Core Copy Cataloging Interest Group

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  • 1.  Use any kind of basic cataloging ready-made test when hiring?

    Posted Nov 02, 2022 11:26 AM
    November 2, 2022

    Hi all,

    Does anyone utilize any kind of standard ready-make basic cataloging test during the interviewing process of prospective candidates for mostly copy cataloging work (could be some original cataloging)? This is a new idea for us and I am interested to see what others do, and if you do use a test during the interviewing process, what do you use? Related to knowledge of MARC21, RDA, AACR2 (we have a mixture of both standards in our catalog), LC Subject Headings, and LC classification?

    We are a community college library where mostly paraprofessionals (part-time and full-time) do the technical services work (copy cataloging, processing, interlibrary loan, etc) and we utilize LC classification.

    Thanks!
    Andie Craley
    acraley@harford.edu

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    Andie Craley, Chair GODORT Cataloging Committee
    Manager for Technical Services & Government Documents Librarian
    FDLP Depository Library Coordinator
    ILL Supervisor
    Harford Community College Library
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  • 2.  RE: Use any kind of basic cataloging ready-made test when hiring?

    Posted Nov 03, 2022 10:58 AM
    Hi Andrea, 
    In my current position we do not use a basic cataloging test when hiring new copy catalogers. 
    I did once take a test during the interview process for a position as an entry level copy cataloger. It was simply a full level MARC record (AACR2 at the time).
    Questions were asked such as: can you give the number of the main entry field. subject heading field, publisher field, etc.
    I did not recall my cataloging classes from Library school, but I did well enough to pass and identify the fields.
    This is just one idea, and I am not sure if it would work for your purposes, but it may be a good starting point. I am not aware of any existing tests for copy cataloging proficiency.
    Thanks, 
    Dean


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    Dean Bergstrom
    Manager, Monographic Ordering and Copy Cataloging
    Yale University Libraries
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    Original Message