How can you navigate library cataloging and metadata standards?

1 What are cataloging and metadata standards?

Cataloging and metadata standards are sets of principles and practices that help you create, maintain, and exchange information about your library's resources. Cataloging standards define how you assign bibliographic data, such as author, title, subject, and call number, to your resources. Metadata standards define how you structure and format your data, such as using XML, MARC, or Dublin Core. Both types of standards aim to make your data consistent, accurate, and interoperable.

2 Why are cataloging and metadata standards important?

Cataloging and metadata standards are important for several reasons. First, they help you manage your library's collection and provide access and discovery services to your users. By following standards, you can ensure that your resources are classified, indexed, and displayed correctly. Second, they help you collaborate and communicate with other libraries and information providers. By following standards, you can share your data and integrate your systems with other platforms and networks. Third, they help you adapt and innovate in the changing information environment. By following standards, you can update and enhance your data and services to meet new user needs and expectations.

3 How can you choose cataloging and metadata standards?

When selecting cataloging and metadata standards, there are several factors to consider, such as the type, size, scope, audience, and goals of your library. Additionally, you need to think about the characteristics, formats, and sources of your resources, as well as the compatibility and availability of your systems and tools. Some of the most popular cataloging and metadata standards used in library services are RDA (Resource Description and Access), MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging), Dublin Core, MODS (Metadata Object Description Schema), and METS (Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard). RDA provides instructions for describing resources in any format or medium while MARC specifies how to encode bibliographic data in a binary format. Dublin Core defines 15 elements for describing resources in a human- and machine-readable way. MODS creates a schema for expressing bibliographic data in XML based on MARC. Finally, METS defines a schema for encoding descriptive, administrative, and structural metadata in XML for digital objects and collections.

4 How can you learn cataloging and metadata standards?

Learning cataloging and metadata standards requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. To understand the basics of cataloging and metadata, you can turn to books, articles, courses, webinars, and workshops. For example, The Library of Congress Cataloger's Learning Workshop provides online materials on topics like RDA, MARC, and BIBFRAME. Cataloging and Metadata Education: A Clearinghouse of Information is a website full of syllabi, tutorials, and guides. Additionally, the podcast Cataloging Matters covers various aspects of cataloging and metadata such as standards, best practices, and trends. However, to gain practical skills you must use cataloging and metadata tools like OCLC Connexion which allows you to create bibliographic records in MARC format with RDA or other cataloging rules. Cataloger's Desktop provides access to cataloging and metadata documentation like RDA Toolkit or Library of Congress Subject Headings. OpenRefine is another tool that helps clean data by converting CSV to XML or reconciling data with external sources while adding metadata elements.

5 How can you keep up with cataloging and metadata standards?

Staying current and relevant in library services requires keeping up with cataloging and metadata standards. To do this, you can follow professional associations and organizations, like the American Library Association (ALA), the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS), and the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC). Additionally, you can read blogs and newsletters, such as Catalogablog, Metadata Matters, and Technical Services Quarterly. Journals and publications, such as Cataloging and Classification Quarterly, Journal of Library Metadata, and Information Standards Quarterly are also helpful in staying current.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?