entry, title, series, Subjects]
  • Each card of the set was then filed in the appropriate alphabetized card catalog drawers
  • Each library had to type its own cards, or pay for sets from the Library of Congress
  • The MARC BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

    • Revolutionary concept!
    • Computerized information that was searchable
    • Shared cataloging – one library created the catalog record – other libraries could use it
    • Information not limited to 3x5 catalog cards which then permitted longer contents notes & more access points
    • Keyword searchable which enabled all of the information in the MARC record to be an access point
    • Eventually provided linkable fields to get to information on web sites.
    • Impact on individual libraries:
    • No more typing of card catalog cards! No more filing!
    • The ability to provide LOTS MORE access! Less time spent on rote typing meant more time to spent on analysis and adding more access points
    • Unfortunately information was still limited to MARC record format restraints and confined to text

    LIBRARY 2.0 -- The MARC Record and Beyond!

    • Catalogers are now free to use exciting new technologies to add access to information!
    • Web sites
    • Blogs & Wikis
    • IM & RSS
    • Online Images & Maps & Satellite Images
    • Podcast & Vodcasts

    In the future information will continue to explode and revolutionary new technology will be devised to make that information available in an ever widening array of delivery methods. Through it all information seekers will continue to ask the questions: What is it? What is it about? How can I find it? Are there anymore like it? And, catalogers will continue to provide the information access points that will rank, collate and provide relevancy to the information they find.

    The best part of the information explosion and technological advancements is that catalogers will have exciting new delivery methods to provide customers with the full array of the information access we provide! Linda Dolence 12/07/07




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    My Journey from Libary 1.0 thinking to Library 2.0 action!

    This will be a new beginning as I explore with you the concepts of Library 2.0 and how it can and should impact the way resources are cataloged!




    Cataloging is...
    Access to information
    The structure that makes things findable
    The keyring that holds all the keys together
    The right tool for finding information