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Course Information
Course Information
SPRING 2024
Instructor: Buffy Edwards, PhD, MLIS
Course Format: Online
Course Description: Detailed study of principles and practices of cataloging and classification of library materials according to current national standards. Instruction covers original descriptive cataloging of print and nonprint materials, subject analysis, and classification.
Course Prerequisites: LIS 5033 Information and Knowledge Society and LIS 5043 Organization of Information and Knowledge Resources
Course Goals and Learning Objectives for Students: Through the successful completion of this course the student will:
Become acquainted with some of the technical literature and reference aids of bibliographic organization. It is not necessary to memorize the reference aids, the goal is to review the aids and understand when and how the aids are applied.
Become acquainted with some of the historical factors which have influenced bibliographic organization in the Western world.
Gain an in-depth knowledge of the principles and purposes of description and access.
Gain an understanding of authority control and authority files.
Develop a proficiency in bibliographic search and verification.
Develop proficiency in applying current cataloging standards
Gain an understanding of the application of Library of Congress subject headings.
Gain an understanding of the Library of Congress classification scheme.
Gain an understanding of the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme.
Develop an understanding of technology and interlibrary bibliographic cooperation and networks.
Develop the ability to recognize underlying problems requiring intelligent analysis and knowledge of available rules, codes, systems, and procedures to produce effective solutions.
Gain a recognition of the centrality of change in the cataloging process.
Learning Artifact: Classification Guide
Learning Artifact: Classification Guide
A cataloging guide for Grant County Library.
Reflection & Analysis
Cataloging and classification are probably the concepts I thought of most when I thought about librarianship. My understanding before beginning work at a library and then starting this program was that librarians chose the books that were available in the library space and spent most of their time at work either determining where the book went on the shelves or helping library users find the books on the shelves. This had a lot to do with my younger self looking through card catalogs (they were still used in my library growing up in the 90s and into the early 2000s) and then searching for my stacks of books to take home.
This class did not exactly shift my image; in fact, it may have further showed how important cataloging and classification are. Classification and cataloguing are the ultimate in accessibility. When materials are catalogued properly, they can be found. It takes knowing an audience, understanding the material, and noting how these connect to ensure the materials can be found by those who need them.
LIS 5403 focused predominantly on the various systems and rules that have governed library cataloging previously as well as systems in place today. From Dewey Decimal to MARC (MAchine Readable Cataloging) and the Library of Congress (LOC) classification systems, I studied how each of these sort books and other materials into categories based on their topics. I was able to practice each of these systems by choosing materials of my own interest and using what I learned during the course to catalog based on the different rules of the systems.
I was also able to utilize technology to catalog collection materials. One of the platforms presented to the class, BESTMarc, allowed me to create records for different types of materials. It was a simpler and engaging way to use a digital tool to manage a collection.
The ultimate challenge for this class was working alongside colleagues to create a cataloging guide. We chose a specific library to prepare a guide for and we interviewed the onsite cataloger to get the gist of their processes. However, we determined ways to effectively catalog materials using the LOC classification systems.
Through the class, the process of cataloging and classifying materials in a library seemed more obtainable than it had previously.
Learning Objective(s) Met
1.3: To effectively apply the tools for digitally managing collection materials and resources.
This class touched heavily on managing collection materials digitally. Technology platforms for materials cataloging were presented and we were asked to practice using them extensively. It provided a base for further study and an initial touchpoint for futher cataloging.
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