Open AccessWhat Makes an Effective Cataloging Course? A Study of the Factors that Promote Learning
Author(s) -
Karen Snow,
Gretchen L. Hoffman
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
library resources and technical services
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.342
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 2159-9610
pISSN - 0024-2527
DOI - 10.5860/lrts.59n4.187
Subject(s) - cataloging , context (archaeology) , computer science , course (navigation) , resource description and access , world wide web , library catalog , library science , engineering , paleontology , biology , aerospace engineering
This paper presents the results of a research study, a survey of library and information science master’s degree holders who have taken a beginning cataloging course, to identify the elements of a beginning cataloging course that help students to learn cataloging concepts and skills. The results suggest that cataloging practice (the hands-on creation of bibliographic records or catalog cards), the effectiveness of the instructor, a balance of theory and practice, and placing cataloging in a real-world context contribute to effective learning. However, more research is needed to determine how, and to what the extent, each element should be incorporated into beginning cataloging courses.