Renee and Kristin both see their future in children’s librarianship. Displays are such an important aspect of children’s departments in libraries, so Kristin and Renee were very interested to learn how to make displays easier to set-up and more manageable to maintain. Kristin learned from speaking with the director of the children’s department at her local library that the librarians in that children’s department create displays on rotation throughout the year (Mandy Lotarski, personal communication, February 18, 2020). While working in libraries, Renee has experienced trying to fill displays when they need to be replenished. When she encounters this situation at the library she works at now, her process is to determine what the display is about, search the catalog for appropriate replacements, go find the items on the shelves, and fill in the missing spots. She shared that it can be challenging to find the right items to replenish displays with when you aren’t the one who created it. Both Renee and Kristin wanted to explore ways in which displays could be tracked for creation and replenishment.
Another issue that Renee and Kristin wanted to address was making sure library items are accessible to non-native English speakers. One of the books that Kristin chose to create a catalog record for was a bilingual book (Spanish/English). Through the examination of the record for this book and learning about the different options available in MARC and RDA to show that it is a bilingual book, Kristin and Renee decided that these were fields they wanted to include in their cataloging policy. It is not enough for a library to have items for non-native English speakers. These items need to be searchable and findable for librarians and library users. Therefore, in addition to exploring how displays can be represented in a catalog record, they sought to find the best ways to represent different languages in catalog records.
Kristin and Renee determined that some MARC fields would be mandatory for all catalog records. These fields can be found in their cataloging policy and make up the basis of the framework for their records. They determined which MARC fields would be categorized as mandatory through their coursework this term, from their textbook, and through synchronous class sessions.
Kristin and Renee also determined, however, that there were many MARC fields that they needed to look at in more depth. For example, while MARC field 245 (Title Statement) is considered mandatory, they also determined that MARC field 246 (Varying Form of Title) would be necessary to include for some records. As mentioned before, one of the books that was chosen is bilingual (English/Spanish)–in this situation, MARC field 246 (Varying Form of Title) allows for the title to be represented in both languages, making the book more accessible to all users. This is just an example, but it shows how MARC field 246 (Varying Form of Title) can help to make library items more obtainable to patrons. In addition to MARC field 246 (Varying Form of Title), MARC field 546 (Language Note) and MARC field 041 (Language Code) were deemed appropriate for all items that are bilingual, in another language, or a translation. Having this information available to users, we believe, makes our library and library catalog more inclusive to those who are non-native English speakers and those who speak languages other than English. Finally, for MARC field 650 (Subject Added Entry–Topical Term), when there are subjects available in other languages, they should be included in the record. This allows for library users to search for items by subject, in addition to title and author, for those items available in different languages. This furthers the library’s ability to be more inclusive and user friendly.
When thinking about the different types of users that a children’s department attracts, Kristin and Renee decided that including MARC fields 526 (Study Program Information Note) and 586 (Awards Note) would be helpful for teachers and homeschool families. When entering MARC field 526 (Study Program Information Note) into the catalog, we concluded that all records should have the first indicator of 0, as this displays to users that it is a “Reading Program”. Without the inclusion of this information, some library patrons might be unsure of what is being indicated.
We deemed, when applicable, that MARC field 490 (Series Statement) should be used because depending on how the library or department of the library is arranged, not all books in a series may be collocated together. Including this field would allow for librarians and library patrons to more easily identify and find all books in a particular series.
MARC field 504 (Bibliography Etc., Note), it was decided, would be especially helpful in the nonfiction section, as the information in this note would indicate to librarians and library users that the resource has additional information that could be used to study the subject further.
When available, we determined that MARC field 521 (Target Audience Note) should be included, as this would help librarians and library users assess the appropriateness of an item for their purpose.
Kristin and Renee both noticed when copy cataloging from OCLC Connexion that many records contain an abundance of subjects in MARC field 650 (Subject Added Entry–Topical Term). Depending on the indicators used and terms chosen, many of the entries were repetitive in nature. As this does not help the user and makes more work for the cataloger, they wanted to put parameters in their cataloging policy that allow a record to be searchable but not include unnecessary entries. With fewer subjects, there might be less recall when searching, but there should be more precision. They also decided that using the second indicator of 1 (LC subject headings for children’s literature), when available, would make subject entries easier for catalogers to enter. They applied the same reasoning when developing parameters for MARC field 655 (Index Term–Genre/Form).
The field that they believe will truly aid librarians in the creation and maintenance of displays is MARC field 690 (Local Subject Added Entry–Topical Term). This field allows librarians and catalogers the ability to create local subject pattern headings for displays in the children’s department. Having items marked as appropriate for display, allows different librarians access to shared information that will allow them to assist in the creation and upkeep on a monthly basis.
Our goal in the creation of our cataloging policy was to highlight the tools available via MARC to create entries specific to local libraries. We also aimed to make our catalog records accessible to as many library patrons as possible. We believe that all libraries should be inclusive and catalog records should make the process of searching easier for librarians and users.
While neither Renee or Kristin plan on pursuing a career as a cataloger, IST 616 and this assignment has taught them a lot about the value of a well thought out cataloging policy designed for a specific library and community. The options available in MARC and RDA to create records that meets the needs of your library’s users are numerous, and this needs to be kept in mind when creating cataloging policies and catalog records. The tools are there, and we are glad that we have had the opportunity to have an introduction to what is possible!
Book Pairings by Renee and Kristin 