Catalogers’ Professional Knowledge in Special Library Setting

• Main Authors: Huang Tsui-yu, 黃翠玉
• Other Authors: Wu Mei Mei
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/95433032177684749197

碩士 === 國立臺灣師範大學 === 圖書資訊學研究所 === 99 === A library provides information services which includes technical and reader services. Technical service is the foundation for library operation. Cataloging as the core task of technical service supports library service, such as OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog). Catalogers perform as the core workers who ensure library resources to be easy access to readers. It is important to learn how catalogers accumulate knowledge from their daily practice. This study attempts to identify the tasks, processes, and characteristic of catalogers of special libraries, in order to determine what knowledge is required for experienced catalogers and how these related knowledge is gained by the experienced catalogers. Research questions are: 1.What tasks, processes and characteristics of cataloging occur in special libraries? 2. What types of knowledge required for catalogers? 3. How catalogers obtain relevant-knowledge to meet the need of cataloging tasks? In this study, data are collected through semi-structure interviews and are analyzed by qualitative methods. A total of seven respondents from four special subject domain libraries at the same research institute are recruited, among them, five cataloging librarians and 2 library administrative chiefs. This study collects seven interview transcripts. The texts of the transcripts are analyzed and coded. The findings of this study include:（I）The mission of catalogers in special libraries include: (1) real-time updates and routine maintenance for a bibliographic database; (2) maintenance and development of cataloging policies; (3) provision of professional knowledge and organizational services.（II）Cataloging services can be described in three aspects, namely, cataloging tasks, cataloging process and task characteristics. Cataloging tasks include descriptive cataloging, subject cataloging, authority control and manual preparation for cataloging. Cataloging processes include duplicate copy checking, descriptive cataloging, subject cataloging, authority control, verification and correction, book processing and others. As for task characteristics, they are accuracy, completeness, consistency and flexibility. （III）Cataloging knowledge for catalogers include: (1) familiarizing with cataloging rules, standards, tools and processes; (2) involving knowledge for special subjects; (3) paying attention to the rapidly changing information environment and the development of information technology.（IV）Tacit knowledge involved in cataloging processes is fourfold: (1) cognitive knowledge: possession of missions, beliefs , values, ability to judge and insight to the work of cataloging; (2) attitude-based knowledge: positive learning, responsible, attention to efficiency and careful attitude when facing cataloging; (3) skill-based knowledge: familiar with the use of cataloging tools, including cataloging rules, classification and subject tables and among many others; (4) relationship between ability-based knowledge includes：(a) an exchange of experience and heritage among peers to develop team understanding and organizational culture shaping;(b) to provide appropriate information organization services in order to face the dynamic change of readers’ needs. （V）Sources for catalogers’ knowledge: (1) obtaining specialized knowledge through: self-learning, learning by doing, peer communication, professional training, conference participation, visiting activities, in-service continuing education; (2) access channels include professional websites, regular meetings in the library, conferences, and staff training.（VI）Compared to the prior publications, this study has found new knowledge for catalogers that is not documented in the prior literature: (1) sence of values of library cataloging; (2) sence of innovation due to the new information environment; (3) ideal work model to be created by daily experiences and knowledge.