Cataloguing and Classification of Library Resources in the 21st Century

Abstract

Both traditional and digital libraries are the storehouse of information and indispensable in this age of computerization and digitization of information. As cataloguing is one of the pillars of library services and because cataloguing plays a pivotal role for a successful library operation, a discussion and description of cataloguing process is inevitable. This chapter discusses the steps involved in cataloguing- descriptive, assigning a subject to the document and allocating a classification mark to the picked subject from the subject heading list. It also describes schemes which are specialized and deals only with the subject areas involved, like NLM (National Library of medium) classification scheme and Moys classification for law. The three basic types of classification structure - enumerative, analytic-synthetic, and faceted classification scheme are explained as well. The important activities of library automation, ways of doing copy cataloguing, meaning, procedures, and sources of copy cataloguing are also briefly explained. As automated library system is an important part of libraries nowadays, this chapter further discusses the meaning of computerized cataloguing: the MARC format/records. The role of MARC is also explained in the simplest terms possible as well as the basic information needed to understand MARC record.