Publisher's Synopsis
Authored by cataloging librarians, educators, and information system experts, this book of essays addresses ideas and methods for tackling the modern challenges of cataloging and metadata practices.
Library specialists in the cataloging and metadata professions have a greater purpose than simply managing information and connecting users to resources. There is a deeper and more profound impact that comes of their work: preservation of the human record.
Conversations with Catalogers in the 21st Century contains four chapters addressing broad categories of issues that catalogers and metadata librarians are currently facing. Every important topic is covered, such as changing metadata practices, standards, data record structures, data platforms, and user expectations, providing both theoretical and practical information. Guidelines for dealing with present challenges are based on fundamentals from the past. Recommendations on training staff, building new information platforms of digital library resources, documenting new cataloging and metadata competencies, and establishing new workflows enable a real-world game plan for improvement.
- Contains essays authored by experienced, passionate, and articulate catalogers, metadata librarians, and other experts
- Includes original research survey results on librarians' views regarding current topics such as RDA, AACR2, FRBR, the use of upstream data, and cataloging on the Semantic Web
- Contains an introductory timeline and history of cataloging and metadata from ancient to present times
- Provides a chronological bibliography of selected works related to cataloging and libraries through 1800 and a more complete bibliography of related works
- Includes a foreword and afterword by three internationally known and respected cataloging figures, Michael Gorman, Dr. Sheila S. Intner, and Dr. Susan S. Lazinger
