Library Cataloguing
This is just a brief overview of cataloguing. You are only required to know what cataloguing is.
Library catalogues contain information about all items belonging to the library. Unlike the old-fashioned wooden filing system above, the library catalogue is online and is known as OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue). The information that describes each item is referred to as a bibliographic record or catalogue record.
Cataloguing is the process followed by librarians to create the bibliographic record. To perform catalogue work means to systematically record details about a published item, such as, title, author, publisher, date, physical description, subject headings, edition, and call number. A set of standardized rules for cataloguing and transcribing information about library materials such as books, videos, or other information sources governs the cataloguing process.
Classification
To assist library patrons in locating materials within the library, cataloguers assign call numbers which are printed on labels that are attached to individual materials. The two most commonly used classification systems are: the Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC) and the Library of Congress Classification system (LCC). Most public libraries use the Dewey schedules. DDC is a numerical scheme which divides all knowledge into ten general categories and further subdivides the major headings according to subject specificity. Most university and research libraries use the Library of Congress Classification System. LCC uses an alphabetical code in combination with a numbering scheme to define subject content.
Cataloguing is the process followed by librarians to create the bibliographic record. To perform catalogue work means to systematically record details about a published item, such as, title, author, publisher, date, physical description, subject headings, edition, and call number. A set of standardized rules for cataloguing and transcribing information about library materials such as books, videos, or other information sources governs the cataloguing process.
Classification
To assist library patrons in locating materials within the library, cataloguers assign call numbers which are printed on labels that are attached to individual materials. The two most commonly used classification systems are: the Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC) and the Library of Congress Classification system (LCC). Most public libraries use the Dewey schedules. DDC is a numerical scheme which divides all knowledge into ten general categories and further subdivides the major headings according to subject specificity. Most university and research libraries use the Library of Congress Classification System. LCC uses an alphabetical code in combination with a numbering scheme to define subject content.
Subject Headings
Libraries assign subject headings to assist library patrons in locating informational items on a particular subject when an author or title is not known. Libraries strive for consistency in subject heading use so that all items with the same subject will be listed together in the library catalogue. The most authoritative list consulted by school librarians to determine appropriate headings and cross-references is the Sears List of Subject Headings to help identify proper subject terms. MARC - Cataloguing for the Computer A variety of computer software packages are available to produce catalogue records. These computer programs help libraries develop online catalogues for local use, and, in addition to make their catalogues available to remote users via the World Wide Web. In order for the computer to interpret the information found in a cataloguing record, libraries follow a standard professional practice called MARC record cataloguing. MARC is an acronym for Machine-Readable Cataloguing Record. The official rules and documentation for cataloguing in MARC format is compiled by the Library of Congress and published in the document: USMARC Format for Bibliographic Data. |