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The education and training of catalogers has been well documented in library literature. However, this literature has tended to focus on the general cataloger and not special collections or rare books catalogers. This article summarizes the results of a survey of current special collections and rare books catalogers on when they decided to enter this library specialization, what skills they needed to succeed, where they obtained those skills, and their opinions on formal versus informal training. The results have implications for those wishing to become a special collections and/or rare books cataloger, those who are already in the profession and being asked to take on special collections or rare books cataloging duties, and finally those who educate and train future specialist catalogers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cooperative authority file generation is a part of the Cooperative Cataloguing process that takes place with the cooperation of several libraries. In this method, libraries use authority files created by cooperating libraries and avoid creating duplicate authority files. The use of this method reduces the use of expert human resources as well as the costs of bibliographic control in libraries and helps them to use the cataloging information of other libraries. Bibliographic control is a set of processes and procedures for setting and recording different forms of authority files' identifiers in bibliographic records. So that access points to bibliographic records are set by contract. When catalogers do the work of documentation, they create documentation by identifying and validating the controlled or documented identifiers of access points. This research aimed to investigate the effect of using cooperative authority file generation on the quality of bibliographic records using the opinions of cataloging and authority file generation experts. Method: The current research was applied and its method was a comparative survey. Inferential statistics have been used to check the findings. The research tool was a questionnaire designed by researchers, its validity and reliability were checked and confirmed. To verify the validity of this questionnaire, the opinions of 5 experts in the field of cataloging were used. In addition, Cronbach's alpha test was used to measure its reliability. The research community is cataloging and authority file generation specialists who can answer the questionnaire due to their expertise and experience. The questionnaire was designed online and was given to 100 catalogers, of which 87 people responded to the questionnaire. The responses obtained from the questionnaire were tested and analyzed using the single-variable t-test. Findings: The use of different authority file generation methods, the use of the knowledge of specialists of large libraries, the uniformity of authority file information in the process of cooperative authority file generation by the National Library, and the participation of specialists in the knowledge organization of large libraries in performing cooperative authority file generation as a working group, are considered as the characteristics of cooperative authority file generation have taken. Also, the three characteristics of accuracy, correctness, and completeness of information are the characteristics that are considered for the quality of bibliographic records. Because the t value obtained for all items was bigger than the t value of the critical table (1.96), so in response to the main question of the research about the effect of cooperative authority file generation on the quality of bibliographic records, it can be acknowledged that cooperative authority file generation has an effect on accuracy, correctness and the completeness of bibliographic record information has a positive and significant effect. Conclusion: This research showed that the cooperative authority file generation method use has a positive effect on the quality of bibliographic records and improves the quality level of records. Based on the findings of this research, the use of cooperative authority file generation has a positive effect on the accuracy, correctness, and completeness of information in bibliographic records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant changes in how video games are made and distributed require catalogers to critically reflect on existing approaches for representing games in library catalogs. Digital distribution channels are quickly supplanting releases of games on physical media while also facilitating a dramatic increase in independent-made games that incorporate novel subject matter and styles of gameplay. This paper presents an action research project cataloging 18 independently-made digital games from a small publisher, Choice of Games, considering how descriptive cataloging, subject cataloging, and name authority control for these works compares to mainstream video games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Threshold concepts are foundational ideas that shape how learners understand a particular subject, without a firm grasp on these concepts, it is difficult for learning to progress. In librarianship, threshold concepts have not been identified for the area of cataloging. This article identifies three related areas with applicable threshold concepts: information literacy, public history, and creative writing. The study applies threshold concepts to cataloging training topics and identifies training improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will cover project management decisions, workflows, and practical strategies adopted by a music-cataloging librarian while managing an academic institutional recordings collection. The paper is not intended to serve as a go-to resource for managing metadata in institutional recordings collections; rather, a practical approach to managing time, resources, and personnel while meeting institutional priorities as the project manager tasked with organization, metadata management, processing, and preservation of the physical collection. The paper will cover project management strategies for creating a collection inventory, which was later expanded to a full-level metadata collection during COVID-19 remote work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on Unified Astronomy Thesaurus (UAT) is a subject thesaurus for catalogers and others cataloging collections pertaining to astronomy. Topics include UAT's website is not very intuitive since users have to scroll down past a picture of a galaxy to see the menu bar consisting of the Select Concepts, Explore, Contribute; and serves as a shortcut to locate a thesaurus entry for astronomy related material(s) catalogers may have in their collection.

