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September 09, 2004
Library Cataloging for Dummies
Today I started delving into the world of Libraries. At work I’m part of the library team by default because I have a collection of about 800 volumes of engineering documents that I maintain. That will be expected to grow by about 10 times in the next few years. But I don’t catalog my materials like a librarian so we have our own database, separate from the library’s.
To understand Libraries and cataloging better I’m going to start to organize and catalog my entire book collection at home using the Library of Congress (LC) Authorities as a guide. So I started researching the LC. Now I’m even more confused than when I started! haha.
I think I have a book on that in my collection though. Let’s see, where did I put it? Be right back...
...minutes pass...
...an hour passes...
No luck. I know I have it somewhere because a long time ago I discovered I like books and have a large number of them in my house. I thought it might be nice to organize them someday and I found a handy little book on how to do that at some book sale. But now it’s lost between the shelves or something. It was sure fun browsing through the books though as I looked for that one. I was sidetracked a few times I think.
Today at work I tried to look up a book I had on my shelf called, XML for dummies, using a web tool. I found the book listing online, so I can see how it is supposed to be cataloged and marked using the LC format. So I think I’m on my way.
This is really a new area for me, and I’m still searching for a simplified set of directions to help me understand what I’m doing quickly. But even so, there is not a ‘for dummies’ book for everything in life. Sometimes it’s very difficult and complicated knowing how to do or handle things that come up. How about a book called, “Purpose in Life for Dummies.” or “Making a difference in life for dummies” or “How to live your life for dummies.” Well, if we actually had one of those books, we probably wouldn’t like it or even open it. Sometimes we have to learn things the hard way. Why do we do that to ourselves?
P.S. If anyone knows of any good basic reading material online on how to think like a librarian, please post the links here. Thank you!
Posted by carl1236 at September 9, 2004 11:22 PM | Attitude
Comments
Hey, I'm a librarian -- a cataloger, actually. I can't think of anything off the top of my head that I'd recommend for you, but I'd be happy to give you some tips.
Now that I've thought about this for a second, you might try a book called The Organization of Information, by Arlene G. Taylor (Libraries Unlimited, 1999; ISBN 15693084937). It's a bit dry and maybe a little more technical than you need, but it is a pretty useful introduction to cataloging concepts and the lingo, if you can wade through it. It would probably help clear up a lot of the confusion that ensues when you try to read other things librarians have written about their systems for cataloging.
Good luck...
Posted by: Stacie at September 9, 2004 11:46 PM
Thanks Stacie!
I'll get that book and try it. It can't hurt, and I'm used to reading technical/dry books for the information I need ;-) I'm sure it will help.
John
Posted by: John at September 10, 2004 11:36 AM