Cataloging Correctly for Kids: An Introduction to the Tools

by Sheila S. Intner (Editor)

Library catalogs are doorways to accessing the information treasures available within. To provide excellent service for all who wish to enter, especially children, this classic cataloging reference has provided the key for almost two decades. Since 1998, when the third edition of "Cataloging Correctly for Kids" was published, library cataloging has experienced explosive changes in practices, technological tools, scope of services, and available materials. The new fourth edition, again published in conjunction with the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS), addresses those changes and continues to make catalog data accessible to children while following consistent and universal standards. Starting with updated "Guidelines for Standardized Cataloging of Children's Materials," this definitive edition calls on the foremost experts in cataloging explain the unique ways children search so catalog information is accessible to them; identify ways to incorporate AACR-2 and MARC standards; show how to use standard heading forms including LC's children's headings; and illuminate the challenges of cataloging nonprint materials and automating the process.

Children's service librarians, school media specialists, and all public, school, and academic librarians responsible for children's cataloging will find a comprehensive, authoritative one-stop guide to better serving the youngest library users at the catalog.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Education

136 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having reviewed the newer edition, I thought I should go back a bit and talk about why this publication was much better, with the caveat that some of the information is rather dated, now. The strength of the book comes at the beginning, with chapters on standardized cataloging,how children search, MARC and AACR2, copy cataloging, and authority control. These are laid out so that a beginning can understand, but with important information that even pros will find useful that is specific to school libraries and children’s materials. The first chapter, by one of the editors, on “Guidelines for Standardized Cataloging for Children” could be handed out to new catalogers as orientation materials. AACR2 may be theoretically “sunsetted” today, but in fact is still the foundation of MARC records, and so a brief but solid intro to it is probably more helpful than a whole book on RDA.

Speaking of RDA, the chapter on “Catalgoing Correctly (Someday) Using RDA” really calls to attention how much RDA implementation has failed to live up to its promise, apparently largely because ILS’s have failed to advance in the decade or more since. We are still largely stuck with all the problems it was supposed to fix, with no clear end in sight. The only solution I’ve seen is a transition away from MARC to something called BIBFRAME, and I’m not sure how, when, or even if, such a thing can happen.

Probably the weakest chapter here is the one on “Automating the Children’s Catalog,” which already seems out of date if you put it in the context of 2011, and which really wouldn’t have given a holdout enough information at the time. Also, the glossary at the end is just acronyms, and nowhere near as informative as that in the newer edition.

Still, apart from these problems, this is still the better version for a beginning cataloger of children’s material.

[Cynthia Parkhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a course in cataloging as part of my pursuit of a library degree, and, while it offered a good foundation for my eventual work in a library, I felt that there was more to learn -- particularly in the realm of working with records in an online catalog. Add in, too, my wish to learn those practices that are especially helpful to children, and it was clear to me that reading this book was essential to my professional development. I consider it an essential addition to my professional shelf.

[Rusty del Norte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some decent library information in it. Found it informative on Sears subject headings and its differences with LCSH (not as technical) and why its used more for children's materials. Some it, for 2021, is dated as AACR2 is not as relevant as it once was. Good selection of links at the end.

[Amy Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I wish I could have gotten hold of a newer edition, the fourth edition of Cataloging Correctly for Kids still packed a punch!  Filled with information about AARC2 and the Annotated Card program, this book is essential if you're going to be a teen or children services librarian.  How will you make your items more accessible and findable?  What subject headings will you use?  What interface will you use?  All of these are questions that the authors ask, and each author provides insight as to how they best catalog for children.  

They mention perhaps the most essential point in any library text--know your community!  It is important, at times, to use subject headings in two or more languages, or to use colloquialisms, or to add "See" references.  Children are a part of your community, and it is important to cater the books they'd like to read to them, instead of to only the adults.  

Review cross-listed here!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cataloging Correctly for Kids is a compilation of essays (works?) that discuss how to take the tools already in place for larger libraries, such as the Library of Congress and public university libraries, and apply them to children's literature. It is invaluable knowledge for the children's librarian, although some of the knowledge is invariably muddled in the details.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little too basic for what I wanted. Its probably being used for a basic library school cataloging text, and I really felt like I was back in Organization of Information! That being said, it did help me clarify some issues that we're having with categorization.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite readable and engaging, and this is not an easy topic to make engaging!

[Andria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, especially for a book about cataloging.