On Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:46:48 +0100, Bernhard Eversberg <ev_at_BIBLIO.TU-BS.DE>
wrote:
>"A new name for the catalog" has been clamored for not just in this
>forum for years. When this happens, there is invariably some skirmishing
>and dispute, but up until now no result and no semblance of consensus.
>But then, what exactly would a new name actually change?
It may focus some people's attention. Unfortunately, these things really do
seem to make a difference in how people relate to you. Also, as Owen points
out, it also can make us feel differently about ourselves. The "catalog" has
always been insular and separated from many other related tools.
This "insularity" has already changed in reality because of the world wide
web, but the attitudes of many catalogers/metadata creators has yet to
change. The idea that we must fit ourselves into the work of others is quite
different from the old idea of being in 100% control of our local catalogs.
Perhaps giving it a new name would help in this regard.
From a personal perspective, I have worked so long and so hard on "catalogs"
and 'cataloging" that it pains me deeply not only to admit these
developments, but to push for them as well. Still, it's necessary and part
of the process of growing up (!).
I don't know what new name to call it, but you would never get anything like
consensus. The idea is to just start calling it ____ and see what happens. A
good name would probably catch on--but I am very, very bad at naming things.
Jim Weinheimer
Received on Tue Feb 17 2009 - 07:10:26 EST