About the SCM

The Slavic Cataloging Manual (SCM) brings together rules and practices pertinent to the cataloging of materials in Slavic languages as well as some other East European and Eurasian languages used in former Soviet bloc countries. It outlines and explains best practices for descriptive and subject cataloging of such materials and related authority work based on the current cataloging standard - RDA. It also embodies best practices developed by members of the Slavic cataloging community over the years. References to earlier standards still in widespread use, namely AACR2, are also included as appropriate. Wherever appropriate, it gives the cultural and historical background of the topics addressed.

As a rule, the chapters include concrete examples of the cataloging practices that they present, most of which are presented in MARC format. The SCM is intended primarily as a tool for the experienced cataloger, but it also will prove useful to catalogers currently in training, reference librarians, and researchers.

How to use the SCM: the contents of the SCM can be found by using the Subject Index, searching for keywords in the "Search this site" option* (top right-hand of page), or browsing the alphabetical list of chapters in the Sitemap. *Please note that the searching function does not currently find words with diacritics.

A brief history of the SCM (the first version of which was created in 1992) can be found in the History page. The present version, SCM 2.0, was published June 1, 2016. A list of those who contributed to SCM 2.0 can be found in the Credits page.

The English-speaking Slavic Cataloging community runs a discussion list and it maintains a contact list of professionals in the field who have particular areas of expertise.

The site is best viewed using Google Chrome.

Slavic Cataloging Manual 2.0 by Association of College & Research Libraries, Slavic and East European Section, Automated Bibliographic Control Committee, Slavic Cataloging Manual Review Task Force (ACRL/SEES ABC)