Original Cataloging (September 1998) Terms of Reference for Catalog Librarians in Central Technical Services Scope This document applies to catalog librarians in CTS Mediation Services. It does not apply to Band E catalogers. Catalog librarians' duties encompass the following: Cataloging Catalog librarians are responsible for providing optimal intellectual access to the library's collections, within the confines of available resources, in fulfillment of present and anticipated library user needs. What to catalog, how, and when is ultimately the catalog librarian's decision; and a major part of making optimal cataloging decisions is knowing how to ration the scarce resource of time to achieve the greatest access potential for current and future users. Normally, a catalog librarian is assigned a subject or language area, with the intent of providing bibliographic control for materials for which cataloging copy from another library is not available. Based on changing priorities and workflow demands, he or she may be called upon to assume a share of CTS' responsibility for other materials. Catalog librarians work effectively and efficiently in a variety of print, non-print, and electronic formats. Besides subject and language expertise, they have a firm grasp of the basis for organizing library materials in accordance with national standards, CUL/CTS policies and practices, and current best practices (e.g., BIBCO, CONSER, NACO, SACO) in the profession. An awareness of how bibliographic records interact with the components of an LMS is expected, together with an understanding of how cataloging practices affect the public catalog. A catalog librarian's job requires that he or she keep abreast, and contribute as appropriate to, current developments in technical services and bibliographic standards, as well as maintaining familiarity with new and emerging technologies as they apply to bibliographic control. To deliver outstanding service, catalog librarians need a general acquaintance with the collections, with the selection policies of the bibliographers who work in their areas of expertise, with selection criteria, and with the needs of users of the materials they catalog. This is necessary to make informed cataloging decisions and set appropriate priorities for what should be cataloged when, at what level. Catalog librarians should acquire this knowledge through outreach and regular communications with the relevant public services and collection development staff. Liaison may be fostered through a variety of contacts, both formal and informal, and should result in familiarity with users' academic interests and the goals and strategies, both long term and short term, of the collection development and public services staff, for meeting those needs. Cataloging Operations, Procedures, Projects, Etc. Because catalog librarians substantially influence the present and future usefulness of the collection, and ultimately the knowledge that can be gained by present and future scholars and students, they should be prepared to take an active role in CUL, in the university, and in the profession. In the CUL context, they are expected to be a source of information for less experienced colleagues, participate in campus wide bibliographic control activities, and identify problems and suggest practicable options for their solutions. Further, they are expected to be active participants in the achievement of CUL priorities to organize the collection for effective use and to integrate traditional and digital resources and services. Meeting these expectations could take the form of training of others, managing projects, writing or updating cataloging procedures or specifications, planning or implementing new procedures, evaluating work flows, serving on teams or task forces, conducting investigations related to bibliographic control activities (e.g., retrospective conversion), and other activities. Catalog librarians are expected to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within CTS and throughout CUL and the University, assume an appropriate share of the work of CUL committees, and bring operational concerns to the attention of their manager within Mediation Services. Cataloging and the CUL Tactical Plan Elements of the CUL tactical plan which may apply to the work of catalog librarians include, but are not limited to, the goals to increase knowledge of CUL user needs and perspectives; to provide for the maintenance of the Library Gateway; to select and implement a new LMS; to insure access to electronic resources; to enhance access to the collections through innovative means; to improve access to microforms; to initiate the remainder of retrospective conversion; to increase cooperative cataloging programs; to enable effective communication among CUL functions and units; to strive for greater collaboration across CUL services; to train or take advantage of training opportunities; to participate in professional activities; to participate in the review of operations; and to be visibly involved in the intellectual life of the campus and the profession. Catalog librarians participate in accomplishing elements of the CUL tactical plan as they are assigned, as opportunities arise, or as their individual interests dictate. The precise mix of activities and tasks may vary widely among catalog librarians, depending on workload, timing, organizational needs, personal preferences, and other factors. Reporting Catalog librarians are expected to keep the appropriate Mediation Services manager up to date on their activities. This is accomplished through formal and informal meetings and e-mail as well as through the preparation of an annual report, in January, as specified in "Evaluation of Catalog Librarians in Central Technical Services." The Evaluation of Catalog Librarians in Central Technical Services Once a year, in December or January, original catalogers in CTS have an opportunity to review formally their performance during the previous year. The evaluation process includes the preparation by each original cataloger of a report of his or her activities during the preceding twelve months. This report forms the basis for a meeting with, and the preparation of a written evaluation report by, your manager in CTS Mediation Services. THE ACTIVITY REPORT The activity report is an important document. It comprises four parts: 1. Operational activities. In this section the cataloger discusses the following: Use of time during the previous year, major accomplishments, specific goals achieved, notable mistakes, and steps taken to prevent their recurrence. The terms of reference issued to each cataloger form the basis for this section and the cataloger may suggest appropriate adjustments to them that derive from his or her experience of the previous year. 2. Professional activities. This section includes professional activities (associations, conferences, publications) engaged in by the cataloger during the past year. It includes a assessment of the value of these activities in relation to the amount of time invested in them. 3. Subjective statement. Here the cataloger discusses his or her wishes for the current position and activities, both for Cornell and him or herself, why the cataloger is doing this work, and whether he or she achieves desired results and, if not, why not? 4. Goals. In this section the cataloger lists specific goals for the current year, making sure that the goals are measurable, in the sense that it will be possible to determine with some objectivity whether they have been achieved or not. This report is read by your manager, the Head of Mediation Services, the Director of Central Technical Services, and the Deputy University Librarian. Both it and the appraisal written by your manager are added to the individual's personnel file. ksc, 9/22/98, last updated 5/21/04 | |