Reference and bibliographic apparatus of the municipal library (guidelines). Electronic Library of the State Public Scientific and Technical Library of Russia Card file of methodological solutions in the library sample
The breadth of topics, the variety of types of documents, as well as significant differences in readers' questions necessitate the creation and continuous improvement of the reference and bibliographic apparatus of libraries, the most important part of which is the system of library catalogs. A set of systematically organized, interconnected and complementary separate types of library catalogs is called a system of library catalogs.
Reference and bibliographic apparatus (SBA)- this is a set of traditional and electronic reference and bibliographic publications, library catalogs and card files used in servicing readers to find the information they need. It is the basis of all activities of the library, and the efficiency, completeness and accuracy of meeting the needs of readers depends on its rational organization.
library catalog- this is a list of bibliographic records of documents available in the fund of one or more libraries, revealing the composition or content of library funds. The catalog may be in card or machine-readable form, exist on microcarriers, or be in the form of a book edition. Library catalogs, like any information retrieval system, perform sign-communicative, information retrieval and pedagogical functions. The cataloguer is an interpreter of the information contained in the document, owning the methods of creating a library catalog, with the help of which remote communication is carried out between the author and the reader separated in space, and often in time. The information retrieval function is implemented in the process of searching for documents in response to a reader's request. Library catalogs perform and pedagogical function contributing to the intellectual and professional development of the reader's personality.
Service alphabetical catalog
Reader's alphabetical catalog
Systematic catalog
Local history catalog
Catalog of electronic dissertations of the RSL
Local history card index of articles
Systematic file of articles
Works of KBSU scientists
Card file of intra-university publications
Card index of rare editions
Card index of literature in foreign languages
KBSU dissertation file
E-book file
Card file of literature for temporary storage
Card file of teaching materials on librarianship
Card file Periodicals of the National Library of the KBR
Card index of Periodicals NB KBSU
Card file of programs and guidelines
Alphabetical catalog (AK)- this is a library catalog in which bibliographic records are arranged in alphabetical order of the names of individual authors, the names of collective authors or the titles of documents.
With the help of AK you can search by following types requests:
What reprints of this work are available in the funds;
In which publications did this or that person participate as a co-author, compiler, editor, translator, etc.;
What issues are included in a particular series;
Request for a book whose title is known to the reader;
A request for bibliographic clarification regarding certain elements of a bibliographic record, for example, in what year this edition was published, what is the place of publication, whether it was revised and supplemented, etc.;
How many copies of this publication are in the library and in which department.
AK can be service and reader.
Service AK is a link with all the catalogs of the library. The cards with the main bibliographic records indicate the full classification index, subject headings, information about additional records, the number of copies of this publication and their inventory numbers, and in which divisions they are located.
Service AK is intended for official use only.
The reader's AK contains bibliographic records of the latest editions or the best reprints of each document. On the card, as necessary, the stamp "There are other publications" is put. Along with the main bibliographic entries, the reader's catalog includes additional entries and auxiliary cards that expand the information retrieval functions of the AK.
In the absence of a service directory, the reader AK can perform the functions of the reader and service.
The organization of the AC includes the definition of its structure, the development of documentation and a set of processes for internal and external registration.
The organization of the AK is based on an alphabetical sign, in which bibliographic records are arranged in alphabetical order of the headings of individual and collective authors and the titles of documents.
Systematic catalog (SK)- this is a library catalog in which bibliographic records are arranged by branches of knowledge in accordance with a certain system of library and bibliographic classification. SC is understood as a system consisting of two subsystems: SC and an alphabetical index to it. SC is a real catalog that reflects the content of documents and is intended for searching by thematic queries. Under the conditions of the UK, it performs the functions of a reader and an office. SC- is used in library and information work to study the composition of the fund, its acquisition, in reference and bibliographic and information and bibliographic work, to organize exhibitions, mass events and promote literature.
Alphabetical and subject index (APU) to the SC- this is an auxiliary apparatus, which is an alphabetical list of subject headings that reveal the content of documents reflected in the SC with an indication of the relevant classifications.
Local history catalog- This is a library catalog that reflects documents of a local history nature. those. information about the district, city, region in which the library is located. The criteria for selecting documents is the value of the material about the economy, history, and culture of the region.
Local Lore Card Index of Articles (KKS)- reflects not only books and brochures, but also articles from magazines, collections, newspapers, and other documents, regardless of publication and readership. Documents reflected in other catalogs and file cabinets are reflected in the KKS again. KKS is organized on the basis of special LBC tables for local history catalogs and is supplied with APU. Behind each division of the catalog, bibliographic records of documents are arranged in reverse chronological order, which allows the reader to get acquainted first of all with new arrivals.
Systematic Card Index of Articles (SCS) is based on the analytical painting of periodicals and ongoing publications, collections, sections of monographs, manuals and manuals. In terms of the subject matter of the materials it reflects, it is universal, but its boundaries are chosen taking into account the economic and socio-cultural development of the region (district) served by the library and on the basis of a systematic study of the needs of readers. The structure of a file cabinet is similar to that of a systematic catalogue.
Works of KBSU scientists- reflects books and brochures, articles from magazines, collections, newspapers, other documents of the teaching staff of KBSU. The organization is based on an alphabetical sign, in which bibliographic records are arranged in alphabetical order by the names of the authors.
Card file of intra-university publications- includes materials published directly within the university. This study guides, guidelines, educational and methodical complexes, materials of the conference, abstracts of reports, collections of scientific papers, bulletins of the KBSU, etc. Bibliographic records are arranged in alphabetical order of the names of individual authors, names of collective authors or titles of documents. In addition, a reference card to the title of the publication is compiled. (For example: Sablirov M.Z. History - See: History of Russia / Compiled by Sablirov M.Z.)
Card index of rare editions- includes materials of rare and single copies, which are in the library fund. Bibliographic records are arranged in alphabetical order of the names of individual authors, names of collective authors or titles of documents.
Card file of literature in foreign languages - includes materials in English, German, French and other languages. Bibliographic records are arranged in alphabetical order of the language in which the publication was published, and within the language - by the names of individual authors, names of collective authors or titles of documents.
Card file of dissertations- includes dissertations from different universities.
Card index of KBSU dissertations- includes dissertations of the teaching staff of KBSU. The organization is based on an alphabetic feature, in which bibliographic records are arranged in alphabetical order of the authors' surnames.
Catalog of electronic dissertations of the RSL- reflects the dissertations of the RSL in the electronic version. Bibliographic records are arranged by branches of knowledge.
e-book catalog- includes books available in the electronic version. Bibliographic records are arranged by branches of knowledge inside alphabetically.
Card file of temporary storage literature - reflects the literature of temporary storage. This includes brochures that are less than 48 pages long and are not on the balance sheet. Bibliographic records are arranged in alphabetical order by the names of authors or titles of documents.
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A distinction is made between pre-coordinate indexing, in which links between indexing terms are established in advance, during the development of the corresponding ISL, and post-coordinate indexing, in which links between indexing terms are established during the indexing process.
Indexing methodology - a set of principles and rules applied in the indexing process. The general methodology covers principles and rules of a general nature, a particular indexing methodology covers the principles and rules applicable to a particular branch of knowledge or certain types of documents. An indexing technique can be customized if it takes into account the special needs of a particular organization, library system, and so on. In practical refraction, the methodology of certain types of indexing - objectization, systematization, coordinate indexing - has certain specific features.
4.2 Subjectization of documents. General methodology for subjecting.
The natural language, being transformed into a subject-based ILP, is formalized, cleared, and, if possible, synonymous ambiguity is eliminated in it. The indexing term is a subject heading (PR) - a brief formulation of a topic (fact, event, aspect) in natural language, designed according to the rules of a certain subject IPL. OL consists of lexical units (LE) - designations of a separate concept accepted in a given ILP and indivisible in this function. LEs can be words accepted in the natural language, set phrases, abbreviations, symbols, dates, generally accepted abbreviations, lexically significant components of compound words.
The leading (first, initial) word PR performs complexing functions. With the help of inversion, the leading word is replaced by the word that carries the maximum semantic value.
Depending on the degree of completeness of the expression of the scope of the concept of the subject of the document, there are adequate PRs (the scope of the concept of the PR exactly corresponds to the scope of the concept of the subject of the document) and generalizing PRs (the scope of the concept is significantly wider than the scope of the concept of the subject of the document).
A PR consisting of one lexical unit is called a simple PR, of several LEs - a complex PR. Complex PRs can be polynomial and descriptive. In a polynomial PR, the first element (called the PR header) is separated from subsequent ones by a separating character (link pointer). The second and each subsequent element of the polynomial PR, separated from the others by a separating sign, is called the PR subheading. The subheadings of the PR, depending on the content, can be thematic, geographical, chronological and formal, and depending on the degree of generality and scope of application, general and specific. A descriptive PR is a single phrase - a combination of LE, most often separated from each other by prepositions and conjunctions. Combined PR - such a polynomial PR, the elements of which are built as descriptive PR.
The leading word of the PR determines its location in the PC and combines the PR into a PR complex - a set of thematically combined PRs. There is a narrow set of PRs, in which PRs about one subject are collected in one place in the catalog, dictionary, index, and a wide complex of PRs, in which PRs are collected about many thematically interrelated subjects located in different places of the catalog, dictionary, index and combined with using the reference apparatus.
Subjectization consists of successive interrelated processes.
The subject specialist, by direct acquaintance with the document, analyzes its content and identifies, selects the semantic components in the content of the document, highlighting the components that reflect the subject (subjects) and the aspect (s) of its consideration. The selected semantic components are formulated. In the process of analysis, the subject examiner uses a reference apparatus, if necessary, he can get advice from experts - specialists (on a narrow issue related to the content of the document, or on the language of the text of the document). Then the subject specialist formulates a subject decision expressed by one or more PR. In the process of designing a PR, the subject and aspects of its consideration are indicated with the degree of adequacy necessary and sufficient for the PC of this library. If there is no necessary PR in the dictionary (list) of PR, a decision is made to include a new PR in the dictionary (list), at the same time changes are made to other reference and methodological documents.
4.3 Systematization of documents. General method of systematization.
Classification IPYA is presented in the form of classification tables (or classification tables) - a material representation of a particular CS.
The tables reflect the structure, content, indexing of any CS at the stage of its development, determined by the year the tables were published. Usually presented in the form of a book edition, they can be in card or machine readable form (for example, in the form of a “Knowledge Base” as part of the EC), on microcarriers.
