Page 63 - DLIS405_INFORMATION_STORAGE_AND_RETRIEVAL

Information Storage and Retrieval Seema Sharma, Lovely Professional University

Notes
Unit 6: Cataloguing

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction

6.1 Cataloguing
6.2 History

6.3 Summary

6.4 Keywords
6.5 Review Questions

6.6 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
• Explain cataloguing
• Explain brief history of cataloguing.

Introduction

The process of creating entire for a catalogue. In libraries, this usually includes bibliographic
description, subject analysis, assignment of classification notation, and activities involved in physically
preparing the item for the shelf, tasks usually performed under the supervision of a librarian trained
as a cataloguer. A library catalogue consisting of a collection of bibliographic records in machine-
readable format, maintained on a dedicated computer that provides uninterrupted interactive access
via terminals or workstations in direct, continuous communication with the central computer. Although
the software used in online catalogues is proprietary and not standardized, most online catalogues
are searchable by author, title, subject heading, and keywords and most public and academic libraries
in the United States provide free public access, usually through a Web-based graphical user interface.
Library catalogues have a very extensive history, and can be traced back to the libraries of Antiquity.
In the 7th century B.C., important libraries in Mesopotamia had author and title catalogues that were
posted on walls for user convenience. Callimachus, scholar and chief librarian of the Alexandrian
Library in the 3rd century B.C. compiled a huge catalogue of the works contained there, called the
Pinakes. This work later became the foundation for the analytical analysis of Greek Literature.
Catalogues have changed dramatically over the centuries, having appeared in many forms, from
clay tablets, papyrus scrolls, printed books and cards, microform, to the online versions that are
prevalent today.

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