Cataloging and Metadata Management Section (CaMMS)

The object of this Section shall be to contribute to library service and librarianship through the encouragement of, and responsibility for, those activities of the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS) of the American Library Association relating to the cataloging, classification, and management of information resources. Within the framework of ALCTS's Strategic and Tactical Plan, the Section shall support access to and organization of information resources based on developed and developing metadata structures and content standards and shall contribute to the development and maintenance of these standards.

CaMMS News

As of July 1, 2011 the Cataloging and Classification Section (CCS) of ALCTS will be known as the Cataloging and Metadata Management Section (CaMMS).

Publications

Committees

  • Asian and African Materials
    Considers all aspects of problems in the bibliographic organization of materials issued in or dealing with Africa and Asia, with the exception of Asiatic Russia.
  • Cataloging: Description and Access
    Group within ALA charged with developing official ALA positions on additions to and revisions of the current cataloging rules.
  • Children's Materials
    Studies the problems of and recommends action on all aspects of the cataloging of library materials for children.
  • Continuing Education
    Develops, fosters, and promotes the creation of continuing education offerings on cataloging and classification topics offered by ALCTS CaMMS alone or in conjunction with other organizations and individuals.
  • Continuing Education Training Materials
    Disbanded in June 2014.
  • Executive
    Manages the activity of the Cataloging and Metadata Management Section.
  • Nominating
    Nominates candidates for elective offices of the section.
  • Policy and Planning
    Considers and recommends policies relevant to CaMMS, considers cataloging and classification issues as a whole, including long-range section goals and objectives, and identifies and recommends new activities to be undertaken.
  • Recruitment and Mentoring
    Identifies and proposes methods and materials for recruitment to careers in cataloging and metadata creation.
  • Research and Publications
    Group stays aware of the current status of research in cataloging and classification; identifies areas where research is needed; and encourages librarians to propose topics and problems in bibliographic control for discussion, research, and action.
  • Subject Analysis
    Addresses issues and projects related to subject access to information resources. Primary concerns are the current state of tools, standards, and activities related to subject cataloging and classification.

Liaisons & Representatives

CaMMS liaisons and representatives facilitate communication between the section and division-level committees. | roster

Interest Groups

  • Authority Control
    Forum for issues related to authority control for online catalogs, etc.
  • Cartographic Resources Cataloging
    Forum for discussing basic issues relating to bibliographic control of cartographic resources and discussing rules and standards covering such cataloging, as well as application of the rules and principles both in general and in response to specific problems, and various practicing options.
  • Catalog Form and Function
    The group explores the evolving nature of the library catalog and its relationship to the fundamental mission and expanding services of libraries.
  • Catalog Management
    Discusses the various issues involved with cataloging, classification, and authority control after the initial cataloging has been performed. In this respect, catalog management is defined as the continuous upgrading and updating of a catalog, regardless of its format, be it card, microform, book or on-line. The group will provide a forum for exchanging information and discussing techniques, new developments, and problems in managing the bibliographic integrity of library catalogs.
  • Cataloging and Classification Research
    Provides a showcase for viewing and discussing the latest research projects in the organization and retrieval of information.
  • Cataloging Norms
    Provide a forum to discuss the dynamics of cataloging norms and how they are changing today's new digital and internet environment.
  • Competencies and Education for a Career in Cataloging
    Discusses the current state of education and employment in cataloging and explores the relationship of cataloging practitioners and employers with library educators.
  • Copy Cataloging
    The group meets at the Midwinter Meetings and Annual Conferences to discuss informally common problems concerning copy cataloging. Included will be discussions on quality control of copy cataloging units, work flows in copy cataloging, copy cataloging of all kinds of materials (monographs, serials, audiovisuals, etc.), staffing needs in copy cataloging, training of copy cataloging, effects of changes in cataloging rules on copy cataloging.
  • Faceted Subject Access
    Forum for anyone interested in the faceted approach to subject access to compare notes and discuss further developments and implementation of subject faceting for digital projects and related topics.
  • Heads of Cataloging Departments
    Forum for discussing policy, implementation, quality control of bibliographic and authority records, work flow, personnel including supervision, motivation and other issues of concern to the members of the group. The group will provide a forum for discussing techniques and exchanging information.

Task Forces

Award Juries

Origin and History

The Catalog Section was created by ALA Council in 1900. In 1940 the Catalog Section became the Division of Cataloging and Classification, with responsibility for arranging programs to interest catalogers, classifiers, and bibliographers in libraries of various sizes and types, and with the goals of maintaining and improving standards in classification and cataloging as well as giving impetus to the discussion and study of cataloging and related problems. With the reorganization of ALA on January 1, 1957, the division became one section of the newly-formed Resources and Technical Services Division. The current name of the division (ALCTS) is the result of a 1989 division membership vote. In July 2011 the CCS name was changed to Cataloging and Metadata Management Section (CaMMS).