I think it depends on the volume of your ordering and the level of
demand for "immediate" use. If a WorldCat/Connexion record is poor or
non-existent, we do "quick-and-dirty" cataloging with the best record
that can be found -- just enough to be able to identify it and charge it
out. When there is a lull in the demand, you can get it back and do a
more thorough job.
You might consider getting your videos from Midwest Tape or Action!
Library Media Service. We do not use either one at this time, but it is
my understanding that both companies supply catalog records.
Don't call yourself "worthless," but since you are Media Collection
Development, it would serve you well to know the basics in terms of
cataloging policies & practices. Your retiree's replacement will likely
need someone to consult.
And you're right: I wanted to be a cataloger when I was in library
school back in the 1970s. The instruction back then was terrible, and
perhaps it is even worse now. This is unfortunate: cataloging is a
really important job but not a very sexy one. It's a wonder that any
new graduates want to do it.
On 4/17/2012 10:48 AM, Mary Hanlin wrote:
Hi Videolibbers,
I have a brooding sense that I really am about to ask a pretty dumb
question, but this is generally a fairly forgiving listserv. So here
it is: our cataloger (i.e. mainly, our media cataloger) has just
retired. It's never an expeditious process here to get a position
filled (I'm thinking 6 months). In the meantime, we're continuing to
receive media. In terms of cataloging knowledge, the rest of the
librarians (including myself) are worthless, and though we have a
paraprofessional she does only copy cataloging and no media. So, do I
have any other options besides waiting? I know a lot of places
(Midwest for example) provide MaRC records, but in truth I'm hoping
there might exist something more "robust". If not, is it worth the
effort for someone here to learn media cataloging if in all likelihood
they'll be replacement for my retired colleague... eventually.
PS --I think they do a consistently weak job of teaching cataloging
(in library school), but I also blame myself for not taking it
seriously enough.
Mary Hanlin
Media Collection Development Librarian
Tidewater Community College
120 Campus Drive
Portsmouth, VA 23701
P: 757.822.2133
F: 757.822.2149
mhan...@tcc.edu
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VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues
relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control,
preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and
related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective
working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication
between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and
distributors.
--
Helen P. Mack, Acquisitions Librarian
Lehigh University, Linderman Library
30 Library Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015-3013 USA
Phone 610 758-3035 * Fax 610 758-5605
E-mail h...@lehigh.edu
VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues
relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control,
preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and
related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective
working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication
between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and
distributors.
