Catalog It!: A Guide to Cataloging School Library Materials

Whether you're a practicing cataloger looking for a short text to update you on the application of RDA to cataloging records or a school librarian who needs a quick resource to answer cataloging questions, this guide is for you.

Since the last edition of this invaluable text was published, the library world has experienced a revolution in descriptive cataloging the likes of which has not been seen since the early 1980s. This updated, third edition of an established and well-respected guide makes it easy for you to stay in step with those monumental changes. The book will help you understand the latest fundamentals of cataloging so you can get items on the library shelves quickly and efficiently.

Every chapter has been revised. Changes in standards, including RDA and BISAC, that were alluded to in the second edition are discussed in depth and illustrated with explanations, and sample problem sets are included so you can put theory into practice. In addition, the book provides you with clear headings for easy scanning as well as cheat sheets and templates for creating records for book and non-book items. Previous editions of this text have been used by library practitioners and library and information science professors across the country because of its spot-on, easy-to-follow guidance on cataloging for school libraries. This new edition builds upon those strengths, adding everything you need to know about current, groundbreaking changes.

Preface to the Third Edition
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: A Brief History of Cataloging
Introduction
Functions of the Library
The Ancient Past
Modern Times
Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR)
Resource Description and Access (RDA)
Creating the Catalog
MARC Records
Sharing Surrogate Records
Conclusion
Notes
Chapter 2: Copy Cataloging and Cataloger's Resources
Introduction
Databases
The Granddaddy of Them All
Other Free Databases
Programs
Online Cataloging Help
Conclusion
Chapter 3: Introducing MARC Concepts
Introduction
MARC and ILS Platforms
MARC Structure
Leader (Field 000)
Directory
Variable Fields
An Overview of the MARC Fields
Conclusion
Notes
Introduction to Chapters 4 through 7
AACR, RDA, and MARC
AACR and Areas of Description
RDA and WEMI
MARC Help
Notes
Chapter 4: Intellectual Access—Subject Headings
Introduction
Subject Headings vs. Keyword Access
Sears List of Subject Headings, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and BISAC Subject Headings List
A Little Historical Background
The Comparison
The Electronic LCSH
Basic Structure of Sears and LCSH
Headings and Subdivisions
BISAC Subject Headings List Structure
The MARC Format: 6XX Fields
600 Field: Personal Name Heading
650 Field: Topical Heading
651 Field: Geographic Heading
610 Field: Corporate Name Heading
611 Field: Meeting Name Heading
655 Field: Genre Heading
658 Field: Curriculum Objectives
690 Field: Local Headings
How Do I Know How Many Subject Headings to Add?
Conclusion
Notes
Chapter 5: Intellectual Access—Classification
Introduction
Organization of Information
The Bookstore (BISAC) and Metis Models
Dewey Decimal Classification
Application
Building a Number
How Long Should a Number Be?
On Famous People, Folklore, Fiction, and Other Classification Conundrums
Biographies
Folklore
Fiction
Story Collections
Graphic Novels
Equipment
Application of DDC15 in the MARC Format
Creating Call Numbers
Conclusion
Notes
Chapter 6: Access Points
Introduction
Tying Together the Past and the Present
Title and Statement of Responsibility (Fields 245 & 246)
245 Field: Title and Statement of Responsibility
246 Field: Varying Form of Title
Main Access Point Fields (1XX) and Added Access Point Fields (7XX)
100 and 700 Fields: Personal Name Entries
110 and 710 Fields: Corporate Name Entries
Conclusion
Chapter 7: RDA—Physical Description Fields & Coded Data
Introduction
Number and Coded Fields: Fields 01X–04X
Variable Data Fields
Edition: Field 250
Publication, Distribution, etc.: Fields 260 & 264
Physical Description: Field 300
Other Physical Characteristics: Fields 336, 337, 338
Series Statement – Fields 490/8XX
Notes – Fields 5XX
Additional Cataloging Considerations
Equipment
Periodicals
Creating New Records
Conclusion
Notes
Chapter 8: The Future of Cataloging
Introduction
The Death of MARC
Effects of Metadata on Cataloging
Bibliographic Framework
Conclusion
Notes
Chapter 9: Processing Information Packages
Introduction
Labels
Packaging
Placement on the Shelf
Conclusion
Appendix I: Hint Sheet
Appendix II: MARC Template
Appendix III: Answers to the Exercises
Chapter 4: Intellectual Access – Subject Headings
Personal Name Heading Exercises
Topical Subject Heading Exercises
Geographic Subject Heading Exercises
Corporate Name Subject Heading Exercises
Chapter 5: Intellectual Access – Classification Exercises
First Summary Tables
Numbers into MARC Format
Create Full Numbers
Chapter 6: Name/Title Access Points Exercises
245 Field Exercises
246 Field Exercises
100 and 700 Fields Exercises
110 and 710 Fields Exercises
Summary of Title and Statement of Responsibility Fields
Chapter 7: Physical Descriptions Exercises
041 Field Exercises
043 Field Exercises
260/264 Fields Exercises
300 Field Exercises
336, 337, 338 Fields Exercises
490/8XX Fields Exercises
5XX Fields Exercises
Glossary
Index