INTRODUCTION TO CATALOGING AND CLASSIFICATION

Cataloging and classification are essential for the efficient operation of libraries and play a
crucial role in providing users with access to the information they seek. Cataloging and
classification are fundamental processes in library and information science that involve the
organization and description of library materials to facilitate their discovery and access by users.
These processes ensure that library collections are structured and searchable, allowing users to
find the resources they need efficiently. Here's an overview of cataloging and classification:
Cataloging:
Cataloging is the process of creating bibliographic records for library materials, making them
discoverable in the library's catalog. This involves creating a standardized and detailed
description of each item in the library's collection. Cataloging is the process of creating detailed
records (metadata) for each item in a library's collection, allowing users to search, identify, and
locate resources. Cataloging follows standardized rules and practices to ensure consistency and
accessibility in the library's catalog, facilitating efficient resource discovery by users.
The cataloging process involves recording key details about each item, including its title, author,
subject, publication date, and other relevant information. The cataloging process includes the
following elements:
Bibliographic Description: This includes information about the author, title, publication date,
publisher, and physical characteristics of the item, such as the number of pages.
Subject Headings: Assigning standardized subject headings or descriptors to categorize the
content of the item. These subject headings help users find materials on specific topics.
Call Numbers: Assigning a unique classification number based on a classification system (e.g.,
Dewey Decimal Classification or Library of Congress Classification) to indicate the item's
location on the library shelf.
Authority Control: Ensuring consistency in names, subjects, and terms used in the catalog to
provide standardized access points.
Cataloging Standards: Following established cataloging standards such as AACR2 (Anglo-
American Cataloging Rules) or RDA (Resource Description and Access) for uniform and
consistent cataloging.
Classification:
Classification is the process of categorizing library materials into subject-based or topic-based
classes or categories. It involves arranging books, journals, and other resources on the library
shelves according to a systematic order. The two primary classification systems used in libraries
are:
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC): This system assigns a unique numeric code to each
subject area, and materials are organized on shelves numerically. It is commonly used in public
and school libraries.
Library of Congress Classification (LCC): This system uses a combination of letters and
numbers to classify materials. LCC is often used in academic and research libraries.
The classification process involves determining the most appropriate class for a library item
based on its subject matter, author, and content. Once a class is assigned, the item is shelved in
the corresponding section of the library.
The combined processes of cataloging and classification help achieve the following objectives:
Facilitate Access: Users can search the library catalog to locate materials by author, title, subject,
or keyword.
Organize the Collection: Materials are organized systematically on shelves, making it easier for
users to browse the collection and locate related items.
Ensure Data Integrity: Consistent and standardized cataloging practices help maintain the
accuracy and quality of bibliographic records.
Support Collection Development: Cataloging and classification systems assist librarians in
assessing the library's collection and making informed decisions about acquisitions and weeding.
Preserve Cultural Heritage: Proper cataloging and classification help preserve and provide
access to valuable historical and cultural materials.
Metadata:
Metadata refers to structured information that describes, identifies, and provides context for other
data or resources. In the context of libraries and information systems, metadata is used to
describe and manage various types of resources, including books, articles, digital files, and more.
Metadata typically includes information such as title, author, publication date, subject keywords,
format, location, and additional details that help users find, evaluate, and use resources.
Libraries and digital repositories use metadata to create records for each item in their collections.
Common metadata standards used in libraries include MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging)
and Dublin Core.
 TYPES OF CATALOGUING
There are several types of cataloging, each with its own characteristics and purposes. These types
of cataloging serve different purposes within the field of library and information science, but
they all contribute to the essential function of organizing and providing access to library
materials. The choice of cataloging type depends on the nature of the materials and the resources
available to the library. Here are some of the primary types of cataloging:
Descriptive Cataloging:
Purpose: Descriptive cataloging provides detailed information about a specific item to identify
and describe it accurately.
Elements: Descriptive cataloging typically includes information such as the title, author,
publisher, publication date, physical description, edition, and series information.
Examples: Descriptive cataloging helps users locate specific items based on detailed information
about the item's attributes.
Subject Cataloging:
Purpose: Subject cataloging focuses on describing the content of a work and assigning subject
headings and classification numbers to facilitate subject-based access.
Elements: It involves the assignment of subject headings and classification numbers based on the
work's content. Controlled vocabularies and classification systems like the Library of Congress
Subject Headings (LCSH) and Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) are often used.
Examples: Subject cataloging helps users find materials on a particular topic, regardless of the
item's title or author.
Authority Control:
Purpose: Authority control is a process that ensures consistency in the form of names, subjects,
and titles used in bibliographic records.
