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Evolution of Cataloging Procedures: Online Tools for Technical Services at University Libraries

Explore the journey from traditional paper manuals to dynamic online resources for cataloging procedures, emphasizing user-centered design and adaptability to evolving needs in Technical Services.

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Evolution of Cataloging Procedures: Online Tools for Technical Services at University Libraries

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  1. Online Tools… They’re for Catalogers Too! Presented by Christine Rigda Karen A. Plummer University of Akron, University Libraries ALAO Annual Conference 2002

  2. Introduction • Why are we here? • We’ve automated our catalog • We’ve automated our shelf list • So why are we relying on paper for our procedures manuals? • Let’s put the “technical” back in Technical Services!

  3. History – The Beginning • A history of poor documentation • Many unsuccessful efforts to put together a cataloging manual • Which memo? Which date? What IS the current version? • Are your handwritten notes more current than mine? • Procedures, policies, and project history lost with resignations, early retirements

  4. A New Beginning • Since 1998, three new faculty hired-- all very computer literate • Four paraprofessionals and one faculty member with over 10 years service EACH! • With no authoritative procedures manual, training new hires was difficult so we decided to start with a blank slate

  5. Objectives • To develop a comprehensive procedure manual for Cataloging • To produce the manual in an online environment for dynamic updating • To encourage cataloging faculty and staff to rely on the online resource rather than paper! • Future: To provide interactive materials for training

  6. Research • What are OUR needs? • What other Technical Services websites are out there? • What online tools are available for FREE? • What about those subscription tools? • User-centered web design

  7. First Attempt List of links by LOOSE categories Navigation difficult (relied on BACK button) Difficult to update Cluttered Pages not linked to supporting information Didn’t really have a plan!! Second Attempt Started with a PLAN!!! Navigation drop-down menus on every page Organized by topic Easier to update (menu stored separately from webpages) Not cluttered, lots of white-space Easier to read Contact info on each page Design

  8. Testing • Informal (Current) • Having people look it over and play with the navigation to provide feedback • Formal (Future) • Assigned tasks and questionnaire for feedback

  9. Conclusion • Procedures manuals should always be evolving! • As new technologies emerge and as our needs change, we CANNOT remain static! • In conclusion, resistance is futile! Technology is our friend!

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