Sketches a chronology of events leading to the adoption of "Anglo American Cataloging Rules 2" (AACR 2), presents three general lessons for librarians, and suggests six points of action for the smooth implementation of AACR 2 in January 1981. (FM)

Survey responses from 448 public libraries to questionnaire examining bibliographic access to media and adoption of revised Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2) reveal that majority of respondents (57 percent) use AACR2 for original cataloging of printed materials, 46 percent use it for nonprint materials; 85 percent of public catalogs are in…

This review of the process of retrospective conversion (recon)--conversion of existing bibliographic records into machine-readable form--notes options and services (bibliographic utilities, commercial vendors); new technologies (microcomputer and optical-disc-based systems); collaboration and a coordinated recon strategy; cooperative efforts; and…

Examines the problems of viewing cataloging as an optional skill for librarians. Discusses factors that are eroding cataloging as a core competency, the elimination of cataloging positions amid shrinking budgets, the effect of this trend on library education and librarian role, mediocre service as an inevitable result, and the need to reestablish…