LIS 5403 – Cataloging and Classification, Dr. Buffy Edwards, Spring 2019

Course Goals:

• Understand principles and practices of cataloging and classification of library materials according to current national standards
• Understand original cataloging of print and nonprint materials, subject analysis, and classification

Learning and Skill Objectives:

• Become acquainted with technical literature and reference aids of bibliographic organization
• Become acquainted with historical factors which have influenced bibliographic organization in the Western world
• Gain in-depth knowledge of the principles and purposes of description and access
• Gain an understanding of authority control and authority files
• Develop a proficiency in bibliographic search and verification
• Develop proficiency in applying current cataloging standards
• Gain an understanding of the application of Library of Congress subject headings
• Gain an understanding of the Library of Congress classification scheme
• Gain an understanding of the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme
• Develop an understanding of technology and interlibrary bibliographic cooperation and networks
• Develop the ability to recognize underlying problems requiring intelligent analysis and knowledge of available rules, codes, systems, and procedures to produce effective solutions
• Gain a recognition of the centrality of change in the cataloging process

LIS 5403 presented instruction and exercises that I can apply to cataloging and classification in the future.  The course raised my awareness of tools to assist in cataloging and provided skills to apply when completing original cataloging.  LIS 5403 reiterated the importance of considering users and adapting records to fit their wants and needs.  Lastly, it raised my awareness of where to find important information about materials.

LIS 5403 presented many practical, applicable assignments that progressively expanded my abilities and confidence in understanding cataloging and classification principles.  Skills started with inspecting records and ending with creating original records.  While I believe I will still rely on helpful resources and would appreciate the use of tools (i.e. RDA Toolkit and BestMARC) when cataloging , I now believe I can update records to best serve my users.  An example of these practical assignments is Application Exercise #4: Creating Bibliographic Records.  This assignment challenged me to create records in Connexion and BestMARC.  I had to decide which information would best support the library’s users, required core elements, and the correct MARC field tags. (Goal 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2).

Application Exercise #4: Creating Bibliographic Records

LIS 5403 allowed for an in-depth examination of a cataloging mentor’s duties and processes.  This was highly beneficial because I was able to see how practices like subject headings, Resource Description and Access, cataloging tools, and more were applied within a library’s cataloging department (Goal 3.3).  The interviewed expert reiterated the importance of knowing users’ needs and wants and to be willing to adapt records to these needs (Goal 1.1, 1.2).

Final Reflection Paper