The ALA Cataloging Norms IG is pleased to host a program during Core Interest Group Week. The program will take place on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at 1 pm Central Time.
The session is online, free to attend, and open to the public.
Here's the registration link:
https://ala-events.zoom.us/meeting/register/uo_nLF5GQ9KHKjCK-k1fbQ#/registration
Presentation 1: Open Source Cataloging: Experimenting with DC/XML in Google Sites
Margaret Breidenbaugh, MLIS, Johnnie Mae Berry Library, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Resource Sharing Coordinator and Interim Reference Librarian
Catalogers who are passionate about digital preservation know the importance of creating succinct and consistent metadata for digital surrogates of physical objects. The problem: digital asset management systems (DAMS) can be costly. The experiment: what happens when you embed Dublin Core wrapped in XML in Google Sites? While not perfect, the results are promising for catalogers interested in sharing and storing application profiles and digital records in a test environment that is infinitely and freely copyable, downloadable, and editable. This experimental workflow will be of interest to professional catalogers and teachers of cataloging alike. Participants will receive a link to a sample Google Site in advance of the session and will be encouraged to use the sample site in real time to learn how to embed raw code in a flex box using the Embed feature in Insert. While not a prerequisite, some knowledge of Dublin Core and XML is helpful.
What will this session cover:
• The basics of editing Google Sites including adding and nesting pages
• Embedding your own application profiles in Google Sites
• Tips for validating your code before publishing
Presentation 2: Cataloging for Accessibility: An Inclusive Approach to Yiddish-language Collection Description
Michelle Sigiel, Yiddish Book Center, Metadata Librarian
The Yiddish Book Center houses a collection of approximately one million volumes of Yiddish-language books. Of these volumes, more than eleven thousand have been cataloged, digitized, and made available on our website along with over one thousand oral histories, and other collections such as archival recordings and newspapers. Recently, our institution embarked on initiatives surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion including the formation of an accessibility working group. As a solo cataloger, I joined this group with the eager intention of improving accessibility to our collections in an effort to foster inclusion and equity for users. One of the barriers to our collections that became apparent to me throughout our discussions was the very print-focused nature of our collections. Thus, I sought to catalog and promote collections of audiobooks and recent braille format books acquired from a software engineer/Yiddish teacher who utilized our book collection to develop a Yiddish braille so that braille-using students could fully participate in class. Along with making these collections more visible, I developed guidelines for inclusive cataloging that took into consideration the unique nature of our collections and how they can be better utilized by diverse groups of users with varying needs. I hope that these endeavors can be further discussed as useful examples for rare language catalogers and generalists alike who are seeking ways to promote inclusivity and accessibility in their collections.
Presentation 3: Path to Optimal Metadata Options for Electronic Resources
Junghae Lee, University of Washington Libraries, Co-Interim Head, Cataloging & Metadata Initiatives Unit / E-Resources Metadata Librarian
The University of Washington Libraries utilize a variety of metadata sources for e-resources, including manual cataloging, vendor-supplied records, OCLC WorldShare Collection Manager, and the Ex Libris Central KnowledgeBase (CKB). Collaboration between the Cataloging and Acquisitions Departments has been key in identifying and implementing appropriate metadata sources. This process involves evaluating multiple criteria and establishing workflows to align with the chosen sources.
This presentation will explore strategies and challenges in selecting and implementing metadata solutions for e-resources and e-resource packages. It will highlight approaches that optimize staff efficiency and enhance user experience. The presentation will also provide an overview of how the University of Washington Libraries developed and implemented its current workflows to support diverse metadata options for various e-resources. Attendees will gain practical insights into managing e-resource metadata effectively and learn how to adapt workflows to meet evolving institutional requirements.
Looking forward to seeing you all,
Minyoung & Nincy, co-chairs of Cataloging Norms IG
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Minyoung Chung
Monographs and Special Projects Cataloging Librarian
University of Southern California
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