Depending on the coverage of industries, knowledge classification tables can be divided into universal and sectoral. Universal - classification tables for all branches of knowledge, are published, as a rule, in versions of varying degrees of detail (full, medium, abbreviated) and purpose (for scientific, regional, public, children's and school libraries). Industry classification tables include a full version of tables for the relevant field of knowledge and a reduced selection from tables for related industries, are developed on the basis of universal tables, their purpose and sample size are determined by the objectives of the publication. The publication of fragments of universal tables for individual industries (for example, in the form of a multi-volume edition) should be distinguished from industry tables.
Expanded classification tables, as a rule, the most complete in terms of volume, include combined (complex and composite) classification indices, reflecting the most important, from the point of view of the compilers, the most used, as well as controversial and complex classification concepts. The working tables of the classification reflect the features of the structure and the degree of detail of a certain SC and (or) the systematic arrangement of a particular collection, a network of libraries.
As a rule, classification tables consist of three main parts: main tables, including classification divisions, which together exhaust the subject area, auxiliary tables, including classification divisions, which are used mainly to detail the classes of the main tables, AAP. They may also include detailed guidelines and various kinds of applications.
Classification division (classification record) - a set of elements representing the CS class in the classification tables and consisting of a class code denoting the class by means of indexing, the name of the classification division (class description) in natural language and methodological instructions (disclosure of the content of the division, links “see .” and “see also”, etc.).
The methodological apparatus in the classification tables can be presented in the form of guidelines directly in the text of the main and auxiliary tables, as well as in the form of components of the publication (introductions or appendices). Methodical instructions can be intended for both the librarian and the reader (in this case they are transferred to dividing cards) or perform only service functions, for example, recommend to the systematizer certain ways of further detailing, combining or attaching indices, etc. Often the reference apparatus also performs methodological functions. "See" links direct the search, "see also" links link related divisions that are adjacent in nature.
The methodological apparatus, which is independently placed in the tables, is intended for mastering the method of systematization, studying the tables, and can be used for reference in the process of work. Text in main tables can be linked with "see." with the relevant paragraphs of the methodological introduction or application.
Upon direct acquaintance with the document, an analysis of its content is carried out, semantic components in the content of the document are identified and selected, components reflecting the subject (subjects) and aspect (s) of its consideration are distinguished. The selected semantic components are formulated in the form of a preliminary classification decision in an arbitrary verbal form. The systematizer is guided by the data of its own analysis of the content of the document and cannot be limited to the information placed on the title page or back, including the publisher's annotation.
The preliminary decision in verbal form is translated according to the classification tables into the language of classification indices, while using the methodological apparatus (manuals, recommendations, card file of methodological solutions), SC and APU to SC. The multiple reflection technique is applied in accordance with the guidelines ( general rule: no more than three indices can be defined for one document by its content, if it is impossible to give a general index - one step higher).
There are simple, combined, complex and composite classification indices. A simple index contains one class code (classification designation) without combination with other indices. A combined index is formed from two or more indices and can be complex (combination of indices of the main classification table with indices of auxiliary classification tables) or composite (consists of two or more simple or complex indices).
The catalog card indicates the full (consisting of the main and one or more additional), catalog and shelf indices. The full index (placed on the main cards AK and SK) indicates all divisions of the catalog in which this document is reflected. The main index is the first of those included in the full index in case of multiple reflection, indicating the division of the IC in which this document is reflected in accordance with its main content. Additional index - the second and each subsequent of the classification indexes that are part of the full index. Indicates divisions of the UK, in which this document is reflected additionally. An additional index can be an analytical index that reflects the content of any part of the systematization object (for example, an introductory article or a bibliographic appendix in a single volume, a separate volume in a multi-volume edition). The catalog index indicates the SK division in which this catalog card should be placed. The shelf index indicates the location of the document in the systematic arrangement of the fund (in this case, it is included in the document storage cipher). Indexes are placed in the BR in accordance with their purpose: the full index is at the end of the BR on the right side, the catalog index is at the full level on the left side (under the date the document was processed), the shelf index is part of the cipher and occupies the first line of the BR on the left side (when KB is entered into the EC, the locations of the full and shelf indexes are preserved).
Indexes of centralized systematization can be supplemented, refined and, if necessary, changed. On the basis of the decision made, the PR of the APU to the UK is drawn up and drawn up. The classification decision is recorded in the KB of the document (on catalog cards or in machine readable form) with simultaneous, if necessary, registration of the APU and SCC records. The adopted methodological decisions are recorded. The final process is editing, during which the correctness of the analysis of the document is checked, the correspondence of the selected semantic components to its content, the depth, accuracy and multidimensionality of the classification solution, its compliance with the systematization methodology adopted in the library, the technique for designing the solution (correctness of all elements of the classification index) are assessed.
4.4 Compilation and maintenance of an alphabetical subject index APU - an auxiliary apparatus for the SC, which is an alphabetical list of PRs that reveal the contents of the documents reflected in the catalog with an indication of the corresponding classification indices. APU performs the functions of a “subject entry” into the search array of the SC and ensures the completeness and multifaceted nature of the search. In domestic theory and practice, the understanding of the SK-APU system as a single apparatus, an element of a system of catalogs and file cabinets, has been established.
Abroad, similar functions are more often performed by a PC.
APU in libraries began to be organized after a similar index appeared in the appendix to the classification tables. The forerunners of the card APU were indexes in the printed catalogs of libraries. Sometimes an index was printed here, placed in the tables of classification - such an index answered only questions of a generalizing nature, without revealing the contents of the book fund. In accordance with the requirements of the current standards, the LPA should reflect the content of the real library fund and literature on new topics that have not yet found a place in the CS, provide a multidimensional search, for example, the completeness of searches for personalities in the event that the person's surname is not in the BR.
Drawing up a PR APU is one of the mandatory systematization processes (GOST 7.59-90). The most effective is the use of the chain method proposed by S. R. Ranganathan, in which a sequential series (chain) of interrelated PRs is compiled in accordance with the structure of the classification tables. Based on the principles of categorical analysis, a methodology for editing APU for individual categories has been developed.
Most libraries organize a single index to the SC and systematic file cabinets. The obligatory auxiliary device to the APU is the CCM, in which the PR of the APU is fixed, organized in a systematic order of their classification indices.
Studies show that about a quarter of the readers in a mass library use the AMS, and this figure depends on the completeness of the book stock in the index: the effectiveness of the AMS depends on the satisfaction of the reader with the results of the search. More often, a reader of a mass library conducts a search from the general to the particular, using the external and internal design of the SC. On the contrary, in scientific libraries up to 80% of readers turn to the APU, a smaller part works directly with the catalog, believing that in this case it is possible to obtain comprehensive information. The optimal and most effective is the combination of two search methods - logical and verbal, using APU.
The functions of the APU are fully implemented in the EC. If the system provides a subject search and a search for any element of the knowledge base, the search for APU directs to the classification division in which all information on the subject of the request is collected.
Drawing up a PR APU to the SC is one of the systematization processes.
A feature of compiling a PR for APU (in contrast to the subjectization process for PC) is the active use of the vocabulary of classification tables and the hierarchical construction of indices. The chain method proposed by S. R. Ranganathan assumes that the APU is replenished by including PR on all successively subordinate concepts (links of the classification chain from the highest to the lower concept).
Simultaneously with the accumulation of an array of APU cards, it becomes necessary to constantly edit it, in the process of which consolidated PRs are formed, the wording of uniform PRs is clarified, and technical editing is carried out.
The current editing of a methodically well-built AAP should be distinguished from the editing of an AAP, the principles of maintaining and the scope of the content of which are unknown (or it is known that the AAP to the SC was built by duplicating the AAP available in the classification tables). In this case, frontal editing is necessary, which is carried out according to plan. APU cards at the first stage act as CCM cards. A complete reconciliation of the PR is carried out for each division of the IC. Decisions are made on the introduction of new PRs (the chain method saves time). Then CCM and APU cards are issued.
4.5 Coordinate indexing In coordinate indexing, the semantic content of a document and/or query is multidimensionally expressed by a set of keywords or descriptors. The corresponding IEL is called the descriptor IEL.
A keyword is an informative word or phrase in a natural language, selected from the text of a document and reduced to a standard lexico-graphical form. Descriptor - LU, expressed by an informative word (verbally, in natural language) or code, and which is the name of a class of synonymous or similar keywords. LEs that cannot be used for coordinate indexing and must be replaced by one or more descriptors are called ascriptors.
The paradigmatic relationships between keywords and descriptors are carefully analyzed. These include two groups of relations: (1) logical relations - equivalence or synonymy, subordination, crossing, subordination, opposites, and (2) associative relations - system element, whole-part, cause-effect, condition-conditionality, object-function subject, subject-sign of the subject, theory (science) - the object of its study, etc.
Paradigmatic relationships are established between descriptors.
The superordinate (generic or broad) descriptor designates either a generic concept or a whole in relation to the given descriptor denoting a part of this whole. A subordinate (specific or narrow) descriptor designates either a specific concept or a part in relation to the concept represented by the superior descriptor. An associative descriptor is a descriptor associated with another semantic relationship (the nature of which is not specified).
The normative vocabulary of the descriptor ILP with the paradigmatic relations fixed in it is called the information retrieval thesaurus (IPT). A thesaurus element is a thesaurus entry consisting of a descriptor, an ascriptor, and all information related to it. A thesaurus entry may contain a lexical note (a brief explanation clarifying the meaning of the descriptor) and a descriptor code used to represent equivalent descriptors and their synonyms.
The IPT can be represented as a lexico-semantic index of the main, obligatory part of the thesaurus, in which all descriptors and ascriptors are listed in a single alphabetical row, indicating paradigmatic relations, references and connections. The list of descriptors and ascriptors (without apparatus) is called a descriptor dictionary. The lexico-semantic index of the IPT is supplemented by one or more auxiliary parts. In the systematic index of the thesaurus, the list of LUs is built in accordance with the accepted classification system for the concepts of the corresponding subject area. The hierarchical index (otherwise known as the hierarchical relationship index) contains a list of descriptors top level hierarchies, and then for each, the subordinate descriptors are shown in descending order of generality. The graphical index represents a set of semantic schemes or maps: in graphical form, arrows or lines show paradigmatic relationships between descriptors. In the permutational index in the column in alphabetical order all individual words are indicated - components of the phrases in which they are included. The lines contain all phrases (text fragments) with this word. Thus, the permutation pointer provides a search for descriptors-phrases by any word that is part of them.
