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Book part
Publication date: 28 June 1991

Betty G. Bengtson

Abstract

Details

Library Technical Services: Operations and Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-795-0

Book part
Publication date: 20 July 2017

Melissa Adler

This chapter demonstrates how the University of Waikato in New Zealand adapted a global standard (the Library of Congress Classification) for local use by inscribing topics…

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates how the University of Waikato in New Zealand adapted a global standard (the Library of Congress Classification) for local use by inscribing topics related to and about Māori history and people.

The findings are the result of using library catalogs and classifications as primary historical documents.

The University of Waikato’s classification simultaneously uses and implicitly critiques a universal system written from a U.S. vantage point. It seems to acknowledge the benefits and necessities of using a globally recognized standard, as well as a need to inscribe local, anticolonial perspectives into that system.

The research relies on historical documents, and some aspects related to purpose and attribution are difficult to ascertain.

The local adaptation of the Library of Congress Classification may serve as a model for other local adaptations.

This may bring new dimensions to thinking about colonialism and anticolonialism in knowledge organization systems. It contributes to ongoing conversations regarding indigenous knowledge organization practices.

Although scholars have examined Māori subject headings, research on local shelf classifications in New Zealand have not been objects of study in the context of global and local knowledge organization. This chapter brings an important classification to light.

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2021

Nahed Salem and Ahmed Maher Khafaga Shehata

The study aims to explore the classification of electronic games in Dewey decimal classification (DDC) and The Library of Congress classification (LCC) schemes.

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to explore the classification of electronic games in Dewey decimal classification (DDC) and The Library of Congress classification (LCC) schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a comparative analytical method to explore the topic in both the DDC and the LCC schemes by comparing its processing method in both schemes. The study measures the extent to which both schemes succeed in allocating notations covering the topic’s literature.

Findings

The study reached several results, the most important of which are: the difference between the two main cognitive sections, to which they belong to the topic, namely, arts and recreation (700) in the DDC scheme and the geography section (G) in the LCC scheme, while they were found to share the same sub-section scheme. The two schemes do not allocate notations to address the subject of electronic games as literature and other notations that have not been embodied for electronic games themselves or in the form of a compact disc or other media.

Originality/value

As far as we know, this is the first paper that compares the treatment of video games in DDC and Library of Congress classification schemes. The study allows for understanding the difference in the treatment of topics in both schemes, which would help in the decision of the adoption of a particular classification scheme.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 71 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Advances in Librarianship
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-12024-615-1

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2010

A.A. Adeleke and R. Olorunsola

The purpose of this paper is to report the survey on the use of online tools and techniques for cataloguing and classification in Nigerian libraries.

3272

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the survey on the use of online tools and techniques for cataloguing and classification in Nigerian libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed to elicit information from librarians on pertinent areas relating to the use of online tools for processing library resources.

Findings

The results of the survey reveal a high level of awareness among librarians in Nigeria about the benefits that could be derived in the use of online tools for cataloguing and classification processes. The study further reveals the need for continuing education programmes for cataloguers for effective use of the tools. The study shows that the use of online tools has advantages over manual methods. Librarians perceived the method to be useful and easy to use. The paper reveals ICT infrastructural facilities as major constraints facing libraries in the use of online tools. One of the expectations at the onset of the follow‐up study was that most of the problems identified with the use of the online tools in the Redeemer's University library study would not be different from the challenges facing other libraries. The results of this study have proved this to be true.

Practical implications

The conclusion rests on the need for an intensive continuing education programme to teach the skills required for online operations and the provision of web‐driven facilities in Nigerian libraries.

Originality/value

The paper provides information on libraries' awareness on the use of online methods for processing library resources, their efficiency and attitude of librarians to such tools. The paper shows that libraries in developing countries like Nigeria should intensify efforts to close the gap between them and those in the developed countries in terms of ICT literacy.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1924

THE Society of Bookmen have been interesting themselves in a practical manner in connection with the question of the reprinting of important non‐copyright books which do not…

Abstract

THE Society of Bookmen have been interesting themselves in a practical manner in connection with the question of the reprinting of important non‐copyright books which do not appear on publishers' lists. The subject is one of interest to librarians, most of whom have experienced great difficulty since the war in replacing worn‐out copies of a number of important books. Doubtless as time goes on the ravages of war in this matter will be remedied, but at the moment the attitude of the Society of Bookmen deserves commendation. There is little likelihood that the Society will be faced by any serious financial obligations in the matter, as publishers are only too glad to meet a generally‐expressed demand for reprints of non‐copyright books. As a matter of fact, the ground is being slowly gone over, and every publishing season sees a succession of reprints of such works. One of the best we have seen is from the very literary house of Gowans and Gray, of Glasgow, who have done credit to themselves, to Scott, and to Scotland by issuing a long‐overdue reprint of the delightful “Tales of a Grandfather.” Saintsbury calls this “the soundest thing” that has yet been written on Scottish history, and we in turn would commend it both to our readers and to the Society of Bookmen as an example of how a library edition should be produced. From the point of view of library readers we might express the wish that there were more historical works produced in the same useful form and excitingly readable style.

