What is a Professional Cataloger?

Authors

  • Elizabeth J. Cox
  • Ann K. D. Myers

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5860/lrts.54n4.212

Abstract

This paper examines the roles of professional and paraprofessional catalogers as they are perceived within the cataloging community. A survey was sent to all catalogers in member libraries of the Association of Research Libraries. In presenting these results, the authors consider whether a difference still exists between professional and paraprofessional catalogers beyond the master of library and information science degree and, if so, the nature of any such difference. In the process, the authors also examine issues such as whether catalogers feel that their work is valued and how cataloging work is evaluated.

References

Joan M. Reitz, 'ODLIS: Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science, s.v. “paraprofessional,”' () (accessed June 4, 2009)nIbid., s.v. “cataloger,” http://lu.com/odlis/odlis_c.cfm#catalogernIbid., s.v. “paraprofessional,” http://lu.com/odlis/odlis_p.cfm#paraprofessionalnMarilyn Myers, '“Technical Services Report,”' Technical Services Quarterly 14 no. 2 (1996): 66-67nVicki Toy Smith, Bradford Lee Eden Ed., '“Staffing Trends in Academic Library Technical Services: A Qualitative Analysis,”' More Innovative Redesign and Reorganization of Library Technical Services (Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited 2009): 95-106nIbidnSheila S. Intner, Peggy Johnson, Fundamentals of Technical Services Management (Chicago: ALA 2008): 69-nJina Choi Wakimoto, Gina R. Hsiung, '“Blurring the Boundaries Between Professional and Para-Professional Catalogers at California State University, Northridge,”' Library Collections, Acquisitions, & Technical Services 24 no. 2 (2000): 179nIbidnKathleen L. Wells, '“Hard Times in Technical Services: How Do Academic Libraries Manage? A Survey,”' Technical Services Quarterly 21 no. 4 (2004): 17-30nRobert T. Ivey, '“Perceptions of the Future of Cataloging: Is the Sky Really Falling?”' Cataloging & Classification Quarterly 47 no. 5 (2009): 464-82nIbid., 467nDeborah A. Mohr, Anita Schuneman, '“Changing Roles: Original Cataloging by Paraprofessionals in ARL Libraries,”' Library Resources & Technical Services 41 no. 3 (1997): 214-16nMary Liu Kao, Introduction to Technical Services for Library Technicians (New York: Haworth 2001): 6-n '“U.S. Library Technician Programs,”' () (accessed Aug. 10, 2009)n '“State and Regional Library Certification Programs,”' () (accessed Aug. 10, 2009)n '“Library Support Staff Certification,”' () (accessed Aug. 26, 2010)nDonald L. Foster, Managing the Catalog Department (Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow 1987): 119-20nAnna M. Ferris, '“Tales from the Tenure Track: A Cataloger’s Ultimate Experience,”' () LIScareer.com, nClaire-Lise Benaud, '“The Academic Paraprofessional Cataloger: Underappreciated?”' Cataloging & Classification Quarterly 15 no. 3 (1992): 82-88nClaire-Lise Benaud, Sever Bordeianu, Mary Ellen Hanson, '“Cataloging Production Standards in Academic Libraries,”' Technical Services Quarterly 16 no. 3 (1999): 43-67nIbid., 52nJoan M. Leysen, Jeanne M. K. Boydston, '“Job Satisfaction among Academic Cataloger Librarians,”' College & Research Libraries 70 no. 3 (2009): 273-97nFor more information, see Southern Illinois University Library, “DIY Survey Generator,” Southern Illinois University Carbondale, http://lib.siu.edu/departments/iss/surveypanelnMohr and Schuneman, “Changing Roles: Original Cataloging by Paraprofessionals in ARL Libraries,” 211nBenaud, Bordeianu, and Hanson, “Cataloging Production Standards in Academic Libraries,” 46nFoster,

Managing the Catalog Department

, 125nKao,

Introduction to Technical Services for Library Technicians

, 6nCarol Goodson, The Complete Guide to Performance Standards for Library Personnel (New York: Neal-Schuman 1997): 90-n

Downloads

Published

2011-04-29

Issue

Section

Articles