Volume 52, number 3
Cataloging and Classification: Review of the Literature 2005–06
By Magda A. El-Sherbini
This paper reviews library literature on cataloging and classification published in 2005–06. It covers pertinent literature in the following areas: the future of cataloging; Functional Requirement for Bibliographic Records (FRBR); metadata and its applications and relation to Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC); cataloging tools and standards; authority control; and recruitment, training, and the changing role of catalogers.
Provenance Evidence in Bibliographic Records: Demonstrating the Value of Best Practices in Special Collections Cataloging
By M. Winslow Lundy
Noting and tracing former ownership of rare materials has been a common cataloging practice for many years. This paper explores the value of examining special collections materials that may not be old and rare for evidence of provenance in order to provide notes and added entries pointing to former owners in bibliographic records. This case study of a small group of mid-twentieth century books, formerly owned by a Swiss family, demonstrates the significance of the cataloging process in revealing information about the original owners. Building on the bibliographic work of catalogers working with a collection of books on mountaineering topics, the author uses the case study to show how cataloging books as objects with a history can enable users to find new topics of research in special collections materials.
A Model for Assessing Digital Image Use and Needs: Report of a Study into Digital Image Use in North American Dental Education
By Stephen W. Paling, Melissa Miszkiewicz, June Abbas, and Joseph Zambon
This study is presented as one possible model for assessing image use and needs that can inform planning for and creation of a digital image repository. The study described here specifically sought to provide basic knowledge about the current use of digital images in North American dental schools, as well as what future needs might occur among digital image users. It was conducted as part of an ongoing needs assessment for possible construction of an online repository of digitized dental images. The research team conducted semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of dental faculty members at a representative dental school, as well as a brief survey of academic deans. Findings indicated use of digital dental images is nearly ubiquitous among faculty members, but that not all of their needs are being met. The faculty members would benefit from access to an online repository of high-quality digital dental images with accompanying metadata.
Approaches to Selection, Access, and Collection Development in the Web World: A Case Study with Fugitive Literature
By Karen Schmidt, Wendy Allen Shelburne, and David Steven Vess
Academic and research libraries are well-versed in collecting material from the print world. The present and future collections that are being produced on the Web require urgent attention to acquire, preserve, and provide access to them for future research. Many of the skills that librarians have honed through years of collecting in the print-based world are applicable to digital collection development, but will require ramping up technical skills and actively embracing digital content in current and future collection-development work. This paper reports on an exploratory project that aims to apply existing skills and knowledge to collect materials from the Internet and lay the groundwork for collection development in the future.
Notes on Operations
Evaluating and Improving the Presentation of Serials Information in the Online Catalog
By Lori J. Terrill
Many factors should be considered when evaluating how serial publications are presented in online library catalogs. Both patrons and library employees utilize the catalog to locate serial titles and then must be able to determine which formats are available, as well as which issues are available in each format. Consideration of both the recording and display of serials data should be part of a thorough evaluation. This paper presents an outline for an evaluation focusing on meeting user needs. It also provides advice based on the experience of undertaking a successful project at the University of Wyoming Libraries.