6.5 Statement of Expectations Regarding Knowledge and Skills Required of Cataloging Specialists

All cataloging personnel classified as staff who create records in the online catalog from copy should develop competency in the following areas:

• Resource Description and Access (RDA).
• The MARC21 Bibliographic and Authorities Format.
• The Library of Congress classification scheme, schedules, and policy statements.
• Subject Cataloging Manual: Shelf listing.
• Procedures and protocols for creating and maintaining catalog records in the local library system.
• Procedures for identifying and retrieving source copy from the national utility and other resource files.
• Bibliographic standards for contributing members established by the utilities and national cooperative programs.
• Department policies as outlined in the department manual.
• Ability to distinguish between a monographic and serial publication; understanding of the most common ways to treat monographic series.
• Familiarity with basic principles of authority control.
• The Library of Congress classification scheme, appropriate LC schedules, and guidelines for shelf listing as found in classification Web and Subject Heading Manual.

In addition to the above general competencies, cataloging staff are expected to develop skills relevant to their specific job assignments as directed by faculty.

The Department provides initial training to new staff. Staff will attend future trainings as needed.

Maintained by: John B. Wright

Last Updated: October 2020