Description:
This course is an introduction to the theories, systems, and practices of cataloging and classification presented within a broad historical and contemporary context. Emphasis is on a basic understanding of the function and creation of library catalogs and catalog surrogates and on acquiring the ability to use and interpret cataloging tools effectively. The major cataloging schemes, formats, and systems used in the U.S. will be examined, including AACR2R, the MARC21 format, the Dublin Core Metadata Set, Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classifications, and Library of Congress Subject Headings. Extensive hands-on OCLC searching and editing experience.
Synopsis:
Course Objectives
At the end of this course the student will understand:
- the role and methods of cataloging, classification and metadata in libraries and other agencies
- basic principles of cataloging and classification that have developed over the last several centuries
- organizational concepts that affect how information is retrieved and displayed
- administrative issues affecting organization of information
- the role of technical standards in information organization
At the end of this course students will be able to:
- effectively use and interpret existing systems for information organization, including the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, MARC21 Bibliographic and Authorities formats, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Sear's Subject Headings, Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification and Dublin Core Metadata Element Set;
- create catalog and metadata records for resources in a variety of formats
- define and understand terminology commonly used in information organization.
Organization of the Course
The course consists of lectures, group discussions, assigned readings, homework exercises, attendance in cataloging lab, quizes, and one term paper. The course will be mounted using the eCompanion course software. This is where you will find most of the course documents. In addition, eCompanion will be used for class e-mail, online quizzes, and much of the class discussion on the assigned readings.
| ___Week___ | Topic |
| Week 1 | Cataloging in Context: - Bibliographic Control
- Catalogs
- Cataloging process
|
| Week 2 | Encoding Standards: - Record formats
- MARC
- Bibliographic utilities
- Code development
|
| Week 3 | Description: - FRBR
- Technical reading
- ISBD & AACR2R Description
|
| Week 4 | Description: - Nonbook materials
- Continuing resources
|
| Week 5 | Information Organization Process: - Other Metadata Description
- Choice of Access Points
|
| Week 6 | Form of headings: - Personal names
- Corporate names
|
| Week 7 | Authority Control: |
| Week 8 | Subject Analysis: - Classified vs. verbal
- Verbal subject headings
|
| Week 9 | Verbal Subject Access: |
| Week 10 | Classification Principles |
| Week 11 | Classification: |
| Week 12 | Classification: - Library of Congress Classification
|
| Week 13 | Classification: |
| Week 14 | Organization & Administration: - Arrangement & Display of bibliographic tools
Catalog maintenance
|
| Week 15 | The Future: |
Major Assignments
Class exercises will be assigned using the Mortimer Learn Descriptive Cataloging text. These will be self-study in order to give you practice in thinking about cataloging and creating surrogate records. These exercises will not be graded, but they will be discussed each week in class.
In addition to the self-study exercises, there will be four other assignments that will give you experience using the OCLC bibliographic network and increase your understanding of Library of Congress Subject Headings, Library of Congress Classification, and the Dewey Decimal System. Due dates for the assignments will be included on the eCompanion Calendar Tool. Since the answers to these assignments are discussed in class when graded, assignments will not be accepted after the due date unless arrangements have been made with me in advance. You are encouraged to ask me for assistance with assignments when needed. You may discuss your work on these assignments with each other, but the ultimate work you turn in should be the result of your having done the work yourself, not having copied answers from other students. These assignments will be "graded" with a check (good), check-plus (excellent), or check-minus (poor). Students who receive a check-minus are encouraged to see me for help with that topic.
There will be one quiz and a term paper. The quiz will be administered online through eCompanion.
Your grade will be determined as follows:
| Assignments | 25% |
| Quiz | 25% |
| Term paper | 40% |
| Class participation | 10% |
Bibliography
Both of your required textbooks are available in the bookstore. If you buy the Taylor book from another student make sure you have the 9th edition, revised. The Furrie text can be accessed online.
Required: Learn Descriptive Cataloging -- Mary Mortimer Scarecrow Press, 2000
Required: Wynar's Introduction to Cataloging and Classification -- Arlene G. Taylor Libraries Unlimited, 2006
Recommended: Understanding MARC Bibliographic -- Betty Furrie Library of Congress, 2003
