Course Links

This may be changed as the semester progresses.

Description (from SLIS handbook) :

Library 248 covers the theory and practice of bibliographic control, including the study of representative cataloging using AACR2, machine based representation using the MARC formats and other standards, and subject analysis and classification using LCSH, Dewey, and LCC with the principle focus on monographic and serial literature.

Prerequisite: LIBR 202

Objectives:

Goal A: Students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills needed by the librarian to understand the principles of organizing library materials.

Goal B: Have a basic understanding of the current cataloging and classification tools : AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules), MARC Format, LCSH (Library of Congress Subject Headings), LCC (Library of Congress Classification), and Dewey Classification.

Goal C: Student gains experience in the basic workings of automated catalogs and how the process of cataloging and classification impacts them, specifically in regard to indexing, syndetic structure, and authority control.

Goal D: Have a basic understanding of cataloging theories, issues, technologies, and provide subject access to library materials. and how it fits into the profession of librarianship as a whole.

Goal E: Gain knowledge in the resources required to catalog and classify library materials.

The Course Supports the Following SLIS Objectives:

Teach the students the organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination and utilization of information resources. http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/slis/mission.htm

Orientation:

This course will introduce students to the issues of cataloging and how these issues affect access. Standards and tools used by the professional cataloger will be used to address these issues. Face-to-face class sessions will be a combination of lecture and in exercises. Students are encouraged to ask the instructor for clarification on any concepts that are not clear. Ask questions on Blackboard so that other students may learn from the questions and answers. Blackboard discussions are a required part of the class since they are the replacement for face-to-face meetings. We will be covering a lot of information that will be new to most of you and it can take some time to get used to the vocabulary and mind set of cataloging. There is no way we can cover all information and skills that you need to be master cataloger. This course will acquaint you with the vocabulary and tools for continuing to understand how library materials are organized, stored and retrieved.

Evaluation:

Grades will be based on the following:

In class assignments:	10%
Homework assignments	70%
Blackboard discussions	10%
Final essay	10%

Late assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor.

Required texts:

Taylor, Arlene G. Wymar’s Introduction to Cataloging and Classification. 9th ed. Englewood, CO : Libraries Unlimited Inc., 2000. Cloth | 1563084945 | $65.00 Paperback | 1563088576 | $50.00 Amazon.com has a special deal if you buy this book along with the AACR2.

Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules 2nd ed., 2003 revision. Prepared under the direction of Joint Steering Committee for the Revision of AACR by CLA, CILIP, ALA. Chicago: American Library Association, 2003. Loose-leaf pages with standard three-ring binder. ISBN: 0-8389-3536-2 Price: $89.00 ALA Member Price: $80.00. Order directly from ALA.

If you purchase an older edition or have an older edition then you need: the 2003 update only ISBN: 0-8389-3538-9. Order directly from ALA.

Understanding MARC Bibliographic : Machine-Readable Cataloging. Betty Furrie in conjunction with the Data Base Development Department of The Follett Software Company. 2000. Read this on line at: http://lcweb.loc.gov/marc/umb/