You are hereZine Librarians discussion / Cataloging
Cataloging
Cataloging standards
1. Cataloging fields
1.1. Title
1.2. Author
1.3. Editor*
1.4. Publisher*
1.5. Subject*
1.6. Tags
1.6.1.Controlled
1.6.2.Free
1.7. Description
1.8. Issue no.
1.9. Publication date*
1.10. Received date
1.11. Physical contact info
1.12. Electronic presence/contact
1.13. Cover scan
1.14. Cataloger signature
1.15. Physical description
1.15.1. Size
1.15.2. Material*
1.15.3. Pages
1.15.4. Additional items (ephemera)*
* indicates a new field for SLCPL’s catalog.
2. Subjects, categories, and tags
2.2. Zine-specific vocabularies
3. Cataloging efficiencies
3.1. Data form (print, longhand)
When utilizing volunteers or staff w/o cataloging expertise, or when zines are cataloged by Tech Services rather than the zine librarian, an physical sheet to be filled out by pen is often the most efficient way to gather information. On this sheet would be collected all of the pertinent cataloging info (see heading 2.1) and later can be input into the electronic catalog. It can also help Tech Services staff identify LCSHs that fit the zine (in practice, zine librarians have always put more thought into these than general catalogers.)
3.2. Packets for non-catalogers and volunteers
This is a potential work-around for the problem of people burning out their enthusiasm for cataloging zines. Each packet would include:
10 uncataloged zines
10 cataloging forms (from heading 2.2.1)
List of existent tags/subjects to inspire creative descriptions
This would add a step by making the cataloging info pass through two hands instead of one, but would eliminate the need to train casual volunteers and staff with temporary interest from having to learn the acquisitions software and catalog standards.
3.3 Cooperative sessions (cataloging parties)
The process of cataloging thousands of zines could also be sped up through utilization of zine cataloging parties after hours or on Sunday.