IPTs can be designed to process documents and requests in one language or several natural languages, monolingual and multilingual, in terms of completeness of coverage of subject areas - specialized (monothematic) or polythematic, universal. The creation of a sufficiently high-quality universal thesaurus is a task of exceptional labor intensity, the solution of which is probably possible only under the condition of many years of work by a large creative team of specialists equipped with powerful computer technology. Branch (monothematic) thesauri are being developed in our country and abroad. Many international organizations have produced multilingual polyglot thesauri.
Chapter 5. Document processing and cataloging 5.1 General Technology processing documents and working with directories.
5.2 Features of technology in the conditions of transition to automated processing. 5.3 Centralized, cooperative and coordinated cataloging. 5.4 Organization and maintenance of catalogs in card form. 5.5 Editing catalogs 5.1 General technology of processing documents and working with catalogs The technological process of processing documents begins with the reconciliation of the batch of documents received for processing with the service AK. If there is a KB in the catalog for this edition, a cipher or inventory number is assigned, the systematizer checks the correctness of the previously determined classification index (in accordance with the principle: all editions of the same name must be reflected in the SC in the same division), after which the cataloging process is performed without indexing. In reader's catalogs, the card is stamped "The library has other publications". In the absence of information about the publication in the catalog, cataloging is carried out in in full with indexing, subsequent replication of cards for all catalogs of the system. Automated technology assumes, as a rule, a one-time and one-time entry of a KB by one library employee who performs the formation of a KB in full, including indexing.
Library processing proceeds according to a well-known technological scheme.
For systematization and subjectization, it is regulated by GOST 7.59-90, for coordinate indexing - GOST 7.66-92. The process of compiling a BO is not regulated in the standards, but in normative documents its characteristics are given (see, for example, Rules for compiling a bibliographic description. Part 1: Books and serial publications. - M .: Kniga, 1986. - P. 9).
There are individual and group processing of documents. In case of individual processing, each document (title - for bibliographic processing, copy - for technical processing) is processed separately.
First of all, the question of choosing the method of presenting the document in the catalog is decided - with the help of the main KB, it can be reflected under the title or under the title. BO is issued. The KB is supplemented with a heading, information about additional KBs. The indexing of the document is carried out, the indexing terms are introduced into the KB. A card is being drawn up for APU. The registration of the KB is completed by setting the cipher for storing the document. At the final stage, all elements of the knowledge base are edited. The "issuing" editor puts down on the cards (bottom left) the date of completion of processing.
Significant savings in time and labor are provided by group processing - a method of library processing, in which documents that are homogeneous in content or related in appearance or other characteristics (for example, learning programs, instructions, train schedules) are combined into a group. Group processing includes summary accounting, technical processing, systematization and combination of documents into groups, compilation of knowledge base. On the cards of the catalog, materials of group processing are reflected not individually, but by the corresponding groups.
The general technology of working with catalogs involves the following successive processes: during the primary organization of the catalog - the creation of documentation, the initial formation of cards, the design of the catalog (internal and external), the placement of cards;
in the case of maintaining (maintaining) a previously organized catalog - arrangement of cards, if necessary - internal and external design, current processes (corrections, changes, withdrawal and replacement of cards, sliding drawers and cabinets of the catalog, etc.), current technical editing. Editing, in which other tasks are set, is carried out in a planned manner.
The complex of works with catalogs conditionally includes processes related to servicing (advising) readers at catalogs.
5.2 Features of technology in the context of the transition to automated processing To the greatest extent, the processes of technical and technological revolution that libraries are experiencing in the modern era affect the sphere of cataloging and processing. The active promotion of computerization in the vast majority of libraries began with EC. The birth of a product that is completely new for a traditional library takes place in most libraries without changing the existing technology, working conditions, or staff placement.
The problems arising in the process of transition from manual to automated technology are related to our tradition of differentiation of processing processes: in our country, as a rule, BO in libraries is carried out by some employees, indexing (systematization and subjectization) by others.
The transition to automated processing naturally leads to an understanding of the need to combine cataloging processes. Each workplace sooner or later it will be equipped with a terminal - the efficiency of using equipment will increase many times over if universal catalogers work on it. Of course, the time limits will increase. In world practice, it is accepted that a cataloger can process from 6 to 12 documents per working day, on average - one per hour.
The question of the functions of a universal cataloger is solved differently in small and large libraries. And today in small libraries (if the number of catalogers does not exceed 7-10 people) all employees are generalists, only some of them specialize in the processes of compiling BR (and often act as an editor), others are more involved in systematization and divide among themselves branches of knowledge by cycles of sciences ( natural Sciences, technical sciences, social and humanitarian sciences). It is rational to have such an order in which the members of the team can perform all cataloging processes, can, if necessary (long vacation, illness) replace each other. But this does not exclude the fulfillment of the duties of the person responsible for this or that catalogue, index. For example, specific employees should be responsible for the quality of external and internal design, uniform principles for the design of cards, the correct placement of them, the system of links and references in individual catalogs and APUs. The job of the production editor, checking the quality "at the exit" of the department, taking all responsibility and stamping the date of completion of processing, should be assigned to one or two of the most qualified, professionally trained employees. They also act as trainers (instructors, mentors) for new employees.
In a large library (with a few dozen employees), much depends on what problems the processing of a particular document will cause for the specialist to whom this document will be sent. We have to take into account the language of the document, the branch of knowledge. The cataloging object can be presented on mother tongue, in a foreign language owned by the cataloguer, in another language (here an expert should be involved in the processing). The object of cataloging can more or less coincide with the specialty of a cataloger by education, if his first education is not a library one. If it will be difficult to understand, then you have to invite an expert.
The transition to automated processing leads to major transformations in large libraries: divisions merge, the entire staff of catalogers is retrained. But as a result, an increase in the efficiency of processing documents is achieved, since intermediate operations are reduced, centralized dispatching and a single analysis of documents are introduced, the number of input errors is reduced, editing is carried out comprehensively and once throughout the processing. Experience shows that the intensity of work increases by 20-30%.
The technological model of document movement along the processing path can be represented schematically as follows.
1st stage: acceptance, control along the way of the document, sending. The employee accepts documents "at the entrance", takes them into account and enters a working form (form) into the computer, which will then accompany the document throughout the processing. The identification feature for displaying this form on the screen is the registration number of the document. Each employee, having completed work, enters two digital designations into the appropriate columns of the form: personal number (assigned after obtaining admission to independent work in the system) and the code of the operation performed. The computer automatically puts the date and time next to it according to the program. At any time, from any terminal, you can search for a document, since its movement along the processing path is automatically recorded in the form. After the processing is completed, the same block records documents "at the exit". The system provides the administrator with a daily summary of the number of documents received, being processed and sent, indicating specific registration numbers, if the processing time has reached a critical point.
Stage 2: preliminary analysis of documents. First, as is customary in all libraries, a check is made with the service alphabetical catalog. If there is no bibliographic record, it is searched in databases and electronic catalogs (naturally, for domestic and foreign documents, precise algorithms of actions must be developed in advance). Possible difficulties in document processing (language, branch of knowledge) are evaluated. In complex cases, the language is specified, the heading is formed, and the subject matter is determined in advance. Decisions are made on the expediency of inviting experts. All recommendations are reflected in the working form. Documents are sent to catalogers for complex processing, which ends with data entry into computer memory.
3rd stage: formation of a bibliographic record. The main team of catalogers performs a complex of processing processes (compilation of BR, systematization, subjectization, indexing with keywords, final formation of BR in the accepted format). The number of specialists is determined by the planned number of documents received for processing at the rate of up to 1500 documents per employee (5-6 documents per day, 250 working days per year). These functions will "load" 50% of the working time. The second part is planned for methodological work, advanced training, training of new employees, editing the catalog. Libraries are doing the right thing by involving these same professionals in their catalog service processes.
It would be ideal to provide each cataloger with a personal computer at his workplace. If such conditions are difficult to provide, it is necessary to create automated workplaces that function 8-12 hours a day in such a way that 2-3 specialists can work at each terminal during the day for 4 hours each. But in this case, each employee must also have a personal workplace. In the immediate vicinity there should be a well-formed working reference library, which should include universal and industry encyclopedias, reference books, dictionaries, atlases, tables of various classification systems, thesauri, rubricators and other manuals.
4th stage: methodical and technical editing of the bibliographic record. The work is carried out by the most qualified employees.
All detected miscalculations, methodological and technical errors in headings, BO, indexing terms are necessarily brought to the attention of the performers. A file of observations is maintained: difficult cases, permissible deviations from the norms and rules are taken into account. To ensure the uniformity of the decisions made, a file of methodological decisions is maintained.
Specially assigned employees form a dictionary of keywords, maintain lists of PR, edit the consolidated APU.
At the final stage, all the details are checked, the completeness of the information entered in the corresponding format fields. The issuing editor puts a date for the completion of processing and sends the information to the information array. From that moment on, it becomes available to CI users.
5th stage: statistical accounting. Based on the form received for each document, in which the personal numbers of employees and the codes of the operations performed by them are affixed, the computer issues statistics on the program for a variety of parameters, including names, languages, countries, individual specialists (and identified in their work errors). The cost of processing each document or group of documents can be calculated (by the personal number of the employee, the machine will determine the labor costs in rubles and kopecks).
5.3 Centralized, cooperative and coordinated cataloging
Corporate cataloging (carried out jointly by several institutions independently or by the body formed by them on contractual principles);
Cooperative cataloging (involves joint activities of several libraries or information centers on the basis of division of functions);
Coordinated cataloging (implies the joint activities of several libraries or information centers based on the distribution of cataloged arrays by prior agreement);
Centralized cataloging of documents (carried out in methodological centers or under their supervision for use in a network of libraries or information centers. The results of the CCD can be presented in the form of a printed catalog card or published in the publication of a document storage cipher and a layout of an annotated catalog card, a standard catalog or in machine-readable form).
The largest cooperative cataloging enterprise in the world today is OCLC - Online Computer Library Center, an automated library center of global importance with a center in the USA (Columbus, Dublin, Ohio), providing bibliographic products and information services online (direct access via telecommunication channels) or using CD-ROM libraries, library networks and systems in 76 countries of the world (hereinafter, all statistical data as of the end of 1999). Founded in 1967, the distribution of magnetic tapes with records in the MARC format began in 1968, and began working online in 1971. The consolidated automated catalog (WorldCat) contains more than 44 million records (755 million records).
storage ciphers) in 400 languages, chronologically covers the entire history of human civilization. The catalog is updated with 25,000 records weekly. The mailing volume of index cards for libraries exceeds 2 million per week. The IBA handles up to 60 million requests per year. The reference service system provides online access to information from the many databases purchased by OCLC (about a hundred). The Center conducts for libraries under the contract the whole range of works on retrospective conversion of catalogs.
