The Organization of Information

In other words, the organization of information is to organize information sources in libraries using various cataloging skills and tools. It is an important part of technical services in library. Librarians, especially cataloging librarians should have a good knowledge of all types of cataloging tools inclduing LCC, MARC, LCSH, DCC, AACR2, etc. Professional catalogers are able to perform original cataloging in a prompt manner.

Some core skills in this area are:

A good understanding of principles and techniques for the organization and representation of information.

A good understanding of principles and techniques of classification and classification schemes, subject representation with controlled vocabularies, and contemporary bibliographic description.

An ability to communicate the concepts of information organization clearly and effectively to users, colleagues, paraprofessionals and other stakeholders in information communities.

Some good references:

Anglo-American Cataloging Rules. Chicago: ALA, 1988.PBK. ISBN 0-8389-3360-2

Bibliographic Formats and Standards. OCLC Online Computer Library, 1993.

Chan, Lois Mai, et al. Dewey Decimal Classification: A Practical Guide. Albany, NY: Forest Press, 1994. PBK. ISBN 0-910608-49-0

A Condensed Guide to MARC Format. Brodart Automation, 500 Arch St., Williamsport, PA 17705 (800 233-8467)

Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index. Albany, NY: Forest Press, 1996. 21th ed. ISBN 0-910608-50-4 (4 v. set)

Free-floating Subdivisions: an alphabetical index. Washington, DC. Library of Congress, 1997. 9th ed. ISSN 1052-1445

Library of Congress Subject Headings. Washington, DC. Library of Congress, 1997. 20th ed. ISSN 1048-9711 (4 v. set).

LC Period Subdivisions Under Names of Places. Washington, DC: Library of Congress, 1994.

Understanding MARC Bibliographic. Library of Congress, CDS, Customer Service/Dept EA, Washington, DC 20541-5017 (800 255-3666)

Wynar, Bohdan S. Introduction to Cataloging and Classification. Littleton, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1985. PBK. ISBN 0-87287-485-0

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