Description:
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of cataloging and classification. It emphasizes the functions of library catalogs identified in Functional Requirements of Bibliographic Records, as well as the use of Resource Description and Access, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and the MARC21 (MAchine Readable Cataloging) encoding format in the creation and maintenance of such catalogs. It likewise covers the use of the Dewey Decimal Classification and the Library of Congress Classification as vehicles for access to information and in the organization of library collections. Due attention is given to the history of cataloging and classification and to the impact of the past on current practice and emerging developments.
Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define and understand terminology used in the organization of information.
- Use, interpret, and evaluate bibliographic information in a variety of catalogs.
- Describe works using standard systems and tools for organizing information.
- Analyze works in order to determine their content and purpose.
- Create catalog records for print resources.