[DCRM-L] Non-LC classification

[Mike Garabedian]

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the posts in this thread resonate with several of
the issues that have characterized discussions about the reformation of
library cataloging rules in recent years, many of which start from the
premise that it's been a long time since the catalog could be regarded as a
mere library inventory, and since headings were the only points of access
available to users.  Seasoned researchers certainly know the LC call numbers
associated with their disciplines, and I don't know for sure, but I suspect
that call numbers are routinely used as access points (and/or as Jen points
out, to browse within a catalog).  So I wonder, along with Ryan, if you
envision retaining LC numbers even as you impose a new classification
schema.

Yours,
Mike G.

On Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 8:56 AM, Robert Maxwell <robert_maxwell at byu.edu>
wrote:
> I’d just like to point out that patrons aren’t the only ones who browse
> through the collection by call number. Our catalogers and curators
routinely
> browse the collection, both physically and online in the catalog,
> particularly for things like collection assessment, or pulling like items
> for presentations and classes.
>
>
>
> Bob
>
>
>
> Robert L. Maxwell
>
> Special Collections and Ancient Languages Catalog Librarian
>
> Genre/Form Authorities Librarian
>
> 6728 Harold B. Lee Library
>
> Brigham Young University
>
> Provo, UT 84602
>
> (801)422-5568
>
>
>
> From: dcrm-l-bounces at lib.byu.edu [mailto:dcrm-l-bounces at lib.byu.edu] On
> Behalf Of Ann Myers
> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 7:33 AM
> To: DCRM Revision Group List
> Subject: Re: [DCRM-L] Non-LC classification
>
>
>
> David,
>
>
>
> We have moved away from LC Classification in the last year. Books are now
> cataloged and shelved according to a simple numeric system. The primary
> consideration for us was lack of space in our rare book shelving area –
the
> numeric system means we don’t have to leave space in the middle for
possible
> interfiling. We’ve also seen the advantages of faster cataloging and a
> simpler training process for anyone doing shelving or working with the
> catalog records. The only potential downside that anyone has raised is
that
> patrons will no longer be able to browse through the catalog by call
number,
> but I am not convinced that many people had previously been doing that,
and
> there are subject headings and collection names in the records to help
bring
> like things together in the catalog. The advantages of this system have
far
> outweighed any possible disadvantages.
>
>
>
> I’d be happy to share more details about how we implemented the change, so
> feel free to contact me with more questions if you have them.
>
>
>
> --Ann
>
>
>
> Ann Myers
>
> Special Collections Cataloger
>
> Morris Library Mail Code 6632
>
> Southern Illinois University Carbondale
>
> 605 Agriculture Drive
>
> Carbondale, IL 62901
>
> 618-453-1499
>
> amyers at lib.siu.edu
>
> From: dcrm-l-bounces at lib.byu.edu [mailto:dcrm-l-bounces at lib.byu.edu] On
> Behalf Of Faulds, David
> Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 9:58 PM
> To: dcrm-l at lib.byu.edu
> Subject: [DCRM-L] Non-LC classification
>
>
>
> Dear list,
>
>
>
> I’m wondering what advice other list members might have about moving away
> from an LC classification system to some form of alphanumeric system. The
> pros seem to outweigh the cons with faster cataloging, more efficient
> shelving and more accurate reshelving verses the loss of browsing.
>
>
>
> So, what are the list’s thoughts on making this change? Has anyone
> considered it and decided against it? All comments would be appreciated.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
> David.
>
>
>
> David Faulds, Rare Book Librarian
>
> Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library
>
> Emory University
>
> 540 Asbury Circle
>
> Atlanta, GA  30322-2870
>
> http://marbl.library.emory.edu
>
>
>
> dfaulds at emory.edu
>
> 404-712-2612
>
> 404-727-0360 (fax)
>
>
>
>
>
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