The traditional form of the CCD is a printed card, printed in a typographical way and sent to libraries. Start of printing cards - January 1, 1901 (Library of Congress). In Russia, printed annotated catalog cards (ACC) for books by domestic publishers began to be issued from October 1, 1925 by the Central Cataloging Bureau (BCC), and from January 1, 1927 - by the RCP. ACC (approximately 4-5 thousand titles) were issued in sets by types of libraries and sent out twice a month. RCP cards were sent to subscribers daily. It was possible to subscribe to complete (up to 1000 titles) and abbreviated (11000 titles) sets, as well as to industry series included in complete set. Subscribers were also sent cards for articles from magazines and collections, articles from newspapers, abstracts of dissertations.
The card may be published directly in the publication (on the back of the title page or on the end page). This form of CDD is called a card layout. A variation of the CCD, in which the results of bibliographic processing (the layout and code of storing the document) are placed in the document during its publication, is cataloging in the publication (KVI). In foreign practice, CVI (Cataloging in publication, CIP) has become widespread in the form of publication on the back of the title page of cataloging data (for example, “Library of Congress Cataloging Data”) containing the heading, title, subject headings, classification indices, international standard numbers and other information to identify the publication.
CCD performs cataloging, information and methodological function. At the present stage of development of publishing activities, primarily due to the expansion of the geography of publishing houses, the emergence of operational printing and a significant increase in the number of publishing organizations (far from all of which comply with the Legal Deposit Law), the issue of cards for all libraries in the country in one center cannot satisfactorily perform all three functions. The implementation of the information function should provide prompt information about all out-of-print documents before they enter the libraries. The cataloging function (delivery of cards to the libraries in the required quantity for the entire catalog system) can only be provided at the local level, since libraries cannot know in advance how many cards will be needed to reflect a particular edition.
The methodological function is not implemented, since the RCP cards do not have a complete set of indexing terms necessary for all libraries in the country (if such a task were set, the cost of the card would increase many times, and its area would be occupied by information for librarians, and not for readers).
The way out of the crisis is to decentralize the production of circulation cards, to develop systems of local library automated systems that unite the networks of libraries in the region.
5.4 Organizing and maintaining catalogs in card form Organizing a library catalog includes determining the structure of the library catalog, initial formation of an array of catalog cards, internal and external design of the catalog.
The structure of the library catalog is determined by its typological features. At the heart of AC and PC is the arrangement of KB in alphabetical order, in SC the structure is determined by classification tables. When organizing a new catalog (its part, row), the cataloger first of all decides on the distribution of the card array into boxes. Then the pre-accumulated cards are grouped in such a way that you can start arranging them. As a rule, an array of cards intended for arrangement is organized on the desktop in the same order as that adopted in the catalog, after which work with the catalog is carried out. The arrangement of cards is carried out in a catalog pre-provided with separators.
Making a library catalog - equipping the catalog with visual information that ensures its effective use.
There are differences between the internal design of the catalog - the design of catalog separators, and the external design - the design of labels and numbering designations on catalog boxes, as well as information media placed directly on catalog cabinets. Separators contain search features that unite a number of knowledge bases (according to the names of authors, names of organizations, PR, classification indices, etc.). The shape of the separators are central and lateral (left- and right-handed). In AC, alphabetic, syllabic, author's (nominal), verbal, and biobibliographic separators are used; in SC, the shape and size of the protrusion reveal the logical structure of the catalogue, and the composition and sequence of information depend on the type of library and the volume of the catalogue.
The design of the EC has specifics associated with the placement on the display screen of information that is usually placed on separators.
The arrangement of catalog cards implies their orderly placement according to the principles and rules that correspond to the requirements of searching in a catalog of a given type. AK uses alphabetical arrangement of headings and titles with some peculiarities, when KBs that are identical in these elements are placed in chronological or somewhat systematized order (for example, in cases where an array of KBs is organized for the works of a certain person). In the NC and systematic card indexes, a reverse chronological arrangement of cards is adopted (according to the date of completion of document processing, which is affixed to the cards of all catalogs). This progressive way of arrangement replaced the alphabetical order common in the post-war period. In the reverse chronological arrangement of cards in the UK, new arrivals (regardless of language) lead the series of cards with the same catalog index. Therefore, the SC of new arrivals becomes redundant. The presence of the date (in the lower left corner of the front side of the card) allows the reader to find out when a particular document entered the library collection (the same date may also be on the back of the title page of the book). Multi-volume publications are arranged according to the date of completion of processing of the latest volume.
Maintaining a library catalog is maintaining a functioning catalog in a given mode: replenishing the catalog by arranging cards, making corrections and additions, replacing and restoring cards, finalizing the internal and external design.
Corresponding processes are typical for maintaining a machine-readable catalogue, first of all - EC.
5.5 Editing catalogs Editing a library catalog is to check the compliance of the structure, content and design of the catalog with the requirements for it and eliminate the shortcomings found during the check. Depending on the various features underlying the division, catalog editing can be planned or current, complete or selective, methodical or technical.
Technical editing involves correcting identified errors, replacing dilapidated cards, and eliminating blockages. As a rule, this kind of editing is not associated with the allocation of special time - it is carried out immediately in all cases of detection of a defect, for example, in the process of arranging cards.
Methodical editing involves the identification of certain violations in the catalog due to changes in the rules, corrections and additions to the classification tables, the replacement of some headings with others.
The current editing is carried out in the process of maintaining the catalog and is not reflected in the plan, time is not particularly allocated for it. The cost of current technical editing is included in the established time limit for arranging cards.
Scheduled editing is time consuming, so work is scheduled ahead of time. As a rule, methodical editing is planned.
Selective editing is related to a certain array of cards with which current work is being carried out or methodical editing is planned. Unlike selective editing, full catalog editing covers the catalog as a whole and is of course planned in advance.
Full planned methodical editing of the catalog in its tasks coincides with recatalogization - frontal processing of the catalog, usually associated with the replacement of catalog cards. An action corresponding to the tasks associated with a change in the applied CS is called re-systematization, and in the case of a change in the PR language, re-objectification.
Before carrying out scheduled editing in the library, a technological instruction is drawn up and a schedule is calculated, in which the amount of work, labor costs are agreed upon, terms and responsible persons are indicated.
Current editing is provided with a memo, the content of which lists the types of work, the technology of their implementation.
Chapter 6. System of catalogs and file cabinets 6.1 System of catalogs and file cabinets: basic concepts, requirements, functions. 6.2 Reflection of the library fund in the catalog system. 6.3 Features of the organization and maintenance of reader catalogs. 6.4 Features of the organization and maintenance of local history catalogs. 6.5 Features of the organization and maintenance of consolidated catalogs. 6.6 Features of the organization and maintenance of cards. 6.7 Features of organizing and maintaining indexes to catalogs and file cabinets 6.1 System of catalogs and file cabinets: basic concepts, requirements, functions according to certain rules of the BR for documents), regardless of their presence or absence in the collection of the library or information center), as well as auxiliary indexes containing information given according to certain rules, designed to organize the search for information in the system of catalogs and file cabinets.
The system of catalogs and file cabinets is built on the basis of the principles of scientificity, accessibility, planning and economy, it is expediently located in the library, provided with visual information, guides and memos. All readers of the library should have the opportunity to receive qualified consulting assistance, if necessary, training in methods for the effective use of the system of catalogs and file cabinets.
Duplication and parallelism are excluded in the system of catalogs and file cabinets, and each of the elements performs system (associated with a place in the system) functions. Within the framework of the system, uniform methodological solutions, uniform principles for the design and maintenance of catalogs are observed. Reducing the volume of mandatory information, the purpose of which is to disclose the composition and content of the funds with the greatest completeness and show all the relationships between catalogs and card files, is not allowed.
The formation of a system of catalogs and file cabinets is determined by the functions, significance and place of the library in the library system, the composition and structure of its funds, the reader service system and other factors. The system of catalogs and file cabinets should ensure the performance of all library functions, primarily those related to the collection and disclosure of funds in the interests of library readers.
The general system functions of the system of catalogs and file cabinets are educational and informational. The catalogs and file cabinets included in the system perform various functions associated with their search capabilities.
The minimum necessary elements of the catalog system that allow opening a library for readers are: reader's AK, reader's SK, service AK, thematic (on a number of topics) or universal systematic card index of articles (SCS). In the mass library, AK of periodicals are also obligatory. Within the framework of the Centralized Library System (CLS), the central library (CL) maintains central alphabetical and systematic catalogs for the system fund, as well as catalogs of musical publications, sound recordings and other types of documents (for example, electronic resources, if they are available in the fund).
In all libraries of the nationwide network, the local history SC is obligatory, which is the consolidated one in the central libraries of the region - SvKSK.
In libraries with a complex functional structure, catalogs are organized in subdivisions, for example, on a loan, in an exchange fund, in a rare books department, etc. In children's libraries (or in departments serving children in libraries for adults), a special system is formed catalogs, taking into account the age characteristics of the readership.
In accordance with the principle of a single card, all main cards (in service and reader AK, SK and other catalogs) are replicated from a common original and contain a complete classification index, date of completion of processing, ciphers for storing all copies of the document. A single card can be supplemented: in AK - with certificates of additional knowledge bases, in SK - with catalog indexes. Thus, a systemic connection between catalogs is realized: from SK to AK according to the KB title or title, from AK to SK - according to classification indices.
In the subdivisions of the library, the organization of catalogs is coordinated with the organization of collections. For example, a subscription department may not have catalogs for its own collection if the catalog hall is located in close proximity to the department, and the cards show the storage ciphers of the subscription department. If the subscription department is far from the catalog hall, catalogs are organized that reveal its fund: AK and SK. With open access to the fund, organized in a systematic manner, the SC for the subscription fund is not organized.
Within the framework of the catalog system, duplication is absolutely excluded (the same array of catalog cards should not end up in two catalogs of the system). For example, the fund of the department of literature in foreign languages is fully reflected in the library's reader's catalogues. If the department organizes catalogs only for its own fund, then it can differentiate them by language (English, French, German, separately AK and SK in each of the languages). But the SC is not organized if it duplicates the arrangement of funds on the shelves.
The alphabetical catalog in the catalog system is represented, as a rule, by two catalogs: service and reader. The Service AK is the only library catalog that performs an accounting and registration function, the most important document to which access is limited not only to readers, but also to library staff. The catalog is located in the premises of the department, the list of persons (employees of bibliographic services) who have the right to independently access the catalog is approved by the order of the director. In all other cases (permission can be given to both readers and employees), the use of the catalog is possible only with the participation of employees responsible for its maintenance. Catalog boxes are not taken out of the room.
