INTRODUCTION
Internet materials gradually become an established part of the WSU Libraries collection.Currently the library subscribes more than 130 remote 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 are freely accessible.Chosen materials either expensive or not 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 continuing integrating resources such as updating Web sites and databases.Until recently, catalogers did not have established rules for these materials. No cataloging standards,workform and codes were exists.Even now, with rewritten AACR2 Chapter 12 and the new Voyager release, catalogers still attached to the interim practices and many practical questions are waiting for an answer.
The 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.
Cataloging policies for remote access electronic databases and updated Web sites are still in 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 five chapters, references, Glossary, and an Appendix.The Chapter 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.Chapter 2 A little theory 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.Chapter 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.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.An Appendix Checklist for copy cataloging provides a step-by-step instruction for copy catalogers.
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.
Manuals are updated as needed. Please, e-mail susan.matveyeva@wichita.edu with suggestions and questions.
