Expanded Cheat Sheet

​This expanded cheat sheet offers librarians a deeper dive into the complexities of cataloging and classification, with the goal of ensuring effective organization and user access to library materials.

​Core Elements of Cataloging

  • Title and Statement of Responsibility: Include full title, subtitle, and any parallel titles; list primary contributors (authors, editors, illustrators) and their roles.
  • Edition: Note any special edition statements and significant changes from previous editions that might affect user access or choice.
  • Publication Information: Record publisher's name as presented, place of publication, and the date. Multiple places and publishers are also noted.
  • Physical Description: Describe the item's format, pagination, size, and any accompanying material such as CDs or supplementary booklets.
  • Series: Provide the series title and individual volume number if applicable, which helps users locate a specific item within a series.
  • Notes: Include information like the bibliographical references, index presence, awards, and special features not evident in the rest of the bibliographic record.
  • Standard Numbers: Record the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), or other unique identifiers which aid in the exact identification and ordering of materials.

​Classification Basics

  • Dewey Decimal System (DDC): This system is divided into ten main classes, which are further subdivided. It's widely used in public and school libraries.
  • Library of Congress Classification (LCC): This system covers twenty-one basic classes, each identified by a letter of the alphabet. Mostly used in academic and research environments.
  • Universal Decimal Classification (UDC): Similar to DDC but more granular, with the ability to represent complex subjects through the use of auxiliary numbers.

​Advanced Cataloging Standards

  • Resource Description and Access (RDA): Focuses on all forms of content and media, not just printed materials, reflecting the digital age's diverse formats.
  • Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd Edition (AACR2): Emphasizes the description and access points in bibliographic records, although it's being phased out in favour of RDA.
  • MARC 21: This is the standard for encoding bibliographic data for computer storage and retrieval. It has fields and subfields coded to identify specific elements of the bibliographic record.
  • BIBFRAME: Designed to integrate with the web and link data in a way that is more flexible than MARC, enabling connections with other data sets.

​Authority Control Deep Dive

  • Authority Records: These provide a consistent form of names, series titles, and subject headings, crucial for database integrity and user search success.
  • Name Authority: It's vital to verify the authorized form of a name against established authority files like the Library of Congress Name Authority File.
  • Subject Headings: Use subject authority files to ensure terms are applied consistently throughout the catalog.

​Subject Analysis and Headings

  • Subject Cataloging: Employ classification schedules and subject heading lists to assign call numbers and subject headings that facilitate subject-based discovery.
  • Thesauri: Specialized thesauri provide a controlled vocabulary for areas like psychology (PsycINFO), education (ERIC), or art (AAT).

​Integrated Library Systems (ILS) Features

  • Cataloging Module: This is a software interface that allows for the input and editing of bibliographic records and links to holdings and item records.
  • Acquisitions and Serials Modules: They manage the ordering, receiving, and invoicing of library materials and track serial publications' holdings data.

​Digital Cataloging Nuances

  • Digital Repositories: Each digital item should be cataloged with metadata that facilitates its discovery and access, considering the digital format and rights management.
  • Metadata Schemas: While Dublin Core is simple and widely applicable, other schemas like MODS or METS offer greater specificity for certain types of digital objects.

​Copy Cataloging and Original Cataloging Strategies

  • Copy Cataloging: Often involves editing and enhancing records for local cataloging practices.
  • Original Cataloging: Requires a thorough understanding of cataloging rules and standards, particularly for unique or rare items not found in other catalogs.

​Professional Development for Cataloging

  • Continuing Education: Engage in professional learning opportunities, webinars, courses, and conferences that focus on the latest trends and standards in cataloging.
  • Cataloging Communities: Join professional associations, online forums, and discussion groups to stay connected with peers and share knowledge.

​Ensuring Quality Control

  • Proofreading: Develop a routine to check records for accuracy in transcription, typographical errors, and adherence to standards.
  • Database Maintenance: Dedicate time for ongoing database clean-up projects to correct errors, remove duplicate records, and update obsolete entries.
​Cataloging and classification work is dynamic and must adapt to changing information environments. By understanding and implementing the practices outlined in this expanded guide, librarians play a critical role in connecting users with the information they seek.