Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians, 2nd ed.

Citation

Chao, S.J. (2002), "Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians, 2nd ed.", Collection Building, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 136-137. https://doi.org/10.1108/cb.2002.21.3.136.2

Completely revised and expanded, Mary Liu Kao’s Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians includes a comprehensive course of materials on terminologies, theories and practices for library technicians handling cataloging and classification activities.

Chapter 1 starts with a general overview of library organizational structure, personnel, and the types of jobs library technicians perform in cataloging. It continues in Chapter 2 with detailed descriptions of the functions and types of library catalogs and basic elements of a bibliographic record. Chapter 3 describes the range of tools required for cataloging and classification purposes. In Chapter 4 a step‐by‐step review of descriptive cataloging with examples and the interpretation of the Anglo‐American Cataloging Rules, 2nd ed., 1998 are explored. Chapter 5 covers details of subject cataloging, including the choice for using the Library of Congress Subject Headings or the Sears List of Subject Headings.

Chapter 6 discusses the use of the Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classification systems, as well as the use of book numbers for “Cuttering” purposes. Chapter 7 describes the process of copy cataloging and the types of reference tools and online sources, including the use of Cataloging in Publication (CIP) data, searching the OCLC network for bibliographic information, and cataloging and searching using the online public access catalogs (OPACs) or via the Z39.50 based search engine. Chapter 8 is a newly added chapter for this edition on cataloging for computer. It contains good examples of books, video recordings, serials and computer files cataloged using OCLC and MARC formats. The commonly used MARC tags and fields are explained in detail as well. Chapter 9 includes the general organization of the cataloging department, covering the authority file, processing routines and filing of shelflist cards.

The book concludes with cataloging issues and trends, such as reclassification and recataloging, retrospective conversion, outsourcing, cooperation between libraries, and the implementation of Dublin Core as the primary cataloging standard of the future. There are useful review questions at the end of each chapter.

This volume is thoroughly written, covering all of the important topics required for technical functions in the current library environment. I recommend Professor Kao’s book as an ideal text for instructors to be used for teaching and a handy reference for library technicians in practicing, training or cataloging in technical services departments.