"A library catalog is a register of all bibliographic items found in a library or group of libraries, such as a network of libraries at several locations."
The process of describing library resources and assigning subject terms for organization and retrieval. Cataloging makes it easier for users to find information in the library's collection.
Cataloging standards: Overview of cataloging standards such as RDA (Resource Description and Access), AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules), MARC (MAchine-Readable Cataloging), and more.
Classification schemes: An overview of classification schemes such as Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and subject headings like Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).
Cataloging tools: Introduction to cataloging tools such as cataloging software like SirsiDynix, OCLC's WorldCat, and Bibliographic record management software.
Bibliographic description: Bibliographic description, including title, author, imprint, edition, copyright date, publication date, place of publication, and more.
Authority control: Overview of authority control, its importance in cataloging, and the history of authority control systems.
Metadata: Overview of metadata and how it's used to describe and manage digital collections.
Cataloging rules: Overview of cataloging rules, including descriptions of the different types of rules such as descriptive rules, access rules, subject analysis rules, and control rules.
Controlled vocabularies: Introduction to controlled vocabularies such as thesauri and subject headings, and how they are used in cataloging and indexing.
Authority files: An overview of authority files, including their creation, maintenance, and use in cataloging.
MARC format: Overview of the MARC format used for bibliographic data, including fields and tags.
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Overview of LCSH and its use in cataloging subject matter, including the benefits and drawbacks of using LCSH.
FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records): Introduction to FRBR and how it is used to organize bibliographic data, including the entity-relationship model, entity groups, and attributes.
Cataloging process: Overview of the cataloging process, including pre-cataloging procedures, description, subject analysis, classification, and cataloging maintenance.
Cataloging ethics: Overview of cataloging ethics, including issues surrounding intellectual property, copyright, and fair use.
Cataloging for special collections: Specialized cataloging considerations such as rare books, maps, music, and other special materials, as well as the best practices for cataloging these materials.
Digital preservation: Overview of digital preservation and its role in managing electronic resources, including the importance of format migration and the preservation of metadata.
Machine learning and cataloging: How machine learning technology is being used to develop automated cataloging tools and strategies, including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and more.
Linked data: Overview of linked data, including its use in improving the quality and accessibility of bibliographic data, developing a linked data infrastructure, and integrating linked data with existing systems.
Cataloging metadata languages: Overview of cataloging metadata languages like RDF (Resource Description Framework), XML (eXtensible Markup Language), and JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data), and how they are used in managing and sharing cataloging data.
Cataloging trends: Current trends and developments in library cataloging, including electronic resources management, user-generated content, community metadata, and more.
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC): A widely used classification system that categorizes books by subject areas, assigning them a unique number according to a hierarchy of categories and subcategories.
Library of Congress Classification (LCC): A classification system developed by the Library of Congress that categorizes materials by subject, assigning them unique alphanumeric codes.
Universal Decimal Classification (UDC): A classification system that uses a hierarchical system to categorize books and documents, assigning them a unique code based on subject.
Colon Classification (CC): A classification system developed by S.R. Ranganathan that categorizes books and documents by subject, assigning them a unique code based on a combination of facets.
Bliss Bibliographic Classification (BBC): A classification system developed by Henry Evelyn Bliss that categorizes books and documents by subject, assigning them unique codes based on a hierarchical faceted structure.
Metadata: A system of descriptive information that accompanies digital objects, aiding in their identification and retrieval through search engines.
Authority control: A process that ensures consistency in the use of names, subject headings, and other forms of information in a library's catalog, facilitating accurate retrieval of relevant material.
Cataloging-in-Publication (CIP): A program in which publishers provide bibliographic information to the Library of Congress before publication to facilitate cataloging once the item is released.
MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging) records: A standardized system of digital cataloging records that can be easily shared and read by library software and other computer systems.
FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records): A conceptual model that outlines the basic functions required of any bibliographic record, including identifying, describing, and locating information resources.
FRAD (Functional Requirements for Authority Data): A conceptual model that outlines the basic functions required of any authority record, including identifying, describing, and managing authority data.
BIBFRAME (Bibliographic Framework Initiative): A project that aims to develop a new model for bibliographic data that is machine-readable, flexible, and interoperable across library systems and other types of digital platforms.
Linked Data: A system for linking different types of bibliographic data across multiple platforms and systems, allowing for more effective sharing and discovery of information resources.
"A catalog for a group of libraries is also called a union catalog."
"A bibliographic item can be any information entity (e.g., books, computer files, graphics, realia, cartographic materials, etc.) that is considered library material."
"The card catalog was a familiar sight to library users for generations, but it has been effectively replaced by the online public access catalog (OPAC)."
"Some still refer to the online catalog as a 'card catalog'."
"Some libraries with OPAC access still have card catalogs on-site, but these are now strictly a secondary resource and are seldom updated."
"Some libraries have eliminated their card catalog in favor of the OPAC for the purpose of saving space for other use, such as additional shelving."
"The largest international library catalog in the world is the WorldCat union catalog managed by the non-profit library cooperative OCLC."
"In January 2021, WorldCat had over half a billion catalog records."
"In January 2021, WorldCat had three billion library holdings."
"It is relevant to the catalog and to the users (patrons) of the library."
"Many libraries that retain their physical card catalog will post a sign advising the last year that the card catalog was updated."
"The online public access catalog (OPAC) effectively replaced the traditional card catalog."
"These are now strictly a secondary resource."
"The WorldCat union catalog includes bibliographic items found in libraries."
"The WorldCat union catalog is managed by the non-profit library cooperative OCLC."
"WorldCat had over half a billion catalog records."
"Library users can access the WorldCat union catalog online."
"The card catalog in libraries that still have them serves as a secondary resource."
"The role of the WorldCat union catalog is to provide access to a wide range of bibliographic items across libraries."