Cataloging
July 8, 2006 paravion2
Reading Reflection-7/3/06
Much of this literature presented gives at the core the sense of great upheaval and change that is occurring presently in libraries regarding the role of cataloging. Once of the big ideas I discovered through the readings is this. The Web and its creations have launched an era of unprecedented collaboration and exchange between previously isolated groups. This is evident in the movement to update AARC2, LCSH, and the MARC standard to accommodate the needs for creation of complete and accessible information in a digital environment. It is also evident in the ability to collaborate toward a goal of access through metadata creation in all the avenues that are being developed and standardized. I think the Google interview, though it is a bit dated, provides an excellent perspective on another big idea I believe is evident-the isolation and misinformation about the nature of libraries and cataloging within libraries. The Google director of research when asked about libraries, seemed to see its role as only in the domain of books, distrusted embedded metadata, and seemed to welcome suggestions on how to help users “search”. The techniques of data mining, developing means of providing access to information through keywords and using established “sources”-these activities are truly deep in core library technical services function.
The current trend of cataloging in house operations cut and replaced outsourcing companies in library settings is not indicative of a trade that has seen its day, but in my opinion it indicates that the world of libraries being islands unto themselves is no more. It indicates that global market forces have now entered into the domain of libraries to the point where an area such as cataloguing is bound to change and adapt. This big idea seemed present in all of the articles- the conclusions and recommendation often called for greater collaboration between groups. Catalogers concern with subject access, adherence to standards and providing as much uniformity in the process has at its core the patron in mind-it is a public service in my opinion. Continually, cataloging and the activity involved in doing such, seem to be not generally thougnt of as “public or user services” thoughout the reading, but the push toward change and adaptation points catalogers in the direction of collaboration and engaging in other areas of library functions. Even the field of “web cataloging” is a result of this type of change.
Entry Filed under: Reflections
