This essay addresses the need to maintain authority control in machine-held catalogs as well as card catalogs. Highlights include retrospective conversion of library catalogs; the value of following Library of Congress (LC) cataloging practices; indifference to LC catalog conversion; and overcoming negative attitudes toward LC as an authority.…

Quality in library technical services is explored in light of changes produced by automation. Highlights include a definition of quality; new opportunities and shifting priorities; cataloging (fullness of records, heading consistency, accountability, local standards, automated checking); need for new skills (management, staff); and boons of…

Discusses the importance of public service for the users of serials collections in large libraries in light of the complexities of serial collection organization. A diagram of the decision points encountered by users dealing with serials collections and tables listing the types of serials records and error problems are included. (JL)

Examination of factors of library technical processing priority systems (i.e., processing on basis other than randomization) highlights internal factors (priority by chronological sequence, personal choice, format, influence of organizational structure, acquisition type, patron, librarians' judgement); external factors (shared cataloging, Library…

Discusses why innovation is important for technical services and lists requirements: the ability to envision the future, the use of intuitive thinking and creativity, and well-managed implementation. Examines systems for verification and delivery of bibliographic records (OCLCs Passport for Windows and PromptCat), and outsourcing and…

Focuses on failure of libraries to study or publish comparative costs of cataloging before and after automation. Discussion covers current situation; coping with change; MARC and Anglo-American Cataloging Rules Revised solutions (Library of Congress (LC) revisionary practices, Dewey classification changes, LC subject headings); and question of…

This essay discusses the relationship between academic library reference work and teaching and examines the reasons for considering technical services librarians to be teachers. The notion that teachers are an originating force, while college librarians are primarily a responding force, is discussed. Ten sources are given. (EJS)

Describes staff involvement in the implementation of two successive online systems for library technical processes and searching in the University of Pennsylvania Library. It contrasts their response by considering some system features and the environments into which they were introduced. (Author/RAA)

Describes reorganization of monographic processing at Iowa State University Library Technical Services for effective use of online cataloging system (OCLC). Combination of pre-order bibliographic searching with later copy cataloging, post-receipt examination of materials, hit rates and type of records used, productivity and processing speed, and…

Examines role of cataloger as it has been and is often perceived, and advances view of what role should be. The cataloger's function is discussed in terms of classification and description, automation and change, reclassification as supervisor of nonprofessional staff, cooperation within library, reorganization, and instruction. Thirteen…

A survey of 99 academic music librarians identifies current administrative practices regarding cataloging and attempts to determine how these practices affect user service and cataloger satisfaction. Highlights include the problem, administrative structure, physical facilities, location of cataloging tools, music catalogers' duties, support staff,…

Six articles on pros and cons of minimal-level cataloging (MLC) highlight patron access and browsability, time and cost savings, network and bibliographic utility cooperation, standards, alternatives to MLC, levels of records, online catalogs, experimental cataloging program at University of Michigan, and experiences at Kent State University…

Investigates costs and operations of back office activities of three middle-sized research libraries focusing on costs of labor and effects of automation. Measuring costs, labor compensation differences, differences in hours per volume, differences in organization, reduction of labor costs due to automation, and the quality dimension are…

Consideration of problems associated with development of national database for bibliographic control of library materials, focuses on those which "alert" individual directors, and those created by organizations and people not under immediate control. Standards, objectives, change, ownership and distribution, economic and legal issues,…

Future emphasis in cataloging will be on the sharing of high quality bibliographic records through a national network. As original cataloging decreases, catalogers, rather than disappearing, will more likely be managers of the library's bibliographic control system. (Author/RAA)