Discussion of the process of library cataloging notes the 8th century cataloger, Alcuin; purpose of cataloging; bibliographic control; access to information; cataloging on OCLC; emphasis on the format in which cataloging information is communicated; lost precision; authority files; and recall versus precision. Seven references are included. (EJS)

Arguing that inadequacy of subject access in online catalogs lies with the database used as a foundation, this essay discusses the weaknesses of Library of Congress subject cataloging and MARC records, electronic card catalogs, enhancement of data, publisher warnings, Boolean search strategy inadequacies, and changes in the national standard. (EJS)

Describes a study that compared retrieval obtained by searching hardcopy and online indexes. Measures of comparison were recall and precision, user preferences, and the amount of effort required to complete the search. The findings indicate that neither method offers an overall advantage and suggest that both search modes should be maintained. (12…

Comparison of access through the traditional catalog and online systems focuses on functions of the library card catalog--to provide access to all of author's work including works whereby author is identified in nonidentical ways, and to present to user all editions and translations as representations of a given work. (EJS)

Argues that catalogers must exercise new skills to effectively and efficiently create bibliographic records to be used in online catalogs. Subtle changes in the approaches to subject and descriptive cataloging are suggested, and catalogers are encouraged to rely on both cataloging rules and their own judgment. The National Coordinated Cataloging…