Subject cataloging process of Slovenian and American catalogers

Abstract

Purpose -An empirical study has shown that the real process of subject cataloging does not correspond entirely to theoretical descriptions in textbooks and international standards. The purpose of this is paper is to address the issue of whether it is possible for catalogers who have not received formal training to perform subject cataloging in a different way to their trained colleagues. Design/methodology/approach -A qualitative study was conducted in 2001 among five Slovenian public library catalogers. The resulting model is compared to previous findings. Findings -First, all catalogers attempted to determine what the book was about. While the American catalogers tried to understand the topic and the author's intent, the Slovenian catalogers appeared to focus on the topic only. Slovenian and American academic library catalogers did not demonstrate any anticipation of possible uses that users might have of the book, while this was important for American public library catalogers. All catalogers used existing records to build new ones and/or to search for subject headings. The verification of subject representation with the indexing language was the last step in the subject cataloging process of American catalogers, often skipped by Slovenian catalogers.Research limitations/implications -The small and convenient sample limits the findings. Practical implications -Comparison of subject cataloging processes of Slovenian and American catalogers, two different groups, is important because they both contribute to OCLC's WorldCat database. If the cataloging community is building a universal catalog and approaches to subject description are different, then the resulting subject representations might also be different. Originality/value -This is one of the very few empirical studies of subject cataloging and indexing. IntroductionThe main purpose of cataloging is to help people find information about library materials through library catalogs. Subject cataloging, a part of the cataloging process, focuses on providing information on the topic of the document. Subject representation is a critical element in providing access to materials. The improper assigning of subject headings can lead to unsuccessful retrieval, user dissatisfaction, and information needs left unmet.

Exploring the role of repertoire in library cataloging

“…For catalogers, it is possible that continual usage of these standards, as well as exposure to data conforming to these standards, has led them to internalize the most relevant portions of these documents. Previous work has shown catalogers' tendencies to work from memorized portions of standards (Sauperl, 2005). Further study of how catalogers internalize and interact with memorized standard knowledge, as well of the accuracy of this knowledge, would contribute to a better understanding of repertoire, memorization, and the enactment of standards in library settings.…”

Viewpoints in indexing term assignment

“…In particular, the premise that user viewpoints explain and influence term selection makes sense to the degree that the indexer thinks it's correct to consider these. But indexers differ in the degree to which they approach their task in this way (Sauperl, ). Therefore, we condition the hypothesized influence of user viewpoint on the degree to which that indexer believes that user views should be taken into account:Proposition (P2): To the degree that an indexer adopts a user‐oriented approach to indexing, the indexing terms selected will reflect the expected users' political views, as the indexer perceives them.…”

“…In particular, the premise that user viewpoints explain and influence term selection makes sense to the degree that the indexer thinks it's correct to consider these. But indexers differ in the degree to which they approach their task in this way (Sauperl, 2005). Therefore, we condition the hypothesized influence of user viewpoint on the degree to which that indexer believes that user views should be taken into account:…”

Cataloging and Classification

“…Sauperl compared the practice of assigning subject headings by the Slovenian Public Library catalogers to the ones assigned by the American catalogers. 81 She addressed the issue of whether catalogers who have not received formal training perform subject cataloging differently from their trained colleagues.…”