The main card of the service AK contains information about all the cards representing this document in the library catalog system, about the location of all copies of the document in the library fund, as well as information of an official nature (information about the library staff who took part in the library processing of the document, the timing of the stages processing, etc.).
The main advantages of AK are ease of use, accessibility for any category of consumers, direct access to information (the reader can immediately obtain information about the presence of a document in the fund and its storage code).
The cataloguer and bibliographer are provided with ample opportunities in detailing the material, since the alphabetical arrangement is easily combined with chronological (according to the year of publication), the simplest systematic (this technique is used, for example, to group the works of an individual author), numbering and others. With the help of additional knowledge bases, an author's complex is organized in AC - a group of knowledge bases for the works of one person acting as an author (co-author), compiler, editor, etc. The AK of book publications in Russian has two alphabetic rows in its structure: Russian (Cyrillic) and Latin. The second row reflects publications, the text of which is in Russian, but the titles of documents are presented in foreign languages (for example, Internet, Excel, Word, etc.). If there are documents in foreign languages in the library, the corresponding language rows of the AK or part of the AK organized according to the Latin alphabet are organized.
A systematic catalog in a catalog system is an obligatory element, as a rule, combining the functions of a reader and a service one. The advantage of the SC is in the hierarchical structure of its construction, which, if necessary, allows both expanding and narrowing the boundaries of the search. With the help of basic and additional cards in the SC, the content of the library fund is revealed in many aspects, the processes of acquisition, bibliographic and mass work are provided. Particularly valuable is the possibility, realized only with the help of the SC, of selecting literature in the case of an indefinite demand (the reader gets acquainted with the structure of scientific knowledge, even if such a task was not set).
With reverse chronological arrangement of cards within the limits of the classification division, the SC promptly informs readers about new arrivals, making the card index of new receipts unnecessary. With the help of APU, the SC organizes a multifaceted search for literature on personalities (in this case, the reader’s field of vision is general literature that is not reflected in the personalities card index).
The subject catalog in the catalog system is an additional (in relation to the SC) catalog. The library has the right to make a decision on the boundaries of reflection in the PC of the contents of the collection. V public libraries The PC is not included in the catalog system, however, the principles of subject (verbal) search are used in the automated systems used here.
The widespread use of the PC is due to its availability, ease of use. However, the real effectiveness of a search on a PC depends on the degree of methodological development of its language, the availability of a list of PRs with an expanded system of links, with the help of which narrow and wide subject complexes are formed. The PC is intended primarily to obtain information on a specific issue, but cannot, for example, provide information on the composition or content of the library fund on a broad topic, discipline, or branch of knowledge.
6.2 Reflection of the library fund in the catalog system By types of documents, the library fund is reflected, as a rule, in the AK for separate funds, parts of the funds. Musical publications, cartographic works, art publications, audiovisual materials and other types of documents have independent AK if there is a dedicated fund in the library. The coordinating function is retained by the AK of books, which also reflects brochures, albums, atlases, collections (including collections of special types of normative-technical and technical documents and literature, industrial catalogs), research reports, translations , reprints, reprints, separately published reprints from collections, magazines, ongoing editions.
The issue of including information about the collections of serial publications in libraries in the AK is solved in different ways. In all cases, the AK of newspapers is organized independently. In scientific libraries, the AC of periodicals and continuing publications is formed, while the AC of books reflects individual issues of continuing publications with private titles. In the interests of ensuring systematic links, it is advisable to duplicate here the general part of the consolidated knowledge base of journals and ongoing publications with the reference “see.” to the appropriate directory. In mass libraries, the AC of periodicals is organized, and the ongoing publications are reflected only in the AC of books.
On a chronological basis, the library fund in the catalog system is reflected according to the general rules. If there is an independent fund of rare books, the Council for the Catalog System makes a decision to reflect the fund in the catalog system (it can be, for example, restrictive in terms of date: "Documents up to the 17th century inclusive are reflected only in the catalogs of the rare books department").
O decision readers are informed.
According to the language of the text of the document, the library funds in the catalog system are reflected in the AK, organized by independent alphabetic rows, the structure of each row is determined by the alphabet of the corresponding language. In scientific libraries with multilingual collections, a complex structure of AK is taking shape, often reflecting the traditions of the library. Naturally, a separate part of the catalog is formed by the knowledge base of documents in Russian. Each foreign language forms its own language series AK (the series are grouped in the alphabet of language names). However, in the interests of facilitating the search for information and the economy of maintaining a catalog, libraries sometimes combine parts of the AC on a single graphic basis (Latin alphabet, Cyrillic), while languages with original graphics are combined into separate parts according to the language series.
Library CS cannot have parts or rows organized according to the language principle: documents are reflected in the CS, regardless of the language. Any other solution leads to the loss of information when the reader accesses the SC:
readers, as a rule, do not limit thematic queries by language limits. If a valuable document found in the SC, necessary for the reader, is not available to him in connection with the language, the reader decides on his own the issue of its translation or abstracting (and the library can assist him in this).
Funds of departments of literature in foreign languages should be reflected in full in the reader's SK, exhibited in the hall of catalogs.
6.3 Features of the organization and maintenance of reader's catalogs Reader's catalogs in the aggregate reveal the composition and content of the library's collections and should be organized in such a way as to make their use as easy as possible for each reader. The main core of the reader's catalog subsystem is located in the catalog hall: the reader's AK, SK (should be represented by the catalog itself - the systematic part - and the APU to it), SCS, and the KSK (or SvKSK) should also be located here. In the directory hall there are terminals of the EC, which by definition is a reader's room.
Access to all catalogs, file cabinets and indexes, including EC, is free. The reader is not obliged to leave any notes about himself or the subject of his research at the entrance. The use of reader's catalogs is included in the list of library services that cannot be paid, as they ensure the performance of the main functions of the library.
AK and SK, made available to readers, in accordance with generally accepted practice, reflect the latest and best editions of each work available in the library collection. An exception is also made for various translations. Thus, in the reader's catalogues, the entire collection should be presented by title. Restrictions are carried out for all cases of reprinting of the same work: the card in the catalog (usually for the latest edition) is stamped "There are other editions in the library". It is assumed that all publications have the same storage code, which is typical for collections organized in a systematic manner. If the library has adopted a different system for organizing collections, then only careful editing can make it easier for readers to work with catalogs. There is no need, for example, to leave information about previous editions in the reader's catalog if subsequent editions have been supplemented and revised.
Particular attention should be paid to the issue of reflecting publications of normative acts, for example, federal legislation, in the catalogs of public libraries. The reader who works with the catalog and subscribes to the "latest edition" may not assume that the law, the act, has already been revised, but the library does not yet have the latest edition. It is useful to warn the reader about this in advance - before it becomes clear outside the library.
When organizing and maintaining reader catalogs Special attention refers to the quality of external and internal design, ease of use. In each box, at least 10 cm must be free, the cards must be fixed. Dilapidated, torn cards are replaced with ongoing technical editing.
6.4 Features of organizing and maintaining a systematic catalog of local lore KSK reflects not only domestic and foreign books and brochures, but also continuing editions, abstracts of dissertations, albums, cartographic works, art editions, diamaterials, articles and reviews, unpublished documents. Documents presented in other catalogs are duplicated in KSK. Chronological boundaries in the catalog are not defined. In many libraries, it performs the functions of a consolidated library (within the region), collecting information about the local history publications available in all libraries in the region. SvKSK has an index of libraries, the funds of which are reflected in it. On the cards, instead of the document storage cipher, symbols (symbols, codes) of libraries are affixed.
The catalog is organized according to a special version of LBC tables for local history catalogs. In a number of UNB, the SVKSK is conducted in an automated mode.
As a rule, SvKSK (or KSK) is conducted by local history bibliographers. It is understandable, therefore, their desire to place it in the premises of the department. However, SvKSK is one of the main reader's catalogs of the library and should be located in the catalog hall.
6.5 Peculiarities of organizing and maintaining union catalogs Unlike the catalog of an individual library, the UC covers a group of participating libraries and reflects their collections in whole or in part according to some specific attribute. The VC has a much larger selection of documents than each of the participating libraries provides, while it remains compact, since information about individual copies of the same publications available in various book depositories is combined in one KB. The ICS allows the maximum use of both local and national information resources, ensures cooperation of efforts in the acquisition of funds, is a means of coordinating reference and bibliographic work, plays an important role in the exchange of books between libraries, promotes a more complete and efficient service to readers, promotes the development MBA domestically and internationally. The SVK serves as a tool for identifying and accounting for monuments of book culture and information about them.
The most common forms of functioning of the ICS are card and printed (in the form of a book), and more promising - machine-readable.
Printed SVK is an intermediate form between library card catalogs and bibliographic manuals: in terms of content, these are catalogs that reflect library funds;
in form - bibliographic aids of a special kind, since they are distinguished from the usual by an indication of the location of each publication.
Today, most libraries have a collection of periodicals within their region (district, city, sometimes within the CLS). It is very convenient for readers to receive information about in which library a particular journal can be found. Such a CMS is compiled by the joint efforts of libraries, replicated, distributed to all libraries.
In most libraries, the CSC is also consolidated (see 6.4). Other VCs are organized according to the functions of the library.
6.6 Features of organizing and maintaining file cabinets Universal SCS is an obligatory element of the reader's core of the system of catalogs and file cabinets. Previously, chronological boundaries were established for the sectoral sections of the SCS. The sections on history, art, and literary criticism retain their significance for the longest time: approximately 7-10 years. For sections of the social sciences, a limit of 3-5 years was set. The "lifetime" of this or that information in the SCS is determined by demand. As a rule, valuable and not losing their value publications in the press are bibliographed and after 3-5 years are already reflected in the indexes.
SCS is an apparatus that, unlike temporary thematic card indexes for significant dates and events, is constantly maintained, as if in an advanced mode. Many libraries run RAS jointly on a cooperative basis. If there is a CMS of periodicals, then it is not too difficult to determine which library will sign (or enter - in automated processing) certain journals. Maintaining small thematic file cabinets, the material of which is duplicated in the SCS, does not justify itself. When the relevance of the topic disappears, the file cabinet is most often removed entirely.
It is much more useful to spend time on editing and replenishing the relevant sections of the permanent SCS and SC, respectively - and APU. The emerging problem of informing readers can be solved with the help of an information poster that opens with the words: "Dear readers! Literature on ... (towards, in connection, the topic is indicated) can be found in the systematic catalog and systematic card file of articles ..." (give a list here divisions with indexes, their names and numbers of boxes). An example of such a poster was printed in the journal "Librarian" (1988. No. 5, pp. 31-33), providing a multifaceted disclosure of the topic and guiding the search.