Elements: It involves creating authority records for authors, subjects, and other entities to
provide standardized forms of names, titles, and subject headings.
Examples: Authority control ensures that variations in names and subjects are reconciled,
making it easier for users to locate materials related to a particular entity or topic.
 APPROACHES TO CREATING BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORDS FOR LIBRARY
MATERIALS.
In practice, many libraries use a combination of original and copy cataloging to manage their
collections efficiently. Original cataloging is reserved for unique or rare items, while copy
cataloging is used for materials that are readily available in cataloging databases. This balance
helps libraries provide access to a wide range of materials while saving time and resources when
appropriate.
Original cataloging and copy cataloging are two different approaches to creating bibliographic
records for library materials. They are methods used in the process of cataloging items to make
them discoverable and accessible to library users.
Original Cataloging
Original cataloging involves creating a new bibliographic record from scratch for an item that
does not have an existing cataloging record in the library's catalog or database. This is typically
done for materials that are unique, rare, or not commonly held by other libraries.
Process: When performing original cataloging, a cataloger examines the physical item, such as a
book or audiovisual resource, and manually enters all relevant bibliographic information into the
library's cataloging system. This includes details like the title, author, publisher, publication date,
subject headings, and call number. Original cataloging requires careful research and adherence to
cataloging standards, such as MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) format, AACR2 (Anglo-
American Cataloging Rules), or RDA (Resource Description and Access).
Use Cases: Original cataloging is necessary when a library acquires unique or rare materials that
do not have existing cataloging records. It is also essential for special collections, archives, and
materials in languages or formats that are not well represented in existing cataloging databases.
Copy Cataloging:
Copy cataloging, also known as derived cataloging, involves using an existing bibliographic
record from another library's cataloging database, such as OCLC (Online Computer Library
Center) or a library consortium's shared catalog. The cataloger copies this record and makes any
necessary local adaptations to fit the library's specific needs.
Process: In copy cataloging, the cataloger locates a cataloging record for the same or a similar
item in a shared database. They then import this record into the local cataloging system, making
adjustments as needed to reflect any variations in their own library's copy of the item. This may
include modifying the record to include the library's call number, location, and other local
information.
Use Cases: Copy cataloging is a time-saving and efficient method for cataloging common and
widely held materials, such as popular books or standard editions of well-known titles. It is
especially useful for libraries that need to quickly add materials to their collections without the
need for original cataloging for every item.
Digital Cataloging:
Purpose: Digital cataloging focuses on creating metadata records for digital resources such as e-
books, online articles, multimedia, and other digital content.
Elements: It involves capturing specific metadata elements relevant to digital resources,
including URLs, file formats, access restrictions, and digital identifiers.
Examples: Digital cataloging is essential for organizing and providing access to digital
collections in libraries and online repositories.
CATALOGING RULES
Cataloging rules are a set of standards and guidelines that library professionals follow to create
consistent and standardized bibliographic records for library materials. These rules ensure that
each item in a library's collection is described comprehensively and uniformly, making it easier
for users to search for and access resources. These cataloging rules provide a foundation for
library professionals to create bibliographic records that are consistent, accurate, and user-
friendly. While AACR2 was widely used for many years, RDA is now the prevailing standard in
many libraries, especially in the English-speaking world, due to its adaptability to digital
resources and user-centric approach.
The primary cataloging rules have evolved over time, and various editions and standards have
been developed, with the most notable ones being:
Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2)
AACR2 was one of the most widely used cataloging standards in English-speaking libraries for
many years. It provided detailed rules for creating bibliographic records for various types of
materials, including books, journals, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources.
AACR2 focused on elements such as title, authorship, edition, publication information, and
subject headings. It also included rules for descriptive cataloging, access points, and authority
control.
AACR2 was published in several editions, with the most widely adopted one being the 2nd
edition, published in 1978, and updated through amendments.
Resource Description and Access (RDA)
RDA is a more recent cataloging standard that was developed to replace AACR2. It provides
guidelines for cataloging in the digital age, addressing the description of a wide range of
resources, including electronic and digital materials.
RDA is designed to be more adaptable to new formats and content types. It emphasizes the
importance of relationships between resources and entities, providing a more flexible framework
for cataloging.
RDA also focuses on user tasks and objectives, making it more user-centric in its approach.
Cataloging Cultural Objects (CCO):
CCO is a set of cataloging rules and guidelines for describing cultural objects, including art,
artifacts, and historical items. It is commonly used in museums, archives, and cultural heritage
institutions.
CCO provides standards for describing the physical attributes, condition, provenance, and
historical context of cultural objects.
Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (DCRM):
DCRM is a set of cataloging rules developed specifically for rare and special collections
materials, such as rare books, manuscripts, and other unique items.
