ILS 506   Information Analysis and Organization

Course Description:  Analysis and description of library collections in various types; creating bibliographic

records and databases. Shared cataloging and universal bibliographic control. National
standards for cataloging, classification systems, authority files, MARC and metadata.

Course Objectives:   Student will: 

• Understand the fundamental principles of descriptive cataloging and the importance of description in the provision of information services.


• Understand the importance of subject analysis and classification in information retrieval, both in manual and in electronic environments.


• Apply international standards to create and modify MARC bibliographic records.


• Organize library materials using well-recognized conventions.

       
     The organization of recorded knowledge and information was the focus of ILS 506.  The majority of time spent in class focused on the principles of descriptive and subject cataloging  with a primary goal of creating an accurate and complete MARC record according to accepted conventions (core competency 3A).  Two major independent research projects focused on catalog construction and on the dilemma presented before catalogers of cataloging the information resources on the world wide web.  For my catalog construction assignment,  I compared three online public access catalogs of major academic institutions.  Each was evaluated on its ability to provide critical search functions: to search along multiple dimensions; to search simultaneously; and,  to redefine or narrow the search expeditiously.  The analysis evaluated the differences in value-added services of each online catalog and its organization, supporting core competency 3B.  One of the greatest value-added functions for library patrons was identified as the ability to link physical and electronic information resources within the context of the library online catalog.  

     My cumulative project,   cataloging the internet, was presented as a research paper and as a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation in front of the class.  Cataloging the Internet required an extensive global investigation of classification systems which could be applied to the non-systematic structure of the world wide web.  An examination of ways in which traditional classification tools:   taxonomies, thesauri, metadata, controlled and entry vocabularies and authority control could be used in the classification of online resources was presented (core competency 3C).  While the research identifies new technical infrastructures which can integrate and coordinate the application of these tools within online retrieval systems, the resulting systematic overlays will  face many issues of interoperability and expend a tremendous amount of human effort.