Librarians themselves have suggested other forms of information. It turned out, for example, that the same recommendations can be printed as bookmarks, leaflets, placed on last page pointer and even an invitation card.
Since the mid 80s. according to the recommendations methodical centers Libraries ceased to keep not only thematic card indexes, but also personal card indexes. This was due, first of all, to an increase in the culture of conducting APU (in connection with the introduction of GOST 7.44-84, and then GOST 7.59-90), with the help of which the search for literature of a personal nature is not only facilitated, but also significantly expanded. After all, only that bibliographic information that is directly devoted to a specific person is included in the card indexes of personalities. Literature of a general nature (about the era as a whole), monographs of a wide content, collections of personalities does not reflect the card index. Meanwhile, an appeal to the SC and SCS will "lead" to these sources as well, since a systematic search is based on the principle from the general to the particular. However, as time passed, the recommendations were forgotten. Once again, libraries have begun to maintain card indexes of personalities, which in fact mislead readers.
The organization of each new file cabinet is an issue that should not be fully discussed at the Council on the system of catalogs and file cabinets. First of all, it is necessary to think about whether it is possible to satisfy the same needs with the help of a permanent apparatus, by editing it.
6.7 Features of organizing and maintaining indexes to catalogs and file cabinets APU is an auxiliary apparatus for the SC. In the modern library of coscience, SC is understood as a system consisting of two elements: the SC itself and the APU, which adequately reflects the content of the catalog. In the catalog system, AK can also perform auxiliary functions in relation to the SC - after all, the complete classification index is included in the KB. In turn, the SC can be considered an auxiliary systematic index to the AK.
APU to SK - an auxiliary apparatus, which is an alphabetical list of PRs that disclose the content of documents reflected in the SK with an indication of the corresponding classification indices.
In accordance with current standards, the compilation of AAP headings is a mandatory process of systematization. Unlike a similar index to classification tables, the APU reflects the content of the real library fund and provides a search for literature on new topics that have not yet been reflected in the CS. The most effective is the use of the proposed Sh.R. Ranganathan of the chain method, in which a sequential series (chain) of interrelated PRs is compiled in accordance with the structure of the classification tables. For example, when a book about transport barges, which received the LBC index 39.425.18, enters the library fund, PRs are drawn up in the APU:
Barges 39.425. Transport vessels 39.425. Vessels 39. Water transport 39. Transport On the basis of the principles of categorical analysis, a methodology for editing APUs for individual categories has been developed.
In most libraries, a single APU is organized for several SKs and card files (SK, SKS, local history catalog, etc.).
APU may consist of several alphabetic rows. So, in a separate row, PRs with names expressed in Latin(biological, medical, etc. concepts). If the registration of the SC is carried out in two languages, then two APUs of equal content are organized separately in each language.
The obligatory auxiliary apparatus for the ACP is a systematic control card index (SCC), in which the ACP PRs are recorded, organized in a systematic order of their classification indices.
In the domestic theory and practice, the understanding of APU as an obligatory element of the system of catalogs and file cabinets has been established, while abroad, similar auxiliary functions are performed by the PC.
Chapter 7 Library Catalogs and Reader Services 7.1 Information about catalogs in visual and printed form. 7.2 Promotion of library catalogs. User training. 7.3 Consulting readers with catalogs.
7.1 Information about catalogs in visual and printed form Dissemination of reference information about the composition, location, structure, content, rules for using catalogs is one of the activities of the library. The corresponding tasks are solved either with the help of visual media, or in printed form - with the help of leaflets, memos, and other publications.
When designing visual media, two of the most important aspects are taken into account: placement and content. It has been noticed that overloading the interiors of the library with visual information causes the opposite effect: the reader simply passes by, not paying attention to the huge amount of heterogeneous unsystematic information. Therefore, it should be assumed that information should be placed where the reader has a corresponding need for it. In cases where the library administration doubts the correctness of the proposed decision, you can turn to the readers themselves: conduct a survey, offer a choice of several possible options.
At the entrance to the hall of catalogs, the following information means should be placed in such a way as to be in the field of view of the reader:
Plan of the room (catalog hall) with catalogs and file cabinets shown on it. It is useful to highlight each catalog (file cabinet) with a certain color.
Use the same color as a background on labels or catalog box numbers. The plan should be "localized" - it's easy to do if you show windows on it, mark the point "You are here";
A complete list of all catalogs and file cabinets of the library, indicating the name of the department in which they are located, rooms, floors.
Above the directories should be placed a board with their names. Each catalog, file cabinet is supplied with a poster with brief description(in the scope of the main issues of the passport: the year of foundation, the reflection of funds, the method of grouping, the peculiarities of arranging cards, etc.). An enlarged layout of the catalog card is also placed here: with the help of arrows in the outer margins, you can show all the elements of the knowledge base, those that should be included in the demanding sheet by the reader are marked in color. Search algorithms have been developed for the main catalogs (alphabetical, systematic, subject). These visual aids are usually supplemented with information reflecting the specifics of the library:
for example, its own system of coded designations of departments, funds, ciphers for storing documents. This information should be owned by the reader.
A poster with the Russian (Cyrillic) and Latin alphabets must be placed next to the alphabetical catalogue. Next to the systematic catalog is a list of the main divisions of the classification tables. It is not a good idea to place useful information about catalogs for readers on the surface of tables in the catalog room. As a last resort, the memo "How to complete the requirement" ("How to get the book") will be appropriate here.
Means of visual information should be constantly updated, revised, supplemented on the basis of an analysis of their effectiveness and entries in the register of comments and suggestions from readers.
Printed publications about the catalog system and individual catalogs can contain much more meaningful information than visual aids.
Such publications in the form of bookmarks, leaflets, memos are offered to readers free of charge both in the catalog hall and in other rooms of the library. A memo "How to use the library's catalogs" can be issued to readers when registering and receiving a library card.
7.2 Promotion of library catalogs. User education The term "propaganda" (meaning the dissemination of any knowledge, information) is appropriate when we are talking about events inside the library, while outside it you can talk about advertising. Catalog promotion is understood as an in-depth explanation of knowledge about library catalogs, usually as part of activities related to the system of promoting library and bibliographic knowledge among readers. Propaganda of catalogs can be individual (when it comes to a conversation between a library employee and a reader) and group, mass. In the latter case, we can speak of organized forms of propaganda: events are planned in advance and calculated for a specific audience.
If the library has EC or teleaccess capabilities (via the Internet) to the world's information resources, then we can talk not so much about propaganda as about educating readers. It is necessary to strive to ensure that EC does not require special training in terms of its technological properties. The information necessary for the reader to work with the EC can be placed in a small memo located next to the computer, or displayed on the screen at the moment of switching on. It is more difficult to prepare the reader to work with databases (DB) and external data banks (BnD), catalogs of foreign libraries, and other information resources. Libraries organize and conduct classes with readers. In foreign practice, it is customary to complete training with a test, after which a designation is affixed to the library card giving the right to use computer equipment on their own (such readers receive a serious discount when paying for library commercial services).
7.3 Advising readers at catalogs Naturally, in a specialized department, an on-duty employee will consult readers at catalogs of the department - a librarian or bibliographer who meets the visitor. And who should advise readers in the catalog room? In many libraries, readers' catalogs are placed in large vestibules and halls. Dozens of doors, openings, flights of stairs lead into these rooms. Where to place the workplace of the duty officer? What time should he be here?
It is easiest to answer the last question right away. One of the functions of the consultant on duty is to ensure the safety of the catalogs. He makes sure that readers do not take cards out of catalog drawers. V job description the duty officer is also required to check by numbers the presence of all the boxes in the catalog cabinets before starting work and repeat the same operation after the end of the shift, having first put all the boxes left by the readers on the tables in their place. If the catalog room is located in an isolated room, then it should be available to readers during library opening hours. All this time the consultant is on duty in the hall. The consultant also works in the case when the catalog hall is an open to readers, walk-through or river area.
Of course, the duty officer should have a workplace known to readers.
It is good if it is placed in such a way that you can see most of the catalog hall. If the workplace of the attendant is not visible to the reader entering the hall, at each entrance to the hall, in a conspicuous place, the relevant information is placed.
The workplace of the duty officer is understood as a desk provided with a telephone connection, a minimum reference apparatus (telephone and other directories, classification tables that may be needed to talk with the reader), three chairs for the duty officer and readers. The norms of these ki require that the attendant, if he is sitting, invite the reader to sit down and then continue the conversation. If the reader is redirected to another room, the duty officer first finds out by phone whether he will receive the required information there, whether the employee, the bibliographer is in place. The reader can ask his question by phone: as a rule, a qualified specialist will either answer immediately or invite the reader to his place. The consultant on duty should do the same when "sending" the reader to other libraries in the city: first call, talk with a colleague, maybe - hand over the receiver to the reader. And only then explain how to get there, how to find the library.
Thus, the consultant at the catalog performs important coordinating functions - both within the library and in the city. And rightly so: in the overwhelming majority of cases, this is the first librarian that the reader meets when he comes to the library. It is right, therefore, to entrust the consulting of catalogs to the employees who carry out bibliographic reference services for readers. And it is more convenient for the reader: he formulates his request once, receives a comprehensive recommendation from a qualified bibliographer. While he is looking at the catalog, the bibliographer manages to bring an index from the collection, and possibly a copy of the bibliographic reference stored in the archive. The centralized system of reference and bibliographic services reduces the flow of readers, but requires the placement of a catalog hall in the immediate vicinity of the premises of bibliographic services.
Other options for solving the problem of appointing a consultant to catalogs (catalogers are on duty;
a special group, a sector of consultants, is being created;
employees of different departments are on duty, according to the schedule) have significant shortcomings. In all cases, the reader is faced with the need to make a second, and perhaps even a third visit to the bibliographers of the same library. Cataloguers, as a rule, make the mistake of believing that no one but themselves can help the reader understand "their catalogue."
In the presence of rationally organized means of visual information, supplemented by memos, readers can independently work with catalogs and file cabinets, turning to a librarian (consultant bibliographer) only in difficult cases. The communication of the bibliographer-consultant with the reader is in the nature of bibliographic consulting and ends with a recommendation for independent search.
