Cataloging Fundamentals

Instructor: Susan M. Sutch

Cataloging Fundamentals

• Are you new - or recently returned - to the world of modern library cataloging?
• Have you been assigned to a project that requires cataloging skills?
• Are you thinking of transferring from public service to technical services?
• Do you need to know your way around a MARC record?
• Are you looking for ways to reduce your cataloging backlog?
• Or would you just like to brush up on cataloging basics?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, this course is for you. Come learn modern cataloging principles from an automation librarian with ten years of experience teaching cataloging fundamentals for librarians and paraprofessionals.

Workshop Description: This all-day workshop will provide a practical framework for understanding library cataloging basics and best practices. This fundamentals class is intended for people who need to know how to operate efficiently in the modern electronic catalog environment. Classification systems, Cutter numbers, common MARC tags, and copy cataloging sources will be discussed. Attendees will receive a cataloging fundamentals guide, common MARC tags guide, as well as practical, useful tips that can be applied immediately.

Highlights:

• Cataloging Defined
  • What are classification systems?
  • What is a Cutter number?
  • What does it mean to catalog an item?
• Modern Cataloging
  • MARC records and their predecessors
  • Common MARC fields
  • Cataloging different formats of materials
• Sources for Cataloging
  • Original cataloging
  • Copy cataloging
• Additional information in an electronic record
  • Fixed fields
  • How to tell if the record is "corrupt"

Who Should Attend: Anyone in a California library with an interest in cataloging, particularly computerized cataloging practices and conventions. Anyone with a desire to get materials out of processing and into patrons' hands quickly.

Prerequisites: None

Check-in: 8:30 to 9 AM Instruction: 9 AM to 4:30 PM