The article presents the discussion on National Agricultural Library Thesaurus (NALT) introduces users to agricultural concepts and organisms as well as animal welfare concepts. Topics include NALT Home page only contains links to the NALT Core and the NALT Full schemes under the 2022 Inaugural Schemes section; and Catalogers and other library professionals can suggest terms to be added to the NALT using this form.

This study focuses on cataloging quality and how it is defined by information professionals, specifically university library catalogers. Although there is no single and objective definition of 'cataloging quality,' research aims to specify its core characteristics. The goal is to define the modern cataloging environment, as well as the tools and opportunities it provides, and to improve the success of academic library services for both professional catalogers and users, who are the final consumers of the information. Regarding methodology, a sample survey was chosen. The survey results revealed that the quality of cataloging is determined by several factors, including technical features of the data, adherence to standards, the cataloging process, user satisfaction, and the development of a general quality culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two separate interviews were conducted, one with Staci Ross, Cataloging/Metadata Librarian at the University Library System, University of Pittsburgh and the other with Emily Drabinski, Critical Pedagogy Librarian, CUNY. Topics covered include their careers, their work in critical librarianship, NASA, and building a community all while discussing cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on findings from qualitative research studying the gendering practices of catalogers working with visual information. Using the findings of this research, the paper argues that systemic cisnormativity directly impacts the way catalogers think about and imagine gender within their work. In response to the findings, the paper theorizes a new approach to cataloging gender referred to as body-oriented description. The paper concludes by offering suggestions on how to engage in body-oriented description and explores its impact on gender inclusive cataloging and inclusive information organization more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Electronic Resources Interest Group program during the 2022 Core Virtual Interest Group Week, on March 8, 2022. Topics discussed including to creating and adapting workflows and policies to effectively manage discovery and stability of open access eResources; methods utilized to make open access and open educational resources discoverable at Delaware County Community College; and the task force team functional experts including metadata librarians, catalogers.

The article discusses the corporate bodies need to be included in discussions of ethical issues related to name authority control. Topics include the Cooperative Online Serials (CONSER) Program of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC); strategic direction adopted by the PCC that emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE), and major development in the history of cataloging codes.

The representation of information in subject cataloging as a result of subject analysis will depend on the cataloger's prior knowledge, influenced by subjectivity. The subject analysis in cataloging is a central theme of this investigation with the aim to elaborate guidelines for subject analysis in cataloging. For this purpose, how books are cataloged in university libraries has been verified. The Individual Verbal Protocol was applied with catalogers from Brazilian and Spanish University Libraries. Directions for the elements and variables of the subject analysis and procedures for good development were obtained to constitute the Guidelines of Subject Analysis in Cataloging. It is concluded that the guidelines formed by four sections are indicated for incorporation in subject cataloging procedure manuals for the purpose of improving the levels of representation and information retrieval results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with eight volunteers involved in creating metadata for online resources identified for inclusion in the Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO) project. Includes background and an introduction to the project, a discussion of SUCHO as a volunteer-driven project, a description of the metadata aspect, and an online demo of the process of creating metadata for the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of the Summer Virtual Interest Group session held by the Core Technical Services Workflow Efficiency Interest Group (TSWEIG) for American Library Association (ALA) Annual 2021 on July 28, 2021. Presentations include the discrepancy between employer expectations and job requirements of a cataloger and the experience of Jill Kehoe in merging two integrated library systems at SUNY Maritime College.

The article focuses on CritCat.org, a tool introducing catalogers to the grassroots movement of "critical cataloging." Topics include an examination of the website's Resources, Definitions, and Provenance sections, highlighting issues such as the organization of bibliographies and the incomplete nature of certain sections that may impact its utility for catalogers.

