Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians

by Ruth C Carter, Mary L Kao

Structure your workload with this comprehensive guide to the role and responsibilities of library technicians!More than basic instructions on how to do library classification, this classic work is a how-to handbook covering all aspects of a library technician's job. Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians, Second Edition, gives step-by-step instructions for all aspects of cataloging and classification of library materials (book and non-book), emphasizing copy cataloging but also discussing original cataloging. Because much has changed in the library field since the first edition of this valuable resource was published in 1995, each chapter has been revised and updated, and an entire new chapter has been added to discuss computer cataloging in the MARC format and cataloging of Internet materials. Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians, Second Edition, interprets and explains cataloging rules and how they should be applied. Kao describes library organization and personnel patterns to illustrate the relationship between library technicians and other library staff. Library technicians will find many helpful features in Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians, Second Edition, Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians, Second Edition, is an ideal text to use in programs for library technical assistants and a handy reference for practicing library technicians.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published July 24, 1995

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Mary L. Kao's Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians to learn more about cataloging. Although a good basis for library terms, I found the writing to be dry, boring, and a tad overwritten and repetitive. The book has some history of cataloging and talks about the basics of what every book needs to be cataloged, but I wish it had more about MARC records and LCC numbers. Even though this book came out in 2001, I was surprised it didn't focus more on computer-based cataloging as opposed to card cataloging and the like. Cataloging and Classification for Library Technicians by Mary L. Kao is a good start for a librarian learning cataloging, but perhaps something more current would be more useful.

[Nicolas · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was helpful information sprinkled throughout, and it actually wasn't as dry as I was expecting. I think my main problem with this first edition was how quickly it went out of date. Throughout the book the author specifies which edition of several cataloging resources was the most recent. Since most of these supplemental titles are either yearly or every five years, this book was out of date months after it was published. A good editor should have caught that. Anyway, not a very comprehensive manual but enough relevant information to have its usefulness.

[Gena Lott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read an older version as a brush-up for my job. Had read the book originally years ago when taking my first cataloging classes. About half of the book is obsolete now because of the automation in libraries. But the other half of the information is still pertinent and a great refresher.