Cataloging of Original Materials in the 21st Century: Frequency and Preparation Factors

Abstract

Cataloging and catalogers play an important role in the access to electronic catalogs for users at all levels. Two recent studies investigating the preparation of entry level library media specialists and the frequency they perform original cataloging led to a larger examination of the topic in the context of academic libraries. One factor has been the steady decline in required cataloging courses in ALAaccredited library schools for the past two decades. A second factor is the relative supply of catalogers and how they have been reallocated within the academic library. A third factor is the increasing practice of cataloging outsourcing. Implications of high levels of cataloging by librarians lacking preparation are analyzed. The potential for flawed electronic records being shared and viewed over the Internet has implications for all levels.As the last century ended, the issue of cataloging materials in libraries seemed to be generally settled. Rather than do original cataloging, smaller libraries would purchase electronic records or share cataloging done by expert catalogers in larger libraries to populate their electronic catalogs. If any original cataloging or editing of an electronic record at the local level were to be done, it would be at the copy cataloging level. If a set of data needed to be cleaned up, vendors or data utilities would provide the services to prepare a clean database in electronic format. The approach appeared to be a good match for the abilities and needs of libraries to share electronic data across systems and states.With those procedures in place, fewer schools of library science made cataloging a required course, with the understanding that the basic theory would be included in foundational information retrieval courses. Spillane (1999) reported a decline in required cataloging courses in ALA accredited library schools from being required in 70.2% of the schools in 1986 to 55.4% in 199955.4% in . Saye (2002 verified the trend and the continued drop in his study to 41%. In a review of course offerings in 2006, Fuller identified the percentage of ALA schools requiring a basic cataloging course at 20%. Long-suffering students chose to take other electives rather than cataloging in their preparation program. Union catalogs reduced or laid off cataloging staff responsible for data clean up. As long as librarians could use a standard number to find the appropriate expertly catalogued record, the electronic world would change the approach to preparing new librarians.