The consultant should be not only a professional bibliographer, but also a good psychologist and teacher. "On the go" you can teach a lot to each reader, not only showing, but also verbally telling the search path. This is taught in US Library Schools. No one has calculated the effectiveness of the methodology, which is even called "Let's search together!", traditional for the libraries of this country. But one thing is clear: by communicating with a consultant, the reader learns, and does not immediately receive an answer. In any case, the ability to take from the catalog everything that it can give imperceptibly comes. But for this, the consultant must work together with the reader, understand the ultimate goal and topic of the request, and not give a formal answer to the question "Where to look?".
Sometimes the question arises: does the consultant, in this case, have the right to leave his workplace? After all, during his absence, other readers may come up to the table... The consultant must see not only those readers who receive advice from him, but also all the others who work with the catalog on their own. It's not that hard to determine if a reader is happy with a catalog. Readers are different: some immediately turn to the duty officer with elementary questions, instead of sorting out the information;
others, on the contrary, may long and unsuccessfully "examine" the catalog, looking askance at the consultant, but not considering it possible for themselves to go to him. In such cases, the consultant is obliged to take the initiative - and a lot depends on what words he will address the reader with.
Other tests in the subject of Culture and Art
With over 27 years of its existence has reached more than 57 thousand cards.
6 Acquisition base. A few years ago, sets of printed cards of the All-Union Book Chamber for articles from magazines and collections (abbreviated set for public libraries), articles from newspapers, reviews from magazines and newspapers served as the basis for organizing and maintaining the SCS. In addition, bibliographers described articles from periodicals not provided with a printed card, as well as articles on topical issues from collections related to the profile of the service area. The library does not currently issue book chamber cards due to lack of funding, so all cards are described by hand.
The acquisition and processing department has already begun to print cards using computer technology, but these technologies have not yet received due development.
Articles of a local history nature are not reflected in the SCS. The local history sector maintains a local history catalog. For readers, there is a system of references from the SCS to the local history catalog.
7 . The physical carrier of information is paper.
8 The content of the card index - (thematic, chronological, value and other criteria for selecting materials). The systematic card file of articles consists of materials on current political topics, and also reflects topics that are of interest to the readership of the library to one degree or another (to help professional activity, learning process). The material is selected depending on its relevance, significance, innovative orientation. Chronological framework - 5 years for socio-political events, 7 years for scientific discoveries, 10-15 years for literary materials.
9 Grouping of material (the main method of grouping, the location of file cabinets inside the last divisions). The material is grouped according to the LBC tables. Inside the last divisions - in reverse chronology.
10. Availability alphabetical index. SCS is organized on the basis of LBC tables and has a single alphabetic index with the SC.
11. Editing file cabinets. Distinguish: current editing, which is performed in the process of arranging cards; scheduled editing in connection with the release, for example, of new LBC tables; planned methodical editing; selective editing of separate sections of the file cabinet. Sometimes specialists are invited to edit as experts. Cards for obsolete materials are withdrawn.
4. Thematic file cabinets
4.1 Readership and purpose: Thematic card indexes are compiled on topical topics, they can be independent or merge into a systematic card index of articles behind a bright, attention-grabbing separator. The reader's purpose of such card files depends directly on the purpose of their creation. The purpose of such file cabinets is to draw the attention of readers to the current topic, to supplement the exhibition of literature, and to help in the selection of literature. These file cabinets work as long as the topic is topical. With the change of the problem, a new card index is created on a new topic.
2 Who are conducted. Thematic file cabinets are usually maintained by librarians working at the service of readers.
3 Location. Thematic file cabinets are located at exhibitions, behind a bright separator in a systematic card file of articles or in another place, in a reader service area in a prominent place.
4 Subject. These can be: "Card index of warning demand", "Theme of the day", "Read and you will find out", "Sport is health" and others.
5 Features of material selection. Such card indexes have a clear reader's purpose. For example, for a group of teenagers who are fond of orienteering. The selection of material for such file cabinets is thematic, taking into account the age and interest of readers, literature is new, no more than three years of publication. Difficulty level is popular.
6 Material grouping. The material is grouped behind several not very fractional separators, from simple to complex.
7 Physical media. Like any other card index, thematic one can be issued on paper, as well as using technical means varying degrees of complexity. But, as a rule, in mass libraries, this is the traditional paper version.
5. Special file cabinets
Card indexes as part of the traditional SBA play a significant role, since they contain the richest stock of various information.
Card file is a collection of cards organized in a certain way. It is characterized by three characteristics:
1. The card file includes mainly a bibliographic description of the component part of the book or serial publication.
2. On the cards of the card index, it is not necessary to indicate the bibliographic cipher.
3. The card file may contain information about publications that are not in the library.
Libraries form a system of file cabinets taking into account their specifics and capabilities (especially since at present their types and number are not regulated, as before, by special instructions and regulations).
Most often organized and conducted:
General bibliographic card indexes - a systematic card index of articles (SCS) or a main reference file (GSK), or a main information file (GIC);
Thematic file cabinets;
local lore card files;
Special file cabinets (titles of works of art, reviews, personalities, file cabinets of works of fine art, etc.).
The system of bibliographic card indexes analytically reveals the composition and content of newspapers, magazines and periodicals, ongoing and some non-periodical publications in various aspects:
In all branches of knowledge;
Certain topics and issues;
About certain types or genres of works, etc.
It is important to keep in mind that libraries bearing the names of some figures organize, maintain and actively use permanent personal file cabinets in their work with readers.
In order to avoid significant loss of information, related divisions of file cabinets of various types should be linked by a system of links. In addition, file cabinets and catalogs (primarily SK, general bibliographic, local history and thematic file cabinets, if they are maintained) should be interconnected and complement each other. This is achieved by referring to similar divisions of the UK and file cabinets in a single alphabetical and subject index, which also provides for personalities (information about each person, including surname, initials and field of activity). APU is regularly updated with new concepts and personal headings, which increases its search capabilities and ensures the most efficient use of catalogs and file cabinets.
In the library, the main file cabinet is systematic filing articles (SCS). Its purpose is to reveal the content of magazines and periodicals, which most quickly cover the issues that students need for their studies, as well as topical problems of public life. For some issues, the SCS is the only source for searching for information that has not yet been reflected in monographic works. In terms of the subject matter of the reflected materials, it is universal. The structure of the card index is similar to the structure of the systematic catalogue, but differs in more detailed detailing of sections and subsections due to the fact that more articles are published on each topic than book editions. Therefore, it becomes necessary to introduce new divisions in sections and subsections so that there are no more than 40-50 cards behind each separator (library norm). The cards are arranged in a systematic order according to the LBC, and within the division - in reverse chronological order. Cards within the section are arranged in the following order: first, cards on official materials(laws, regulations), and then to articles and other materials of other authors. Such a grouping allows, on the one hand, to present the latest articles at the very beginning of the section (subsection), and on the other hand, it facilitates the work of removing obsolete materials from the card index. The terms of storage of cards in the SCS are not strictly regulated, but on average materials in the social sciences are stored in the card file for 3-4 years, in natural science and technical sciences - 4-5 years. To facilitate the search for material on topics and subjects, there is an alphabetical subject index - a single one for the systematic catalog and SCS. To maintain the SCS in order, planned and current editing of headings and subheadings, the introduction of new thematic divisions, disaggregation, and the removal of obsolete materials are carried out.
Subject card file reveals the library fund by content. It reflects the literature on a particular subject, phenomenon, concept, problem. It can be said that a subject card file is part of a systematic catalog, but it contains literature on a specific subject, topic, regardless of the position of which branch of knowledge the material is presented in the book. Therefore, in the subject card index, it is possible to place literature in one place, which will be scattered in different sections in the systematic catalog.
In its structure, the subject card index resembles an encyclopedic dictionary, where the main concepts are arranged alphabetically by the first words. This makes it easier to search for literature in the file cabinet. If a large amount of literature is collected within a rubric, then for ease of use, subheadings are introduced that break the literature according to additional features.
The local lore card index includes printed materials about the region (Murmansk region), diverse in content, types and types. These are books, sections, chapters, paragraphs, paragraphs from books, articles and reviews from periodicals and ongoing publications, collections, pictorial and cartographic materials. The content of these documents is very different (history, economy of the region, health care, culture, etc.), but they all have one aspect in common - a direct relationship to the Murmansk region. The local lore card index includes the following sections: history of the Murmansk region, geographical and economic features of the region, ecology, features of the development of industry, agriculture, transport, demographic information, information about the culture, education, science and art of the region, fiction, folklore. Within the sections, headings of a personal nature are often distinguished, relating to the life and work of prominent figures in science and culture, leaders of public life, etc.
Card index of titles of works of art allows you to quickly establish the name of the author of a particular work that interested the reader. The card index reflects not only separately published works of art, but also works published in literary and art magazines. All cards in the card index are arranged in the alphabet of the titles of the works and are separated from each other by letter and syllabic separators. This card file contains a minimum of information (name of the work, its genre, author's name) and facilitates a quick search for the requested novels, short stories, collections of poems.
Card file of scientific works of teachers reflects scientific publications belonging to university professors. It reflects information about scientific papers available not only in the collection of one library, but also in the collections of other libraries. Publications are arranged alphabetically by last name, and inside the card is a description of the work in reverse chronology.
Card file of prominent historical figures is designed to satisfy requests for literature about the life and work of historical figures. This card file is of great importance for the history department of the university. The material about a specific historical person is combined behind one separator, on which the last name, first name, patronymic and years of life are written. A card index is organized by duplicating the cards of the SK and SKS, the separators with the names of the persons are arranged in alphabetical order, and inside, first, information about the works of the person is given, and then literature about life and work.
Card file of periodicals reflects all information about the presence in the library fund of all previously subscribed and currently received periodicals (newspapers, magazines).
Card file of teaching aids of the university reflects all the information about the methodological guidelines issued at the university, methodological manuals for all specialties and various forms of education (full-time and part-time).
Card file of readers reflects brief information about library readers. From the beginning of each calendar (January) year, it is conducted anew. The card file allows you to record how many readers are enrolled in the library, from which faculties and what form of education (full-time, part-time). Previous file cabinets are stored for 5 years (the term of study at the university). Information is written on the card: surname, name, patronymic of the reader; year of birth; home address; faculty and form of education; place of work.
Refusal file consists of readers' requests for certain books that are not in the library's collection. This card file allows you to identify gaps in the acquisition of the fund and eliminate them.
Thus, the system of catalogs and file cabinets (in the traditional version) is a part of the SBA of the library, which is a set of systematically organized, interconnected and complementary card catalogs and file cabinets.
