Re: [LM_NET] Hit: Cataloging standards (Was Destiny cataloging)

[Thomas Kaun <tomkaun@GMAIL.COM>]

A a matter of fact I learned this lesson to my chagrin many years ago when I
was cataloging and decided that the period wasn't really necessary at the
end of the subject headings. The automation program, however, had a
different interpretation and separated subject headings with the period from
those without! It's annoying enough to do subject searching when there are
unintentional differences but when there are MANY intentional ones it
becomes very frustrating. Even with global editing it took me a long time
recover from that blunder!
I try to stay within AACR and other rules in cataloging because I know I'm
not going to be here forever and the person who follows me will have to
clean up whatever messes I leave behind.
If you are getting your records from a reputable vendor it takes a lot of
time to go in and edit when it's not really necessary to do so.
We need to learn the conventions of cataloging and we need to teach our kids
the conventions of bibliographical citation. It's really that simple, IMHO.
BTW, MARC cataloging isn't dependent on the automation system you are using.
A MARC record is a MARC record regardless of the system. (Copy information
is another story entirely). So even though this started out as "Destiny
cataloging" it really applies to any system in which records are shared or
edited by more than one person. I would suggest that if you are getting
incorrect records from a "cataloger," that it is an administrative issue
which requires enforcing adherence to cataloging standards. If you continue
to get incorrect records then the person producing them needs training,
clarification, or, in the worst case, a reprimand and/or restriction from
access to catalog records.
Tom

Thomas T. Kaun
Teacher Librarian
Bessie Chin Library @ Redwood High School
395 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939
tomkaun@gmail.com | Library Web site: http://rhslibrary.org | Professional
development blog: http://tomlmt2.blogspot.com/ | Library news blog:
http://libraryleaves.blogspot.com

Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day,
something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else
would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to be always part of
unanimity.
 - Christopher Morley


On Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 8:53 AM, Wieland Lawrence
<lwieland@jeffco.k12.co.us>wrote:

> One further comment on this issue:  This isn't so much about teaching kids
> when to capitalize as it is an issue for standardizing cataloging. The
> changing of capital letters doesn't affect too many things (although
> it has the potential), but adding asterisks where they don't belong could
> be a problem for sorting and searching.  The standards for cataloging are
> set not because "we always did it that way" but to make
> certain that the cataloging can transfer between and among library systems
> with as few changes as possible.  Back in the old days everyone did their
> own cataloging, and sometimes, made their own rules. That
> changed with computers and the cost of cataloging.  Most AACR rules are
> designed so that machines can consistently interpret the information and
> properly file it.  Machines can be very literal.  It is best to always
> err on the side of caution when inventing one's own rules because the next
> batch of imported records may not match with the existing records if the
> home grown rules interfere.  Consider the cost in time and dollars to fix
> variations in rules before changing from the standard.
>
> Larry Wieland
> Jeffcat Cataloging Supervisor
> Jefferson Co. Public Schools
> Golden, CO
> lwieland@jeffco.k12.co.us

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, you send a message to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET
2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL
4) SET LM_NET DIGEST

 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/join.html
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/category/links/el-announce/

--------------------------------------------------------------------