LIS 5403: Cataloging and Classification / Spring 2019
Instructor: Dr. Buffy Edwards
Student Learning Objectives:
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Become acquainted with some of the technical literature and reference aids of bibliographic organization. It is not necessary to memorize the reference aids, the goal is to review the aids and understand when and how the aids are applied.
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Become acquainted with some of the historical factors which have influenced bibliographic organization in the Western world.
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Gain an in-depth knowledge of the principles and purposes of description and access.
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Gain an understanding of authority and control and authority files.
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Develop a proficiency in bibliographic search and verification.
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Develop proficiency in applying current catalog standards.
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Gain an understanding of the application of Library of Congress subject headings.
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Gain and understanding of the Library of Congress classification scheme.
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Gain an understanding of the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme.
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Develop an understanding of technology and interlibrary bibliographic cooperation and networks.
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Develop the ability to recognize underlying problems requiring intelligent analysis and knowledge of available rules, codes, systems, and procedures to produce effective solutions.
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Gain a recognition of the centrality of change in the cataloging process.
My Experience:
This class was complex, intriguing, helpful, and a bit intimidating all at the same time. I was elated to see that cataloging is not a field that has become obsolete as I had first thought. I recall thinking this because of my own experience in cataloging at the academic library in which I was employed. 95 percent of the time, I was performing copy cataloging through sheer memorization of directions that were given to me to follow.
Through Dr. Edward’s class, I was able to learn about the history of cataloging; the frameworks that it is built upon; FRBR and WEMI, and the evolution from AACR to RDA. RDA is built upon the foundation of AACR2 and helps us to better describe resources. With these theories in place, we were able to apply them to practical experiences.
Dr. Edwards and her use of the current technologies for cataloging, gave us the responsibility through her various assignments to catalog different types of information resources. We were able to utilize the RDA Toolkit, Library of Congress subject headings, BestMARC, and other resources to get a brief taste of what it is like to catalog different types of resources.
Through this class, I found that I would not shy away from a career in this area of library science because of the most important need to continue to find ways to bring information to users. Hoerman states, “We need to work on catalog maintenance which has as its sole aim the improvement of the user-services aspect of the catalog and think an experiment with new ways to provide access to the library’s priceless store of information (Hoerman 39, 2002).”
I would love to be a part of this endeavor, if the opportunity arose. I want to be a part of the solution that allows us to find the best ways to uphold Ranganathan’s five laws.
Hoerman, Heidi Lee. 2002. "Why Does Everybody Hate Cataloging?" Cataloging & Classification Quarterly (The Haworth Information Press, an imprint of The Haworth Press, Inc.) Vol. 34, No. 1/2 pp 31-41.