LIBR 248-10
Beginning Cataloging and Classification
Summer 2008 Greensheet
Dr. Robert Ellett
E-mail
Office Location: Norfolk, VA
Office Hours: Office hours and telephone conferences arranged by e-mail
| Greensheet Links Textbooks and Readings Course Requirements Deliverable Products |
Resources Blackboard Blackboard Tutorials SLIS eBookstore |
Students must self-enroll for this course on Blackboard between May 26-31. You will be required to use a password access code which the instructor will provide using the MySJSU Messaging system.
Course Description
Theory and practice of bibliographic control techniques including the study of representation of cataloging using AACR2 (latest edition) and Library of Congress Rule Interpretations in machine-based representation using the MARC21 format and other metadata standards, and subject analysis and classification including Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), and Library of Congress Classification (LCC) with the principle focus on monographic and selected serial and non-print literature.
Course Prerequisites: Libr 202
Course Objectives
The course is designed to offer you the opportunity to:
- identify and compare theories and systems dealing with the organization and description of materials in multiple formats for access and retrieval;
- appropriately use subject (classification and verbal access) cataloging tools to demonstrate competency in the bibliographic description of print and non-print including electronic materials;
- explain trends and research in the field of cataloging and explain their impacts on the organization and retrieval of information; and,
- develop a philosophy of bibliographic control and technical services.
Specifically at the end of the course, the student should:
- be conversant with the principles and standards for descriptive cataloging, access points, authority control, and subject cataloging and understand the broader theoretical context in which these principles function.
- be able to create original, machine-readable cataloging and authority records for a variety of materials in a professional context.
LIBR 248 supports the following SLIS Core Competencies:
- understand the system of standards and methods used to control and create information structures and apply basic principles involved in the organization and representation of knowledge.
In addition, this section supports the following SLIS Core Competencies:
- articulate the ethics, values and foundational principles of library and information professionals and their role in the promotion of intellectual freedom;
- contribute to the cultural, economic, educational and social well-being of our communities.
Textbooks and Readings
Required Text and Readings
- Chan. L.M. (2007). Cataloging and Classification: An Introduction.
Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press. Students may postpone purchase until during/after onsite meeting. Available from Titan Shops, publisher, and online book resellers:
http://www.scarecrowpress.com
ISBN-978-0-8108-6000-1 - Furrie, B. (2003). Understanding MARC Bibliographic: Machine-Readable Cataloging. Data Base Development Department of the Follett Software Company. http://www.loc.gov/marc/umb/
Note: Instructor will provide hard copies of this text for $1 a copy during onsite meeting. - MARC 21 Concise Format for Bibliographic Data (2001). Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, Network Development and MARC Standards Office.
http://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/ecbdhome.html
Note: This text is for online reference only.
Additional Resources
Additional resources such as class notes and online cataloging tools accompanying topic specific lectures are located under Course Documents in Blackboard and will be posted during the course.
Note: Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (2nd ed., rev.) (AACR2R) is no longer required for purchase in print. SJSU SLIS now has a subscription to the electronic Catalogers’ Desktop which includes AACR2R.
Go to SLIS eBookstore.
Course Requirements
Synchronous Meeting
The required on-campus meeting for this course will be held at CSUF’s Pollak Library 068 on Saturday-Sunday, May 31-June 1 from 9am to 5pm each day.
Virtual Classes
Optional synchronous virtual classes will be scheduled during the course using the Elluminate software. These classes will be recorded for later viewing. Instruction on software use will be provided. Class times will be discussed during the onsite meeting.
Deliverable Products
Students will be evaluated in the performance of the following tasks:
| Product | Percentage of Final Grade |
| Assignment 1 (Descriptive Cataloging: Books) | 15% |
| Assignment 2 (Authority Control/ Choice of Entry/ Form of Entry) | 15% |
| Assignment 3 (Library of Congress Subject Headings) | 10% |
| Assignment 4 (Dewey Decimal Classification) | 10% |
| Assignment 5 (Library of Congress Classification) | 10% |
| Course Project | 30% |
| Class Participation | 10% |
In addition, several ungraded exercises will be distributed to practice and enhance skills. These exercises are included within class participation. Other class participation activities will occur in the discussion forum. The course project is designed as a culminating activity to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of descriptive and subject cataloging covered within the course.
Grading Scale
The standard SJSU SLIS Grading Scale is utilized for all SLIS courses:
| 97-100 | A |
| 94-96 | A- |
| 91-93 | B+ |
| 88-90 | B |
| 85-87 | B- |
| 82-84 | C+ |
| 79-81 | C |
| 76-78 | C- |
| 73-75 | D+ |
| 70-72 | D |
| 67-69 | D- |
| Below 67 | F |
In order to provide consistent guidelines for assessment for graduate level work in the School, these terms are applied to letter grades:
- C represents Adequate work; a grade of "C" counts for credit for the course;
- B represents Good work; a grade of "B" clearly meets the standards for graduate level work;
- A represents Exceptional work; a grade of "A" will be assigned for outstanding work only.
Students are advised that it is their responsibility to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0.
Greensheet (Syllabus)
This syllabus may be altered to meet education objectives based on needs of the learning environment.
Attendance and Participation
To receive the most benefit from this course, you must read the text and online resource materials, complete the assignments, and participate in class activities. Regular participation has a positive effect on the course grade earned.
Late Assignments and Incompletes
Late assignments will not be accepted. If you have an illness (medical certificate supplied) or a family tragedy, please contact the instructor. Incomplete grades will not be granted except in extraordinary circumstances. Supporting documentation will be required in cases of medical or health emergencies.
Academic Integrity
Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San José State University, and the University's Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The policy on academic integrity can be found at http://sa.sjsu.edu/student_conduct.
Reasonable Accommodation of Disabilities
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability,
please e-mail me as soon as possible. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires
that students with disabilities register with the Disability Resource Center
(DRC) to establish record of their disability.
No matter where students reside, they should contact the SJSU DRC to register. The DRC Web site: http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/
One Washington Square - San José, California USA, 95192-0029
Phone: 408-924-2490
Contact the webmaster
