Beginning Cataloging

by Jean Weihs, Sheila S. Intner

Now thoroughly updated to include recent changes with RDA, this easy-to-use primer provides an introduction to standardized cataloging that will benefit library technicians as well as students in library technician and teacher librarian programs.

This easy-to-use primer provides a complete introduction to current standard cataloging practice. The simple language, helpful examples, and clear descriptions of processes and techniques make it a valuable tool for any beginning cataloger or worker in a technical services department. Updated with key information about RDA principles and practices and following the same pragmatic approach as the first edition, the book empowers students with an understanding of the core principles and language of cataloging. Readers will learn how to apply standard descriptive cataloging rules to assign subject headings and classification numbers and to create electronic records.

The book first examines the cataloging-in-publication data found on the verso of most books. Then, chapter by chapter, it explains how this data can be developed into a full bibliographic record that can be used in an online public catalog, covering all types of material formats (books, audiovisuals, images, sound, electronic resources and more). This guide will also serve as a workbook in formal education programs or distance education programs and be useful to library technicians and those working in areas where formal training is inaccessible.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, Library Science, School

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Melanie Page]

DNF. Apparently, my basics of cataloging professor felt we only needed to read a little more than half of this $48 book....

[Dusty Folds · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a nice introduction to library cataloging; however, the activities within the book can be problematic. Primarily, the answers to the questions are not always correct. Given the cost ($60 for 160 pages!) along with the publisher, I would expect better proofreading and editing. Overall, though, it is good for the beginning cataloger (or someone wanting to brush up on their cataloging skills quickly).

[Gregoroveich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had access to this for my cataloging class and it gave me what I needed to understand the basics very well. The descriptive cataloging section was a tiny bit convoluted but everything else was laid out well. Can't say anything to it's accuracy as I don't have enough experience.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basics of cataloging

[Lizzie Hjelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent review text if you’re looking to brush up on your cataloging knowledge.

[Emma Denton]

Had to read for class!

[Hallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best textbook of the semester !!!

[Library Kat]

As far as textbooks go I normally enjoy most of my LIS textbook's.
in this one I found things difficult to find in some major portions of techniques of cataloging I found to be lacking or missing altogether ! If anyone can suggest another book for beginning cataloging as a reference please let me know

[Cynthia Parkhill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first edition of Weihs' book while enrolled in an Associate program for Library and Information Science. Now for Spring 2024, I'm enrolled in a graduate-level course in Cataloging and the second edition of Weihs' book is one of the assigned texts.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is confusing and out of date for the way cataloging is done in most libraries in the modern age. The book is poorly organized. Descriptions and examples are not on the same page for easy comparison, and sometimes they are several pages apart.

[Photina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for school. It helped a bit but my teacher did a better job explaining the concepts in the book.

[foodagtivista]

ugh.