Uniform processing of library materials – a condition for the exchange and common use of bibliographic records

Abstract

AbstractIn the Slovenian shared cataloguing system COBISS, uniform processing of library materials is one of the mandatory conditions for a successful functioning of the system. A uniform way of processing assumes use of the same principles, codes and standards, which concern cataloguing, subject analysis and data structure. The purpose of this article is to determine the elements in the COBISS system, with which the uniform processing of library materials is ensured; to find out, which elements are still necessary; to estimate the quality of bibliographic records on the example of online serial publications, what are the results of the uniform processing in the COBISS system, to show possible arrangements for improving the uniform processing of library materials and increasing the quality of bibliographic records.Auditing the quality of bibliographic records for online serial publication, the need to increase their quality has been confirmed. With the intention to improve the activity of national cooperative cataloguing, in accordance with valid international standards and recommendations, all COBISS participants must improve their activities. They are to strive for a forward quality shift and improve the quality of bibliographic records. Collecting, keeping and disseminating of knowledge must not be the only purpose of cooperation in the shared national bibliographic system. Global exchange and the sharing of quality bibliographic records should become a common goal for all the participating libraries.