Library Cataloging
In November of 2004, the Library of Congress Bibliographic Access Divisions posted information related to efforts to define a new level of cataloging within the MARC/AACR context, called access level-- more information related to the background and development of the core data set and cataloging guidelines may be found online.
From December 2004 to January 2005, the Library of Congress conducted a test of the proposed access level core data set and cataloging guidelines to determine whether the resulting records would meet the objectives formulated for the project (functionality, cost-efficiency, and conformity with current standards). The link above includes a presentation summarizing the results of the test.
Future plans for implementing Access Level
After evaluating the results of the test, LC has determined that there are substantial cost savings to be derived from access level cataloging, with no appreciable loss of access for searchers. The Bibliographic Access Divisions is proposing to pursue the implementation of access level cataloging, using the following framework to define a preliminary phase to be carried out in the next year:
The results of the access level test at the Library of Congress (PowerPoint presentation), the original project report, and the core data set are available.
Cataloging
- Series Work At Lc
This is a memo distributed April 20 to LC staff.The Director for Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access Announces the Library of Congress's Decision to Cease Creating Series Authority Records as Part of Library of Congress Cataloging April 20, 2006The...
- Continuing Resources
The minutes of the Continuing Resources Cataloging Committee meetings during the recent ALA Annual Conference 2005 in Chicago are now available on ALA's website.These minutes include the Saturday (6/25) business meeting and the Monday (6/27) update...
- Folksonomies
There is a debate raging on folksonomies vs controlled vocabularies. Both sides seem to adopt an either/or position, things are rarely so clear-cut. They seem to place librarians on the side of control and it is true we have developed subject heading...
- Bibliographic Access To Digital Content
The Cataloging Management Team has endorsed two sets of recommendations to expand bibliographic access to digital content, which is Goal IV in the Cataloging Directorate Strategic Plan:Recommendations for Modes of Cataloging for Electronic Resources calls...
- Document Object Model
The W3C released the Document Object Model Level 2 HTML Specification as an official Recommendation. It is not compatable with Level 1.This specification defines the Document Object Model Level 2 HTML, a platform- and language-neutral interface that allows...
Library Cataloging
LC Test of Access Level Records
In November of 2004, the Library of Congress Bibliographic Access Divisions posted information related to efforts to define a new level of cataloging within the MARC/AACR context, called access level-- more information related to the background and development of the core data set and cataloging guidelines may be found online.
From December 2004 to January 2005, the Library of Congress conducted a test of the proposed access level core data set and cataloging guidelines to determine whether the resulting records would meet the objectives formulated for the project (functionality, cost-efficiency, and conformity with current standards). The link above includes a presentation summarizing the results of the test.
Future plans for implementing Access Level
After evaluating the results of the test, LC has determined that there are substantial cost savings to be derived from access level cataloging, with no appreciable loss of access for searchers. The Bibliographic Access Divisions is proposing to pursue the implementation of access level cataloging, using the following framework to define a preliminary phase to be carried out in the next year:
- Continue to apply access level cataloging for non-serial remote access electronic resources (with guideline modifications based on cataloger and reference feedback).Expand the group of trained catalogers from the five initial testers to include all catalogers trained to work on this category of material.Solicit feedback on the access level core data set, cataloging guidelines, and future plans, from internal and external constituencies.Collaborate with the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (see Objective 2.1.2 in the PCC Tactical Objectives), Distribute the records created as part of the test, as well as for the preliminary phase, via normal record distribution products (Cataloging Distribution Service).Consider additional tests of the functionality of the access level records in the catalog.Given the considerable savings derived from doing original cataloging at access level as opposed to adapting copy cataloging records at full level, perform only original cataloging at access level for the preliminary phase; re-assess this decision after one year.Work with other institutions testing the guidelines and core data set to decide on the optimal record identification indicia (e.g., encoding level, possible use of authentication code).Consider whether the access level model might also apply to other types of resources (Bibliographic Access Divisions Strategic Plan for 2005-2006, Goal IV, Objective 7)
The results of the access level test at the Library of Congress (PowerPoint presentation), the original project report, and the core data set are available.
Cataloging
- Series Work At Lc
This is a memo distributed April 20 to LC staff.The Director for Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access Announces the Library of Congress's Decision to Cease Creating Series Authority Records as Part of Library of Congress Cataloging April 20, 2006The...
- Continuing Resources
The minutes of the Continuing Resources Cataloging Committee meetings during the recent ALA Annual Conference 2005 in Chicago are now available on ALA's website.These minutes include the Saturday (6/25) business meeting and the Monday (6/27) update...
- Folksonomies
There is a debate raging on folksonomies vs controlled vocabularies. Both sides seem to adopt an either/or position, things are rarely so clear-cut. They seem to place librarians on the side of control and it is true we have developed subject heading...
- Bibliographic Access To Digital Content
The Cataloging Management Team has endorsed two sets of recommendations to expand bibliographic access to digital content, which is Goal IV in the Cataloging Directorate Strategic Plan:Recommendations for Modes of Cataloging for Electronic Resources calls...
- Document Object Model
The W3C released the Document Object Model Level 2 HTML Specification as an official Recommendation. It is not compatable with Level 1.This specification defines the Document Object Model Level 2 HTML, a platform- and language-neutral interface that allows...