This paper reports on usability evaluation that was carried out to evaluate the LRM-based prototype interface, presented in Part 1. A combination of focus group, Wizard of Oz method, and think-aloud protocol was used. The study was conducted in May 2019 with seven Slovenian catalogers from Maribor Public Library. Although participants had some difficulties understanding the LRM model, the user interface proved to be quite easy to use, quick to understand, and transparent. The functionality of the proposed prototype proved to be adequate, since the catalogers successfully and independently completed all the tasks without major problems and errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present a prototype cataloging interface, which provides easier data entry, follows the cataloger's thought process and is based on the advantages of the IFLA LRM model. The paper summarizes all stages of the conceptual design and shows how the LRM was implemented. The main purpose of the cataloging interface design is to show how a LRM-based cataloging module might look like and how it could improve the existing cataloging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few people have had as outsized an impact on their field or profession as Lynne C. Howarth, one of her generation's preeminent cataloging and classification theorists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a tribute to Lynne Howarth's presence as an advocate and navigator for the bibliographic profession. We first trace her commitment to this community, noting her insistence on its continuing relevance. By providing lucid and accessible conceptual explanations of everyday practices she helps situate the work of bibliographic practitioners in a broader context, not only in librarianship but beyond, extending to other settings. We use the case of her work on convergence to illustrate how this bringing together of data, practices, and community helps position the bibliographic field in an emerging digital context, and to understand its role in a movement toward shared data and practice. Finally, we examine her scholarly approach in which she often incorporates the voice of the professional and a skilled historical narrative, producing findings that are explanatory, illuminative, and critical, serving to position bibliographic practice within an ongoing, evolving tradition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lynne Howarth is one of the pre-eminent cataloging and classification theorists of her time. Sole- or coauthor of at least 95 publications (full details of which appear in the following bibliography); cited by more than 140 of her peers; PI or co-PI on numerous multi-year research projects funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada; and former Dean of the top-ranked iSchool in her country—very few in the knowledge organization field can lay equal claim to such accomplishments. The bibliography is arranged chronologically. Brief annotations are provided for many of the more significant publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cataloging practices, as exemplified by the five user tasks of the IFLA Library Reference Model, can support information literacy practices. The six frames of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education are used as lenses to examine the user tasks. Two themes emerge from this examination: context matters, and catalogers must tailor bibliographic descriptions to meet users' expectations and information needs. Catalogers need to solicit feedback from various user communities to reform cataloging practices to remain current and viable. Such conversations will enrich the catalog and enhance (reclaim?) its position as a primary tool for research and learning. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01639374.2021.1939828. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a virtual session at the ALCTS (Association for Library Collections and Technical Services) Virtual Interest Group Week which was organized by the ALCTS CaMMS (Cataloging and Metadata Management Section) Cataloging and Classification Research Interest Group (CCRIG) on June 10, 2020. Topics discussed include cataloging and classification of metadata, challenges faced by librarians in cataloging and discoverability of library materials.

A survey was conducted during May and early June of 2019, examining how non-MARC descriptive metadata workflows for digital projects are organized in academic libraries. It examined: (1) the extent to which cataloging librarians have transitioned to "metadata librarians"; (2) the extent to which non-MARC metadata activities are distributed within cataloging units and shared with cataloging paraprofessionals; (3) the extent to which such tasks are shared with library personnel in units outside of cataloging departments; and (4) the degree of satisfaction with metadata workflows. The present study also attempts to explore issues of concern to catalogers regarding such workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Program for Cooperative Cataloging. Topics include the issue of direct access to physical materials for catalogers and cataloging departments; and that the University of Washington produced a list of projects, including collection-based record enhancement.

Mystery fiction has long been a genre popular with the reading public, and the development of the Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms (LCGFT) offers new opportunities for catalogers to provide access to this genre. But how does one determine which subgenre terms to use? This paper postulates that by consulting typologies of the mystery constructed by scholars and aficionados of the genre, it is possible to get a sense of how readers imagine the various types of the mystery and what subgenre terms might be useful in helping them find the type of book they desire. A common thread in the typologies considered by the author is the omission and minimizing of subgenres traditionally considered feminine, such as the cozy and the romantic suspense novel. This paper outlines some of the common criticisms and urges taxonomists not to overlook these subgenres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the addition of "asexuality" to the Library of Congress Subject Headings as a case study from which to examine the critical cataloging movement. Beginning with a review of some of the theoretical and practical issues around subject access for minoritized and marginalized sexualities, this paper then contextualizes, historicizes, and introduces the critical cataloging movement to the literature, situating it within a larger and longer history of radical cataloging. It will define critical cataloging as a social justice-oriented style of radical cataloging that places an emphasis on radical empathy, outreach work, and recognizes the importance of information maintenance and care. This paper introduces the concept of "catalogic warrant" to characterize the process of "reading" the catalog to examine the harm or benefit of terms on users and the wider library community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the state of the cataloging job market, this study compares job advertisements from August 2016-August 2018 advertising for jobs with cataloging in the title, metadata in the title, and cataloging and metadata in the title. Given ongoing concerns about the impact of metadata jobs on the cataloging job market, this study asks the questions: Are cataloging jobs in fact "disappearing" and becoming metadata jobs? Are entry-level jobs disappearing, perhaps contributing to the idea that there is a lack of qualified catalogers? Is there a difference in position level between cataloging and metadata job advertisements that can account for a lack or perceived lack of available cataloging jobs? Are there more entry-level or mid/supervisory positions advertised? Are cataloging and metadata jobs really separate, or should they be considered one position called cataloging and metadata? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS)Cataloging and Metadata Management Section (CaMMS) meeting at American Library Association in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 27, 2020. Topics include overview of Wikidata and how its various components interact, and how best to direct catalogers' time and efforts regarding identity management work.

