I couldn't agree more. One of the best ways to develop a metadata skill set
that goes beyond traditional cataloging is to be asked to the table, to be
part of the discussion. The best way to become creative in our field is to
have a practical (or impractical) problem to solve and be asked to find a
solution.
Catalogers bring a wealth of experience--they really know their data set,
its strengths and weaknesses. And they think analytically, so they have a
lot in common with programmers. I think most catalogers would be very open
to pulling in new data sets and Jim suggests.
Bottom line: Catalogers would love to be involved in planning and
implementing a new user interface/discovery layer and would be insulted to
be "observers" only.
Chris
Christine Schwartz
Metadata Librarian
Princeton Theological Seminary Library
christine.schwartz_at_ptsem.edu
On Tue, Sep 21, 2010 at 11:40 AM, Janet Hill <janet.hill_at_colorado.edu>wrote:
> NO ONE should be at such a "gathering" as observer only. To limit input is
> to deprive the overall endeavor of ideas. To limit input is to deprive the
> overall endeavor of information. Technical services people can be every
> bit as adventurous and imaginative as any of the other groups identified in
> the original description .... given the opportunity. Making blanket
> assumptions that they are incapable of "fresh ideas" or of embracing said
> ideas and expanding on them would be a mistake.
>
> What we need is thoughts and excitement and information and experience and
> imagination and determination and support from all those who have a stake in
> the matter ..... not from "everybody except" ...
>
>
> Janet Swan Hill, Professor
> Associate Director for Technical Services
> University of Colorado Libraries, CB184
> Boulder, CO 80309
> janet.hill_at_colorado.edu
> *****
> "For we are catalogers, and therefore the elect of God. To read is human;
> to catalog, divine." Charity Blackstock. Dewey Death.
>
Received on Tue Sep 21 2010 - 12:52:21 EDT