Essay

There are several issues we feel strongly about when it comes to cataloging items within our library’s collection. Among the issues related to cataloging that we feel most strongly about are creating records that make items easy to find, not only for users but for librarians and staff within our library as well. When a patron conducts a search in the library catalog we want them to be able to find what they are looking for when they conduct a search using keywords, title, author, etc. As stated in our cataloging policy, we catalog all of our items regardless of if they are circulating or non-circulating. It is important for patrons to be able to find the information and items that they are searching for. And in order for our librarians to assist users, they need to have a catalog of accessible records at their disposal.

Consistency in the cataloging process is another important issue. In order to have accurate records and consistency there are certain guidelines that catalogers in the JKL library follow to ensure that the records they create for items within the collection are clear and concise. Records created in the catalog follow up to date guidelines set forth by RDA and MARC. It is important that certain fields within RDA and MARC be used in each record as a foundation for consistency, and that other fields be added as need be depending on the item that is being cataloged.

 

The issue of knowing what fields to use when cataloging an item is also of great importance. This is one of the reasons why there are guidelines for the basic fields that are used for nearly any item, including fields 040, 100, 245, and 264 within MARC to name a few. The same applies for the fields used most often in RDA. Of course, there are always going to be instances where you have metadata that you are not what field to catalog it in. These can be tricky when it comes to cataloging items other than books, for instance, the board games and extension packs that are presented here.  By consulting tools available to catalogers, including the RDA Toolkit and information regarding MARC made available by the Library of Congress, our librarian’s can have a better idea of how to accurately catalog non-conventional library items such as games, toys and the like.

The process of cataloging can seem overwhelming at first, but with good training, practice, and a well thought out cataloging policy, the cataloging of items for a library collection can be done in a way that benefits users and librarians alike!