DCRM focuses on specialized rules for describing the unique characteristics of rare materials,
including the physical description, provenance, and detailed notes.
Archival Description (DACS):
Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) is a set of rules for describing archival
materials in a standardized and consistent manner.
DACS provides guidelines for creating finding aids, cataloging archival collections, and
establishing access points for researchers.
The Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Second Edition (AACR2), was a widely used cataloging
standard for creating bibliographic records in English-speaking libraries. It provided a
comprehensive set of rules and guidelines for describing and providing access to library
materials, ensuring consistent and standardized cataloging practices. AACR2 was developed in
1967 and published in various editions over the years, with the 2nd edition, published in 1978
and updated through amendments, being the most widely adopted.
Key features and aspects of AACR2 include:
Descriptive Cataloging: AACR2 provided detailed rules for creating descriptive bibliographic
records. This included elements such as title, statement of responsibility (authorship), publication
information, physical description, and series statements.
Access Points: The standard emphasized the importance of access points, which are standardized
forms of names, titles, subjects, and other elements used to facilitate resource discovery.
Examples of access points included main entry headings for authors and uniform titles for works.
Choice of Access Points: AACR2 provided guidance on making choices for access points when
multiple possibilities existed for a resource. The goal was to help catalogers select the most
appropriate and user-friendly access points.
Main and Added Entries: AACR2 defined the rules for main entry (the primary access point) and
added entries (secondary access points) to ensure that all significant contributors to a work were
represented in the catalog.
Authority Control: The standard encouraged authority control, a practice that ensured consistent
forms of access points. This involved the creation of authority records to manage authorized
forms of names, subjects, and series titles.
Uniform Titles: AACR2 provided guidelines for creating uniform titles, especially for works that
appeared under multiple titles or were in different languages.
Choice of Descriptive Elements: Catalogers were given guidelines for choosing descriptive
elements to include in bibliographic records. This helped maintain standardized cataloging
practices across libraries.
Cataloging Non-Print Materials: AACR2 addressed the cataloging of non-print materials, such
as audiovisual materials, maps, and electronic resources, adapting its rules to different formats.
Subject Headings: While AACR2 primarily focused on descriptive cataloging, it made reference
to other standards like the Library of Congress Subject Headings for subject access points.
Music and Special Materials: AACR2 included specific provisions for cataloging music
materials, rare books, and special collections.

SUBJECT CATALOGING
Subject cataloging is a process used in library and information science to organize and classify
materials in a library's collection based on their content and subject matter. The primary goal of
subject cataloging is to help library users easily locate and access materials that are relevant to
their research, study, or information needs. This process involves assigning subject headings or
descriptors to each item in the library's collection.
Key components of subject cataloging include:
Subject Headings: Subject headings are standardized terms or phrases that represent the main
topics or subjects covered in a particular item (e.g., book, journal, video). These headings are
chosen from controlled vocabularies or thesauri, such as the Library of Congress Subject
Headings (LCSH) or the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Subject headings are assigned to
describe the content of an item accurately.
Classification: Subject cataloging may also involve assigning items to specific categories or
classes based on a classification system. The most widely used library classification system is the
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and the Library of Congress Classification (LCC).
Keyword Indexing: In addition to subject headings and classification, keyword indexing is often
used to make materials more accessible. Keywords are specific words or phrases extracted from
the content of the item that are considered important for retrieval. These keywords are typically
not standardized, and they help users find materials using natural language terms.
Metadata: Subject cataloging results in the creation of metadata records for each item in the
library's collection. This metadata includes information about the item's author, title, publication
date, location within the library, and, most importantly, its subject information.
Subject cataloging helps users discover resources in the library by subject rather than just by title
or author. It also supports the organization and maintenance of the library's collection, making it
easier for librarians to manage and track materials.
Subject cataloging is a fundamental process for ensuring that a library's collection is well-
organized, searchable, and serves the information needs of its users effectively. It plays a crucial
role in the overall operation and functionality of libraries and other information repositories.

Ethical considerations and challenges in cataloging are essential aspects of library and
information science. Catalogers and metadata specialists must address these issues to maintain
professional standards, provide equitable access to information, and respect the privacy and
rights of library users. Here are some of the key ethical considerations and challenges in
cataloging:
Privacy and Confidentiality:
Challenge: Catalogers may come across personally identifiable information (PII) in materials
they catalog, especially in special collections or rare manuscripts.
Ethical Consideration: Catalogers must respect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals
mentioned in library materials. They should avoid including sensitive personal information in
cataloging records and adhere to relevant privacy laws.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Challenge: Cataloging materials with potentially offensive or culturally insensitive content can
be problematic, particularly when using standardized subject headings.
