This article reports on a study of 203 title pages as the source of information for descriptive cataloging, and bibliographic data on the title pages as written language artifacts having their own visual characteristics. Bibliographic data on the title pages are regarded as visual objects, and are examined in terms of the characteristics of individual bibliographic elements and those of separations between elements. Visual properties used in analysis consist of both primitives and coordinates. A separation is identified by changes in primitives or the existence of coordinates between two elements. Three most important elements on the title page found in the study are title proper, author, and publisher. Two most important visual properties that constitute a separation between two bibliographic elements are changes in typesize and the existence of space. Frame structure representations at various level of abstraction are suggested for a prototype title page in terms of the inclusion of bibliographic elements and the visual properties. This study provides the potential knowledge for an expert system for descriptive cataloging, and a conceptual framework for future investigations of cataloging standards and codes.
Uncertainty over the future of cataloging and the gap between cataloging research and practice exist partially because of the rapid change in technology over this century. The role of technology is explored in its relation to cataloging knowledge and research. The history of technology in.cataloging is examined: a conventional view of cataloging practice is followed by a critical review of impacts of technology on cataloging theoiies. Recommendations are made on some issues of cataloging research and the directions cataloging researchers and practitioners should take. [Article copies available for a fee fmm R e Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678.
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