POLICY STATEMENT

The PSU Central Library’s Cataloging Unit is responsible for creating and maintaining the library bibliographic records (database) with accuracy and easy access for library materials in various formats according to current international cataloging and classification standards.

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

The cataloging process is performed at libraries to create metadata of information resources. It is a combination of actions needed to develop, manage and maintain a catalogue of bibliographic records of library holdings. The catalogue, a database of books, journals, reports, thesis and other items is created, maintained and updated regularly following relevant standards and guidelines as the standardized cataloging and classification activities at Central Library provide a foundation to easy access and retrieval of library holdings.

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework to maintain a uniform standard of cataloging and classification at Central Library. The policy applies and governs the cataloging and classification practices at the Central Library.

PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY

• The Cataloging units at the CL-MC and CL-CW follow with international cataloging standards, including emerging standards and processes for bibliographic and authority records: AACR2, RDA, LC, MARC, and OCLC’s formats and rules.
• The cataloging staff at PSU Central Library review cataloging policies and procedures on a regular basis.
• The staff catalog library materials quickly and accurately and perform original and copy cataloging of library items in all formats.
• The staff maintain quality control of records (bibliographic and authority control) in the database for users to access and use library materials.

DEFINITIONS

Cataloging: In libraries, cataloging is a patron to enter the data correctly for easy and quick retrieval of the required material.

Original Cataloging: Original cataloging represents the preparation of bibliographic records from scratch, without aid, help, or a pre-existing catalog record from OCLC. It is somewhat time overwhelming and requires working knowledge of library standards and tools like AACR 2nd rev. ed., MARC, RDA, DDC, and LCSH.

Copy Cataloging: creation of bibliographic records based on the exiting titles retrieved from the sources of authority such as OCLC, Library of Congress, AU and the PSU database

Classification: a system of coding and organizing the library materials according to their class, subjects, and topics and allocating a unique call number for easy and quick access

RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

The cataloging units at CL-MC and CL-CW are responsible for creating, and updating cataloging policy.

The policy will be shared cataloging librarians at both the campuses

The policy will be translated into Arabic for easy understanding of library staff.

PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING POLICY VIOLATION

Cataloging and classification are considered very important tasks at libraries. It requires consistent adherence to cataloging rules. In cases of violations of rules and policy, data should be corrected as soon as possible with the consent of Library directors.

REFERENCES