Reviews the literature addressing description and cataloging. Topics covered in the review include the functions and structures of catalogs; the Anglo American Cataloging Rules; application and extension of bibliographic control; authority control; shared cataloging and bibliographic networks; retrospective conversion; management topics; and the…

Discusses planning "future of the catalog" decisions given AACR2 and suggests that courses of action for small libraries may be developed through self-study and by reference to a list of 11 resources. (RAA)

Describes problems faced by late medieval libraries during period of transition from the manuscript to the printed book. A translation of a manual created for a Swiss monastery circa 1520 provides information on librarian's duties, arrangement of the library, procedures for inventorying and cataloging, circulation, and public services. (31…

This task force report evaluates the impact of AACR2 (American Anglo Catalog Rules 2) and the closing of the Library of Congress card catalog on cataloging and other technical processing routines both in Alderman Library and its branches. It provides specific recommendations for the form of the catalog, changes in operating routine, the…

Reviews factors influencing the librarian's decision process and contrasts them with visions of an ideal bibliographic system, the online catalog, and the all-purpose library network. Significant factors considered are AACR2, LC's decision to close its catalog, and the emerging national library network. (Author/RAA)

Program presentations on issues related to bibliographic control and access to collections and business meeting minutes are combined in this report. Under the program title, "The Sum of the Parts: Sharing Responsibility," the following addresses are included: (1) "The Building Blocks: Elements in a System of Distributed…

A computer system which has the ability to transfer information directly from OCLC to the in-house computer was developed for use in the acquisition and processing of library materials for the Claremont College (California) libraries. Extensions of the system including automated circulation and conversion to online catalogs are being considered.…

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.…

In 1905, Library of Congress Processing Services had about 100 employees in 2 divisions: Catalog and Order. Herbert Putnam, Librarian of Congress since 1899, cataloging chief James Hanson, and chief classifier Charles Martel were engaged in restoring order to library's collections and centralizing cataloging activity for entire country. (41…

The continuing education of library staff is the focus of this collection of papers and journal articles presented at or related to seminars sponsored by the New York Metropolitan Reference and Research Library Agency (METRO). It includes "LEX: Law Advice for Public and Academic Librarians," by Alice Norton; the Library Journal/School Library…

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 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…

Orr's schema for measuring the quality and value of libraries is described and discussed with respect to three paradoxes--the evaluation of catalogs, optimal library size, and Lenin's view of public libraries in the U.S. Seven references are cited. (CHC)

Focusing on cataloging operations contingent upon public catalog usage, this article identifies necessary components of a collection access policy, discusses representative samples of policies that can be adapted to individual library practices, and provides guidelines for the development and implementation of a statement useful for planning…

Discussion of growth trends involving use of new technology in the library (mainly computers and their devices) outlines recent advances in Canada, discusses current activities, and presents views of library functions 10 years from now. Issues and questions are presented and their impact on the library profession is discussed. (EJS)