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August 7th
Support Staff Interest Group Meeting
August 8th
Picture Book Read-In--13th Annual Event
Support Staff Interest Group Meeting
Picture Book Read-In--13th Annual Event
(1:30-4:00 pm)
Susan Banoun (University of Cincinnati), Joyce Boeder (Germantown PL), Leslie Hoekzema (Kenton County PL), Carol Macmann (BWI), Aaron Smith (Clermont County Public Library), Sharon South (Germantown PL), Connie Strait (Greene County Public Library), with special guest Anne Abate (GCLC Executive Director)
We began the meeting with an exercise that developed spontaneously as we gathered: a sharing of the ways that we shelf-mark our materials at our respective libraries. The result generated much discussion, as we found that none of the libraries represented approached the issue of call numbers in the same way. Aside from illustrating the various approaches, the ensuing discussion highlighted the distinction between standards in cataloging and the idiosyncrasies of shelf-marking. Most of those present acknowledged that their local practices predated their tenure. We were reminded that once a particular organizational system is in place, it is very difficult to make a wholesale change.
Cincinnati Mini Conference (Aug. 11, GCLC offices) -- Aaron and Anne spoke of the success of that one-day event, noting in particular the extraordinary gifts and presentations of keynote speakers Doug Hall and Peter Block. Although the proceedings did not have a focus on specific details of day-to-day workings of libraries, the reinforcement of a more comprehensive understanding of librarianship in contemporary contexts of entrepreneurship and community gave us much food for thought.
Cataloging Electronic Serials (Sept. 15-16, University of Cincinnati) – Susan spoke of a remarkable two-day session held under the aegis of the Serials Cataloging Cooperative Training Program, prompting us to look into the possibility of future programs offered by SCCTP that may have wide appeal in the local cataloging community.
Ohio Library Council Conference (Oct. 5-7, Columbus) – Connie and Aaron shared their impressions of the gathering. Somewhat light in practical cataloging offerings, there was much discussion of the implications of FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) and the upcoming release of RDA (Resource Description and Access), the heir-apparent to AACR2rev. We discussed the movement toward revised regional subdivisions in the state of Ohio and the implication for GCLC; Anne affirmed the continued participation and inclusion of libraries in Northern Kentucky and eastern Indiana, despite the proposed increase in the GCLC coverage area.
Preparations continued for the Dec. 1 event, which is now posted for potential participants at the GCLC website.
Aimed at beginning copy catalogers and paraprofessionals, as well as non-cataloging staff who desire more information about the mysteries of their local integrated library system, the gathering will be led by our own membership, as indicated at the above address. Additional details include the following breakdown of the day’s proceedings (we are grateful for Anne’s input, and her knowledge of what works and doesn’t work!):
8:30-9:00 - Registration/Continental breakfast
Further discussion led us to decide to leave the concept of uniform titles for a later, more advanced authority control workshop. We continue to work on the premise that a sequence of GCLC offerings co-sponsored by the Catalogers’ Interest Group will look at increasing degrees of difficulty in cataloging, with plans for an intermediate look at authorities, a beginning workshop on serials cataloging, and ongoing monitoring of the implications and implementation of RDA and FRBR under consideration for future events.
Briefly mentioned at the meeting’s close was the possibility of the development of the usage of GCLC’s resources as a central host for a repository of shared information that may be useful for catalogers. We will continue to visit this topic as we evolve as a cataloging community.
Next meeting: Thursday, 26 January 2006, 1:30-4:00 pm, GCLC offices, Blue Ash
We will plan on reviewing the Dec. 1 event at that time; please submit potential agenda items to Aaron as they come up. Thanks for your participation!
Respectfully submitted, Aaron Smith