Core Copy Cataloging Interest Group

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Purpose: Discusses informally common problems concerning copy cataloging, including discussions on quality control of copy cataloging units, workflows in copy cataloging, copy cataloging of all kinds of materials (monographs, serials, audiovisuals, etc.), staffing needs in copy cataloging, training of copy cataloging, effects of changes in cataloging standards, and technology on copy cataloging.

This interest group is part of Core's Metadata and Collections Section.

Portraits of three Core members with caption Become a Member: Find Your Home: Core.

 

  • 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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