Introduction
Remote access materials gradually become an established part of the WSU Libraries collection. The library subscribes hundreds of electronic databases and packages of electronic journals, thousands of e-books and provides access via catalog and subject librarians’ Web pages to the numerous Websites. Many of these resources are expensive and require subscription; others such as government, public, or private Websites have open access. Expensive or not, Web resources are a valuable resource that serves education and research needs of students, faculty and staff.
Internet resources are a new type of materials. Especially challenging is cataloging of updating Web sites and databases. Until recently, catalogers did not have rules for these materials. No cataloging standards, work forms and codes were existed. Until now, OCLC did not implement new codes and interim cataloging practices are still in place.
The Manual was written in 2003 and updated in 2004 when new nationally approved cataloging documentation became available. Current update is based on BIBCO/PCC Cataloging Manual. Appendix A. Integrating Resources: a cataloging manual and PCC Task Group on Implementation of Integrating Resources: Final Report (revised 10/4/01)
This manual describes how to catalog remote access electronic databases and updated Web sites with an OCLC copy and without it. Direct access updating electronic resources (CDs, DVDs), updating printed loose-leafs, e-serial packages, and e-books are not considered here.
As was mentioned before, cataloging policies for remote access electronic databases and updated Web sites are still in the development. After stabilization of cataloging standards, some time is needed for their implementation by library utilities and automated systems’ vendors. On this phase of development of continuing integrating resources cataloging, we have the standards (AACR2 2002, rev.) and adjusted automated system (Voyager 2001.2.1 version), but the library utility (OCLC) still did not implement the new codes. In the manual both new and interim practices are described. The reasons for mention the interim practices are a large number of older copies that were created according interim rules. They will help to catalog these copies even after implementation of the new codes.
The manual consists of six sections, references, and index. Section 1 Pre-cataloging decisions discusses the different possibilities of access to remote electronic databases and updating Websites and explains why to catalog them is a good idea. It also helps to identify what is being cataloged. Here one can find a definition of remote access electronic databases and updating Web sites. Section 2 How to catalog integrating resources introduces the concept of integrating resources, some new codes previously used mostly by serial catalogers and less familiar to monograph catalogers and recent CONSER decision to differentiate different types of databases. Section 3 Building a record describes major cataloging rules for integrating resources. Original catalogers can find here the detailed recommendations and examples of fixed and variable fields. A special attention was paid to the key cataloging decisions such as a choice of title proper, dates, notes, etc. Section 4 More about access discusses problems of subject cataloging. It also includes information about possible cataloging decisions for IR holdings and item records. Section 5 How to cope with changes emphasizes dynamic features of Web sites and databases. It states a number of changes in the cataloged resource that justify a creation of a new record and looks into some records’ maintenance procedures. Section 6 Checklist for copy cataloging provides a step-by-step instruction for copy catalogers. Index gives definitions to terms and short descriptions for concepts, procedures, policies, and cataloging details.
Original catalogers can find here the detailed recommendations and examples of fixed and variable fields. A special attention was paid to the key cataloging decisions such as a choice of title proper, dates, notes, etc. Chapter 4 More about access discusses problems of subject cataloging. It also includes information about possible cataloging decisions for IR holdings and item records. Chapter 5 How to cope with changes emphasizes dynamic features of Web sites and databases. It states a number of changes in the cataloged resource that justify a creation of a new record and looks into some records’ maintenance procedures. A Glossary defines new terms used in the manual.
How to use the manual? If you want to become familiar with IR cataloging issues in depth and do original cataloging, use Chapters 1-4. If you catalog with a copy, an Appendix provides guidance. If your assignment is a record maintenance, go to Chapter 5.
I also want to mention that the current situation with a national theoretical ground of IR cataloging better than a practical experience, and that a practical experience in IR cataloging better than a theoretical ground and practical experience in IR record maintenance.
