Re: [LM_NET] TARGET: Cataloging Fun? An Oxymoron

[Lisa Hunt <lisa3moon@YAHOO.COM>]

I was very lucky, and learned from an excellent teacher, Dr. Rhonda Taylor at the 
University of Oklahoma Library and Information School.  I was also lucky that I 
learned cataloging in the mid 90's and that's just about the break point 
between card catalog and "electronic explosion!"  In fact while attending OU they 
still had and used their manual card catalog, but by 1996 or '97 it was history!

Anyway I had the chance to learn the details of cataloging but when I began to 
practice I moved right into full automation within a large district.  So, I haven't 
ever had to do all of my own cataloging.  Still I do original cataloging every 
year.  In fact I have at least 20 items that need to be cataloged and I don't 
expect to find records within Destiny when I get to them.

I like the fact that I understand the details and their importance.  That 
background knowledge helps me make good decisions when I do catalog.  I understand 
the most important fields and those where I can fudge.

My two most important things to keep in mind and understand as a librarian...
1)  The importance of standardization among records, particularly within districts 
that are medium or large.
2)  When you need a call number look at similar materials on your own shelves or 
check the catalog of other libraries.  I've learned a lot by comparing materials 
among different collections.
 
Lisa Hunt, NBCT 2005
School Library Media Specialist
Apple Creek Elementary
Moore, OK
lisa3moon@yahoo.com 




________________________________
From: Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Sent: Tuesday, January 6, 2009 11:54:26 PM
Subject: TARGET: Cataloging Fun? An Oxymoron

I know for most librarians in larger districts, cataloging is
something you never have to worry about much.  Your MARC records are
downloaded by "Central Processing" and you just take care of the minor
details such as barcode replacements or spine labels.  For others
working alone or in smaller districts, cataloging is what you do when
everyone goes home at the end of the day!!  It's NOT fun...but it has
to be done!

Unfortunately, we were all required to take at least ONE cataloging
course for our Library degree, so when you think about your
experiences in cataloging what do you think definitely needs to be
shared with new librarians (or those studying to become librarians)?

What do you think is the MOST important thing to know about
cataloging?  What is the WORST thing about cataloging?  What do you
WISH someone had taught you when you took your cataloging class?  What
was the least important thing that you learned? What do you wish you
knew more about now that you're in the field?

I'm updating a syllabus for our "Organization of Information"
course...and I'm almost finished!  But, I would like to add one more
assignment to the program.  We touch on a wide variety of topics (the
general things that you definitely learn such as MARC records, Subject
Headings, DDC, etc.,) and we discuss the access and organization of
"that other information" found on the Internet.  But I'd like to add a
bit more "jazz" to the course and incorporate something that is not
only practical but also interesting.  I have a couple of ideas but
wondered if there might be more practical, useful, or even some DON'T
MISS THIS information that should be shared.

Are you seeing new trends?  Problems?  Future formats that are going
to be a headache?  Current formats that cause heartburn?  Never-ending
issues with inventory, circulation, access, or equipment that always
require you to make changes in your cataloging? Is there a "must-have"
item in your arsenal for cataloging?  (We will be using MARC Wizard
and print resources...but do you have a secret that you'd like to
share?)

If you have any ideas, suggestions, warnings, or reminders that you
think I should share with a Cataloging 101 class ....I'd love to hear
them.  I'll compile your ideas and post a HIT.  I'll let you know what
I finally decide to do.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

~Shonda

-- 
Shonda Brisco
Assistant Professor / Curriculum Materials Librarian
Mary L. Williams Curriculum Materials Library
001 Willard Hall
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
http://www.library.okstate.edu/cml/index.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://osulibrarian.wordpress.com/
http://www.osu-cml.wikispaces.com
sbrisco@gmail.com

http://okschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money
will get you through times of no libraries." ~ Library Poster

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