A study conducted at Wichita State University reveals that slightly less than two-thirds of the work day of the catalogers was spent in actual cataloging. Accounting for all expenditures of time in whatever kind of activity affords also a sensible basis for a reorganization of departmental work flow. (Author)

Reviews the literature addressing description and cataloging. Topics covered in the review include the functions and structures of catalogs; the Anglo American Cataloging Rules; application and extension of bibliographic control; authority control; shared cataloging and bibliographic networks; retrospective conversion; management topics; and the…

This annotated bibliography of materials published during 1984-1985 on descriptive cataloging covers bibliographic control, Anglo American Cataloging Rules, 2nd edition (AACR2), specific types of materials, authority control, retrospective conversion, management issues, expert systems, and manuals. (EM)

This essay on the issues of management of technical services in the small library suggests that goals of the organization, and not size, are what differentiates large technical services departments from smaller ones. Discussion covers determining organizational goals, providing access to collections, bibliographic utilities, and resources…

This examination of collection development and bibliographic control in the small public library (small staff and modest resources) is concerned with three categories of library materials that can be identified as serials: (1) magazines; (2) reference books; (3) books in series that can circulate separately. (10 references) (EJS)

Presents results from two surveys of catalog departments in academic libraries that were conducted to determine the changing role of catalog librarians. Main areas of focus include catalog department organizational patterns; the managerial responsibilities of the cataloger; and which cataloging tasks are performed by professionals and which are…

Reviews publications for 1981 pertaining to cataloging and bibliographic control of serials, standardization and automation developments in the bibliographic control of serials, serial union list development, serials delivery systems (including electronic publishing), and library serials departments. A 52-item bibliography is included. (JL)

In 1905, Library of Congress Processing Services had about 100 employees in 2 divisions: Catalog and Order. Herbert Putnam, Librarian of Congress since 1899, cataloging chief James Hanson, and chief classifier Charles Martel were engaged in restoring order to library's collections and centralizing cataloging activity for entire country. (41…

This paper examines specific issues in the administration of serials (publications issued in successive parts and intended to be continued indefinitely) as they have been addressed by a small academic library with budget constraints and limited personnel. Highlights include collection development, bibliographic control, acquisition, automation,…

Review of the 1991 literature on descriptive cataloging discusses objectives and foundations of cataloging; cataloging simplification; three levels of standards for record content; cataloging techniques, including authority work, provision of main entry, transliteration, formation of name headings, and automation; procedures related to record…

Reviews the 1986 literature on research in the areas of cataloging, subject access, user interface, and administration. The majority of papers selected for inclusion are descriptive studies (surveys using questionnaires or interviews) or case studies of one of more libraries. Thirty-eight references are listed. (MES)

Discussion of management of cataloging backlogs in academic libraries focuses on a backlog assessment project conducted at the Ohio State University libraries to facilitate the elimination of two backlogs, one of Slavic language materials and one of general materials. Evaluations of samples from these two collections are discussed in terms of…

Selectively reviews the serials literature published in 1992. Issues discussed include cataloging and specifications; networked information and electronic publishing; CD-ROM serials; collection development; serials pricing; serials management; and conference reports. (Contains 122 references.) (LRW)

Examines major issues and trends in serials management represented in the literature published during 1990. Topics covered include the pricing crisis; publishing and scholarly communication; cancellation projects; technological developments and alternatives to print; claiming and replacement activities; acquisitions and collection development;…