Conversations about what a unit can or cannot do based on staffing volume can be difficult. When libraries make cuts, each unit needs to do more with less or try to say no. Unit leaders need to be able to explain what they can or cannot do. Leaders need to demonstrate capacity with evidence-based data. This article examines the process of calculating and determining the actual capacity of a cataloging unit at University of Michigan Library, how to express capacity in terms of time, quantity, and costs to non-catalogers, and what to do with capacity once it has been determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of an online survey, which was designed to examine the relationships between catalogers and contemporary authors during the process of establishing authorized access points and creating personal name authority records (NARs) for the purpose of breaking conflicts in the Library of Congress Name Authority File (LC NAF) and/or of obtaining additional identifying attributes. This article may be useful for individuals involved in the creation of personal name authority records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern classification of mathematical subjects occurred within the larger framework of library classification, a project receiving sustained attention in the period from 1870 to the present. The early work of the library cataloguers was carried out against the background of a broad nineteenth-century interest in the classification of knowledge. We explore different views during this period concerning the position of mathematics in the overall scheme of knowledge, the scope of mathematics and the internal organization of the different parts of mathematics. We examine how mathematical books were classified, from the most general level down to the level of particular subject areas in analysis. The focus is on the Library of Congress Classification in its various iterations from 1905 to the present. The article ends with an examination of the Mathematics Subject Classification Scheme employed today by reviewing services Mathematical Reviews in the United States and Zentralblatt in Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) has formal relationships with the Library of Congress (LC), Share-VDE, and Linked Data for Production Phase 2 (LD4P2) for work on Bibliographic Framework (BIBFRAME), and PCC institutions have been very active in the exploration of MARC to BIBFRAME conversion processes. This article will review the involvement of PCC in the development of BIBFRAME and examine the work of LC, Share-VDE, and LD4P2 on MARC to BIBFRAME conversion. It will conclude with a discussion of areas for further exploration by the PCC leading up to the creation of PCC conversion specifications and PCC BIBFRAME data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) Chinese Japanese Korean (CJK) NACO, BIBCO, CONSER, and SACO funnels grew out of the PCC's strategy of engaging and inclusion of diverse membership, and the commitment of the Council on East Asian Libraries (CEAL) to collaboration with PCC, the Library of Congress, and the American Library Association. Together, PCC CJK funnels and CEAL's Committee on Technical Processing (CTP) have been taking leadership roles in contributing quality metadata, developing CJK-specific training programs, participating in the development of PCC policies and best practices, and engaging in international collaborations. This article discusses challenges the CJK funnels and CEAL CTP have faced and strategies taken in this ongoing collaborative endeavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) conducted a multi-institution Pilot project to contribute metadata to the International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) database. In addition to describing the goals, structure, and activities undertaken in the Pilot, this article examines some of the experiences of PCC metadata practitioners as they sought to incorporate ISNIs into their metadata workflows and pursue a wide range of ISNI use cases. Lastly, the article outlines next steps that flowed from the Pilot as the PCC has parlayed its newly developing identity management expertise into additional PCC program explorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Library of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), as the only CONSER full member outside North America, has entered into its twentieth year of CONSER membership. This article provides a historical overview of the Library's participation in the program, its considerations and concerns when it first joined CONSER, and challenges and benefits it experienced over the years. The PCC-related activities that the Library has participated in have increased its growth in the field. The article concludes with future challenges the Library and its community will face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) Task Group on Metadata Application Profiles was convened in May 2019 to help the PCC understand issues and practices associated with the management of metadata application profiles. Their work, discussed here, will guide future decisions and implementations of metadata application profiles in cataloging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beginnings and the early years of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) had a profound impact on the approach taken to cataloging in North America and around the world. The commitment to standards, cooperation, and expanded access also had an impact that went far beyond cataloging operations. One library dean traces the evolution of her vision and contemplates how the PCC's principles have shaped her entire career and have affected the libraries in which she has