Examines the intrinsic value of browsing a library collection, either in the stacks or on an online catalog. The value and cost of classification and shelf-listing is discussed, based on data compiled during studies conducted at Cornell University that timed catalogers while they performed the shelf-listing component of cataloging. (Author/LRW)

Discusses cataloging policy at the University of Alabama libraries that allows the acceptance of LC (Library of Congress) classification call numbers from OCLC cataloging into the local database without shelflisting, and describes a study that measured error rates for locally unshelflisted samples to determine the disarrangement of the local…

In these times of tight budgets, libraries are seeking ways to cut costs, and one area being examined is book processing. This study assesses the impact on the organization of a library collection if the call number is not changed to fit into the shelf list sequence. The research questions examined are: "Is it necessary to adjust the book…

This paper describes the Unisa (University of South Africa) Library's experience with cataloging remote electronic resources, including electronic journals, electronic text files, online databases, digital images, Unisa campus Web sites, and mailing list discussions. The first section discusses the decision to add bibliographic references for…

Describes the Dewey Online Retrieval System (DORS), which was developed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to experiment with classification-based search strategies in online catalogs. Classification structures in automated information retrieval are discussed; and specifications for a classification retrieval interface are…

Discusses subject searching problems in online library catalogs; explains advanced information retrieval (IR) techniques; and describes experiments conducted on a test collection database, CHESHIRE (California Hybrid Extended SMART for Hypertext and Information Retrieval Experimentation), which was created to evaluate IR techniques in online…

Describes the special collection on deaf people and deafness in the Gallaudet University Library (Washington, DC). Topics include periodicals; cataloging; the classification system and subject headings developed for the collection; online catalogs; online periodical indexes; deaf reference; archives; and the World Wide Web home page. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of precision in information retrieval highlights a prototype online catalog, ILSA (Improving Library Subject Access), developed at Indiana University of Pennsylvania that uses subject clusters and classification. Topics addressed include problems with keyword searching, controlled vocabulary, and thesauri; natural language mapping…

The result of a study which compared the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2d edition (AACR2), with current cataloging practices at the University of Cincinnati libraries, this report contains chapter-by-chapter commentary on the following areas: the cataloging philosophy of AACR2; general rules for description; books, pamphlets, and printed…

This survey examined whether recent changes in the accessibility of bibliographic records and electronic access has led to an emerging pattern in the way that documents are organized into four areas: (1) general questions; (2) technical services; (3) collections and public services; and (4) changes in the organization of documents service.…

Outlines the results of a review of the cataloging operations at the library at Curtin University of Technology and the three other publicly funded universities in WAGUL (the Western Australian Group of University Librarians). Identifies cost savings to be achieved by re-engineering cataloging and related operations, and separates them from the…

This catalog, describing a number of competency-based programs for the education and training of guidance and counseling personnel, is organized into two sections: educational programs and summary lists of competencies. Five areas of classification according to types of client needs are presented for each section: (1) Using Systematic Planning and…

This document is the first of four in a series of guides to the government documents collection in the academic library at St. Mary's University (San Antonio, Texas); the library has been a selective depository for U.S. Government publications since 1964. The guide describes the document collection in general, including the nature of the…

Describes the decentralization of original cataloging responsibilities that resulted from the development of an online catalog in an academic library, and a training program for the public service librarians responsible for cataloging. The importance of having cataloging conform with national standards is emphasized. (CLB)

"Occasional Papers" deal with varied aspects of librarianship and consist of papers that generally are too long or too detailed for publication in a periodical, or are of specialized or contemporary interest. This latest volume in the series is a detailed look at the causes of and cures for the two fundamental types of misinformation…