Jonathan Rochkind wrote:
> The fact that most cataloging modules don't automatically create cutter
> numbers was astounding to me when I first realized this was the case. I
> agree with Mark that this is such a 'no brainer' that it's just
> astounding. If nobody has managed to pull off even this simple, easy,
> and effective feature---we have to understand what about the market
> makes this so, and how to change it, if we hope for even more drastic
> improvements--and we do.
Even something that seems so automatic as shelflisting is anything but so simple. Although some parts could be automated, everything would still have to be checked since there is a lot to consider: variant editions and printings, translations, criticism, treaties, laws, etc. We still want things to be arranged logically on the shelves and there is a decision-making process to do this. Take a look at the LC shelflisting manual for lots of examples.
Just one example I put in my Slavic cataloging manual is: http://www.indiana.edu/~libslav/slavcatman/pshelf.html
James Weinheimer j.weinheimer_at_aur.edu
Director of Library and Information Services
The American University of Rome
Rome, Italy
Received on Wed Oct 24 2007 - 03:14:48 EDT