worked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1988 the Library of Congress and eight library participants undertook a two-year pilot known as the National Coordinated Cataloging Program (NCCP) to increase the number of quality bibliographic records. Subsequently the Bibliographic Services Study Committee reviewed the pilot. Discussions held at the Library of Congress (LC) and in other fora resulted in the creation of the Cooperative Cataloging Council, and, ultimately, the establishment of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) in 1994. The conditions that contributed to a successful approach to shared cataloging are described. The article concludes with considerations for expanding the future effectiveness of the PCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a case study of RIMMF, a software tool developed to improve the orientation and training of catalogers who use Resource Description and Access (RDA) to maintain bibliographic data. The cataloging guidance and instructions of RDA are based on the Functional Requirements conceptual models that are now consolidated in the IFLA Library Reference Model, but many catalogers are applying RDA in systems that have evolved from inventory and text-processing applications developed from older metadata paradigms. The article describes how RIMMF interacts with the RDA Toolkit and RDA Registry to offer cataloger-friendly multilingual data input and editing interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the adoption of Moys Classification and Thesaurus for legal materials in the two federal university law libraries in South East Nigeria. Among the objectives included discovering the perspective of library patrons towards the effect of the new scheme. Descriptive survey was used as the research design. The population of this study comprises of all the 10 catalogers and 40 patrons selected by simple random sampling from both libraries, totaling 50. There was no sample due to the population size. The findings of the study revealed that the scheme is currently adopted in the libraries under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Slovenian book market is facing problems, which are, among other, also a consequence of suboptimal processes in metadata management. In our research, we wanted to find which are the most frequent barriers and opportunities regarding metadata from the catalogers' point of view, as they are one of the most important recipients of publishers' book data and have a good insight into the current situation. Methodology/approach: Participants of our research were six Slovenian catalogers, who are involved in the preparation of CIP records at the National and University Library and the University of Maribor Library. For the purpose of the study, we prepared structured interviews, which were conducted with participants in person or by an email. Results: During their work, Slovenian catalogers have noticed that metadata cause problems especially to smaller and nonprofessional publishers and that issues often originate from their lack of knowledge. The current method of transmitting data is also problematic, since publishers must submit it through various systems to perform all legally required procedures. Despite some concerns, catalogers see many opportunities regarding automatic retrieval of metadata and an introduction of a unified book description system. They believe that although the online service Catsi shows a good potential for process optimization and book description standardization, certain changes should be introduced for this purpose. Research limitations: Besides the small number of participants, the research is also limited due to purposive sampling. The results cannot be generalized, as only the opinions of the participating catalogers are presented while the experiences of other players on the Slovenian book market has not been investigated. Originality/practical implications: The results highlight the current issues of metadata for books and provide the basis for future studies. The findings are important for practitioners who face the identified barriers as well as for system designers who would like to optimize the metadata management process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly every library where the dominant language is English also has materials that are written in other languages. These materials can present unique challenges for catalogers. Many non-English language materials are located in the array of collections of the Special Collection Department of Mississippi State University (MSU). To properly process and catalog these materials, the cataloger used online tools which provided a greater understanding of the materials, allowing a higher cataloging standard. The author discusses the various tools and methods that were used to catalog these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aliens: It is the subject of conspiracy theories and nightmares, the name of a blockbuster science fiction/horror movie franchise, and also how the de facto national library of the United States refers to "persons who are not citizens of the country in which they reside." In 2016, the Library of Congress announced that it would reconsider the usage of "Aliens" and its related terms in the Library of Congress Subject Headings, following a student-led movement to change the pejorative term "Illegal Aliens." Yet, three years on, these terms remain in the LCSH. Using the "Illegal Aliens" controversy as a case study, this article explores how the LCSH works, its role in research, and its vulnerabilities to bias, and offers proposals for how librarians can help improve the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]