Ok, I know some of you folks are yawning as I thought I would when beginning to read the NetConnect article called “In Search of a New Model”, but hold on, todays catalog is undergoing a transformation. We are all familiar with the current standards of cataloging using MARC, OCLC, etc. Robert Walven reflects on the current cataloging model is not meeting todays needs and looking for new model(s).Some of the issues presented in the article are:

  • Current codes from MARC, OCLC, etc are not working with the diverse materials collected
  • Outsourcing cataloging has forced libraries to accept a reduced level of cataloging to provide materials more quickly to our users.
  • OPACs, periodical databases and other full-text searching tools have conflicting search methods - a very serious problem for our users!

Take a look here for this rather long article — it is worth reading!