Details

New Library World, vol. 26 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2011

John Walsh

This paper attempts to explain the wide dissemination of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) within digital libraries and presents some of the advantages and disadvantages…

4667

Abstract

Purpose

This paper attempts to explain the wide dissemination of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) within digital libraries and presents some of the advantages and disadvantages of using this controlled vocabulary in digital collections. The paper also presents other classifications used in digital collections for subject access and explores ways of improving search functionality in digital collections that employ LCSH.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike traditional libraries that use Library of Congress Classification for organization and retrieval, digital libraries use metadata forms for organization and retrieval. The collections exist in cyberspace of the internet which is known for containing the universe of knowledge. The use of LCSH for information retrieval has been widely criticized for its difficulty of use and its information retrieval effectiveness in online environments. The Library of Congress (LOC) has claimed the headings were not based on comprehensive principles nor ever intended to cover the universe of knowledge. Despite these claims and criticisms, LCSH is the most popular choice for subject access in digital libraries.

Findings

The number of digital collections increases every year and LCSH is still the most popular choice of controlled vocabulary for subject access. Of the numerous criticisms, difficulties of use and user unfamiliarity are the greatest disadvantages of using LCSH for subject access. Average users only have a vague notion of what they are looking for when initializing a search. More work is required in automated generation of subject headings and increased usage of LCSH in faceted search retrieval systems. This will provide users with better access to the LCSH used in the back end of information retrieval.

Originality/value

The Greek researchers who developed the Dissertation DSPace system believe this type of module will eventually replace the traditional keyword‐based indexing back ends employed by many information retrieval modules within current digital library systems. The system offers the type of access and interactivity that will acquaint users with how LCSH looks and is used. Faceted search and automated pattern matching using an ontology based on LCSH have the best promise of overcoming the disadvantages that have always plagued the LOC‐controlled vocabulary. These retrieval techniques give LCSH an opportunity to finally achieve the optimal precision and recall it has so far failed to deliver.

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2019

Tolga Çakmak

This study aims to analyse current practices and cooperation between the Turkish university libraries related to cataloguing processes and present cataloguing librarians’…

1306

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse current practices and cooperation between the Turkish university libraries related to cataloguing processes and present cataloguing librarians’ evaluations about clarity and comprehensiveness of the given information in library catalogues.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with the literature review, a Web-based questionnaire was developed concerning the cataloguing practices implemented at university libraries in Turkey. The questionnaire was submitted to 316 cataloguing librarians. In all, 104 cataloguing librarians from 61 different libraries responded to the survey. The collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics. The responses given to some open-ended questions were assessed with respective expressions presented verbatim in the study and some of them visualised via VOSViewer software.

Findings

The findings reflect that analysed university libraries implement different cataloguing processes. It is seen that some libraries use the necessary systems and services related to cataloguing and classification while others use individual solutions without using such systems and services. Findings reveal that there is cooperation between the analysed libraries about sharing catalogue records. In this regard, it is understood that cataloguing librarians mostly prefer transferring catalogue records from the catalogues of university libraries they trusted. Findings also indicate that analysed librarians think that the descriptive information provided via Online Public Access Catalogues are in moderate level in terms of clarity and comprehensibility.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature of a limited number of relevant studies by establishing the baseline pertaining to cataloguing processes undertaken at university libraries in Turkey.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1967

JOAN FRIEDMAN and ALAN JEFFREYS

A survey was made by questionnaire of cataloguing and classification in fifty‐one university libraries. The returned questionnaires revealed many, differences in the classification

Abstract

A survey was made by questionnaire of cataloguing and classification in fifty‐one university libraries. The returned questionnaires revealed many, differences in the classification systems, cataloguing codes, and filing rules used, as well as in the kind and amount of detail in a catalogue entry. There were wide variations in the estimates by libraries of the annual output of a hypothetical ‘average’ cataloguer. There was little uniformity in the statistical data collected by libraries of the work of their cataloguing departments. Little use was made of existing centralized cataloguing services and reasons for this are suggested. More study of user's catalogue needs is necessary. The problems of standardization must be resolved if mechanized techniques are to be fully exploited.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Abstract

Details

Advances in Librarianship
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-881-0

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