Ethical Consideration: Catalogers should be culturally sensitive and avoid offensive language.
They should explore and apply more respectful and inclusive subject headings or descriptors.
Intellectual Freedom:
Challenge: Libraries need to balance providing access to diverse viewpoints and materials with
the responsibility to catalog them without bias.
Ethical Consideration: Catalogers must strive to provide access to a wide range of materials,
even when they contain controversial or unpopular ideas. They should catalog materials
objectively and avoid censorship or discrimination.
Transparency and Accountability:
Challenge: Ensuring that cataloging decisions are transparent and accountable can be difficult,
especially when multiple catalogers work on the same collection.
Ethical Consideration: Libraries should establish clear cataloging policies and procedures,
maintain documentation of cataloging decisions, and provide oversight and review mechanisms
to ensure transparency and accountability.
Authority Control and Bias:
Challenge: Catalogers may inadvertently introduce bias into cataloging records by selecting
subject headings or descriptors that reflect personal bias.
Ethical Consideration: Catalogers should be aware of their biases and strive to apply cataloging
standards consistently and impartially. Ongoing training and review can help address bias in
cataloging.
Representation and Inclusivity:
Challenge: Some materials may not fit neatly into traditional cataloging categories, and
cataloging standards may not adequately represent underrepresented communities or non-
mainstream materials.
Ethical Consideration: Catalogers should seek ways to provide representation for diverse
communities and materials. This may involve developing or modifying cataloging standards and
metadata schemas to better accommodate inclusivity.
Resource Allocation:
Challenge: Limited resources, such as time and staff, can pose challenges in maintaining and
enhancing cataloging records.
Ethical Consideration: Libraries should allocate resources to ensure that cataloging practices
meet minimum quality standards, provide access to materials critical for their communities, and
continually update and enhance records.
Copyright Compliance:
Challenge: Catalogers must accurately describe the copyright status of materials, especially when
cataloging digital resources.
Ethical Consideration: Catalogers should ensure that they accurately convey copyright and
licensing information to help users make informed decisions about how they can use cataloged
materials.
Addressing these ethical considerations and challenges in cataloging is vital to uphold the
integrity of library catalogs, provide equitable access to information, and protect the rights and
privacy of library users. Training, ongoing education, and adherence to professional standards
and codes of ethics help catalogers navigate these complexities.
CLASSIFICATION IN LIBRARY
Classification systems in library and information science are standardized schemes or
frameworks used to categorize, organize, and retrieve library materials, making it easier for users
to find the resources they need. These systems help libraries and other information organizations
efficiently manage their collections. The choice of a classification system depends on the type of
library or information organization, the nature of the collection, and regional or organizational
preferences. Libraries often use one of these classification systems in conjunction with subject
headings and keyword indexing to make their materials easily accessible to users. Here are some
of the most widely used classification systems in this field:
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC):
The Dewey Decimal Classification system, developed by Melvil Dewey in the late 19th century,
is one of the most widely used library classification systems in the world. It categorizes materials
into ten main classes, with each class further divided into subclasses using decimals. It is
primarily used in public and school libraries. DDC is especially popular in libraries with a
general collection that includes books, periodicals, and other media.
Library of Congress Classification (LCC):
The Library of Congress Classification is used by the Library of Congress and many academic
and research libraries in the United States. It organizes materials into classes, subclasses, and
further subdivisions, using a combination of letters and numbers. LCC is often employed by
large research libraries and academic institutions, particularly for their extensive and specialized
collections.
Universal Decimal Classification (UDC):
The Universal Decimal Classification is a general knowledge classification system that uses a
combination of Arabic numerals, along with symbols and punctuation marks, to categorize a
wide range of subjects. UDC is used in various libraries and information organizations
worldwide, particularly in Europe. It is also used in specialized libraries.
Colon Classification:
Colon Classification, developed by S. R. Ranganathan, is a faceted classification system that
breaks down subjects into facets, each represented by a colon. The system is flexible and can
accommodate complex subjects by combining different facets.Colon Classification is less
commonly used than DDC or LCC but is found in some libraries and information centers,
especially in India.
Chinese Library Classification (CLC):
The Chinese Library Classification is a classification system used in Chinese libraries. It is based
on a combination of Romanized letters and numbers and is designed to suit the Chinese language
and culture. CLC is primarily used in libraries in China and other Chinese-speaking regions.
In addition to the above-mentioned general classification systems, there are numerous
specialized classification systems for specific types of materials, such as the Medical Subject
Headings (MeSH) for medical and health sciences or the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) classification for fire safety materials.