The difference between catalogs and file cabinets is as follows. The catalogs strictly correspond to the library fund, and for analytical processing and subsequent reflection in card indexes, the most valuable publications in terms of information (taking into account the demand of readers) are selected from the general fund. In addition, card indexes may contain information about materials that are no longer in the library, since the publications have long been decommissioned. The list of printed editions is annually reviewed and adjusted taking into account the reader's demand.
UDC 025.4.025
E. R. Sukiasyan
Organization of the work of the systematizer
Issues related to the organization of the work of a systematizer in a library are rarely covered in professional literature. Systematizers (cataloguers) themselves do not like or do not know how to talk about the features of their work. Many feel that it is too specific, tied to the specific practices and traditions of a particular institution, and therefore not of interest to outsiders. One cannot but agree with this. However, without studying experience, it is impossible to identify general patterns, formulate rules, principles, build a general theory and, on this basis, give practical recommendations that are common for all or many libraries.
We have to study the process differently - with the help of observation, directed interviews, analysis of documentation. Since about 1976, that is, for more than thirty years, I have taken every opportunity to study the technology of systematization. Over the years, I have managed to visit hundreds of libraries in our country and dozens of them abroad. There, by the way, among the systematizers, it is also not customary to write about their work.
I want to apologize right away for the fact that some of the provisions seem superficial or fragmentary. Many aspects of the topic require in-depth research.
A few words about the place of systematization
as a technological process
V modern world manual processing consistently gives way to computer processing, and original (ie primary) cataloging is replaced by borrowing. In the United States, for example, no more than an eighth of the flow of new arrivals is processed by library staff today. All other information is either already in the union catalog to which the library is connected, or is reproduced from available electronic catalogs or databases.
Practically nowhere abroad has an independent function of systematization been preserved. Like everywhere else in the world, in the US Library of Congress the technological process is combined - one cataloger performs the complete processing of the document: compiles a bibliographic description, supplements it with a title, a classification index according to the Library of Congress Classification tables, and a subject heading. The work is done in the format, so the cataloger is not involved in the formation of the record (this is a function of the format). But systematization by tables Decimal classification M. Dewey (DKD) carries out a special subdivision in which they “attribute” DKD indices into the format, having books in front of their eyes (about 100 thousand titles per year).
In our country, the combined technological process is still rare. Even if we turn to computer processing, we do not want to change traditions and habits: some employees are engaged in compiling a bibliographic description, others are indexing. In this case, quite a significant amount of time is lost (it is enough to conduct a step-by-step analysis to make sure of this).
In many of my publications, I have actively advocated the combined cataloging process. I believe that it is high time for all Russian libraries to unite the relevant divisions, equipment and processes. I hope that such work is being carried out, in any case, it is planned. Systematization, like other types of indexing, is interconnected by thousands of threads with the compilation of a bibliographic description, with the formation of the title of a bibliographic record, which is one of the access points. Classification indices, subject headings, keywords, descriptors are also access points. Sooner or later we will realize that the processes of descriptive cataloging (tracing paper of the English term descriptive cataloging) and indexing cannot be separated. The sooner we combine them, the better our catalogs will become - both card and electronic.
Planning
Two aspects of planning are discussed below. The first is related to the planning of the work of the unit as a whole, the second - with personal planning. Based on foreign experience. (We must learn to work competently, there is nothing complicated, only our will is needed.)
The main problems that are solved when planning the work of the unit are related to the assessment of available staff resources (according to the staffing table) and staffing capabilities (actually working employees). The manager must know what tasks he needs to solve during the year. Without going into details, I will say about the main thing: the division must process the flow of new arrivals and reflect it in the catalog system. All other cases are like a “superstructure”. The initial figures are given by the Acquisition Department in titles and copies. To work with card catalogs, you also need to know the multiplying factors, they are easily derived from annual indicators (of past years), and are not “taken from the ceiling”. If for every hundred titles for the catalog, an average of 1.3 cards were prepared for placement, then, knowing the number of titles, we get the number of cards in advance. For catalogs of different types, the multiplying factor may be different.
The main indicators are calculated according to the norms that are available for all traditional cataloging processes. If we are talking about automated technology, I can only say: I am sure that sooner or later we will come to the standards accepted in the world for the complete processing of one document (all processes are performed on a computer, in a format, by one employee). The norm is very simple: on average - 1 document per hour, per working day - 8 or more documents.
In most US libraries, my colleagues calculate a plan for 240 working days per year. This figure only seems surprising to us at first: but if we subtract 104 days off from 365 days, another 10 days of vacation (US librarians have two weeks of vacation) and 10 paid days when an employee reports his absence from work (no one cares about the reason, but starting from the 11th day, the salary no longer goes), then this figure will become clear.
It turns out that one cataloguer (with a very high qualification) can "skip" 2,400 titles per year? Yes, if he does not do anything else ... But this is not always the case. In most cases, he has duties related to improving his qualifications or training other employees, maintaining a reference and methodological apparatus.
I will say right away that it never happens: the constant pressure of the act system, which is so widespread in Russian libraries. Books are processed, as it seems to an outside observer, too calmly. Many lie for weeks, while others “fly by” instantly. It turns out that everyone understands here: doublets, reprints can wait, while new monographs, reference books, books that are “on hearing” and were asked by readers yesterday are processed immediately, without delay. "Green light" is given to publications that the library enters into the consolidated catalog for the first time (such an operation is paid separately).
The role of the technologist performing dispatching functions is very important. It is clear that the publications that the cataloger receives from him should differ in the degree of complexity (meaning criteria related to both descriptive cataloging and indexing). It is in the interests of the employee to submit the work before the end of the working day and take a few more publications - “statistics knows everything” (it is maintained by an automated system), at the end of the year, volumetric indicators will be taken into account when discussing the dynamics of wages.
Each employee should have their own personal plan. Once again I will describe the ideology of personal planning, which I have been promoting for several years. At the end of the calendar year, the employee writes down his wishes to himself on a piece of paper in any form. As a rule, most of them are associated with advanced training, self-development: it is planned to develop a new area, enroll in courses, write an article, revise instructions, study a standard, monographs, manuals. The plan is enclosed in an envelope and submitted to the immediate supervisor. The envelope is opened once: in a year, when the employee comes to the manager with a personal report. Objective (statistical indicators) of work will be shown by the machine on the computer screen. The plan and report will be carefully reviewed. What is done is done, the assessment will be reflected in wages. The next plan in the envelope will be hidden in the safe.
A very tricky mechanic: you always want to plan a lot for yourself, but you don’t immediately understand that in a year you will have to answer for each item. And if nothing is planned, then growth will stop. In our country, unfortunately, it is not yet possible to warn an employee about incomplete official compliance and inform him (on receipt) that in two months the library will not need his services. Hence the state of one's own complacency, in which thousands of Russian librarians find themselves.
Issues of operational personnel management
Since this group of questions is not specifically related to the work of systematizers, we will consider them in the general view, briefly.
When applying for a job a large amount of knowledge and skills required from the cataloguer (systematizer) is taken into account. At a minimum, the following are taken into account: (1) general culture, erudition, literacy, education; (2) the degree of professional, library training - education (often secondary specialized is more profitable than higher library education!), experience in working with catalogs, experience in library work; (3) in the presence of industry education - the level of special knowledge, the possibility of being used as a specialist in the relevant industries; (4) language training - the degree of proficiency in one of the foreign languages, the desire to deepen one's language knowledge; if the library works with a specific contingent of readers who speak the national language - knowledge of the language or the desire to master it; (5) degree of computer literacy (WinWoird, Excell, PowerPoint, other programs), ability to work on the Internet, search skills in Russian and English (even without knowing the language!) segments of the Internet, desire to master the automated system working in the library, equipment and technology; (6) psychological (primarily communicative) personality traits, health status (hearing, vision, memory), etc.
Hire new employees immediately permanent job Not recommended. Need to check at work. If there is an understanding of the essence of continuous education (to become a good specialist, you have to study all your life), it is worth spending time on learning.
Questions training (training) fall within the purview of the manager. He identifies needs, coordinates suitable forms and methods with the administration, presents his employees for sending them to courses, seminars, internships, and, if necessary, raises the issue of paying for their education in universities and institutions additional education.
The head of the department organizes the work according to the schedule, providing, if necessary, work in the evenings, weekends. Experience shows positive results introduction of a rolling schedule in the departments involved in the processing of literature. Haste is eliminated, nervous tension is relieved. It is necessary to rationally use the potential of employees, taking into account the qualification, functional, sectoral division of their duties.
In the structure of the working time of the cataloguer, systematizer, short breaks should be provided, since it is impossible to maintain the same level of attention throughout its entire duration. A break is necessary in order to get up, relax, relieve emotional and muscle tension. It is very useful to drink a cup of tea or coffee (just do not do it directly at the workplace!). Such a break does not require more than 7–10 minutes and is provided for by labor legislation.
Documentation support
Job Description. Russian literature has been talking about this document for more than two decades, but many libraries do not have a system of such documents. Characteristics of the workplace - a complete description of the functions, technological processes and relationships of each staff unit in the library, supplemented by qualification requirements. In order to develop a set of such characteristics, one has to abstract from the real personnel situation that is developing in the library at a certain moment. For example, there are 12 staff positions. What should they do, each individually and in conjunction with others, to ensure the fulfillment of the whole range of tasks facing the library? There is no need to immediately tie the characteristics of the workplace to the position, especially to a specific library employee, there is no need to limit the requirements, asking yourself the question: “Where will I get such personnel?”. The characteristic of the workplace is a stable document, one might say, much more permanent than the library staff.
If a set of characteristics is developed, then it becomes much easier to solve organizational and personnel issues - from hiring to promotion of employees in job categories. When hiring, indicate in job description functions in accordance with the characteristics of the workplace. The purpose of the job description is to “strain” the employee: it turns out that he doesn’t know how to do this, doesn’t know, and his education doesn’t really correspond to the specified ... So, he takes the position, taking into account the fact that he has a lot to do. In our case, it often turns out that the employee not only “quite satisfies”, but sometimes far outstrips the requirements of the job description. Why does he need to improve his skills?
technological instructions, state standards, regulations, memos , which the cataloguer (systematizer) is obliged to know and carry out, must be located together with the job description and the characteristics of the workplace in the employee's desk drawer. I really liked the system adopted in most US libraries: after completing the training, all documents are put into a personalized folder (it is called “Manual” - “Manual”) and handed over to the employee. On the first page, under the list of documents, the employee signs. Now he can no longer say that he did not know his duties or the requirements set forth in various documents.
Accounting and reporting documents should be minimized. Statistical accounting of real indicators should be kept by a machine (for this, there is a special module in the structure of the automated system). Each employee is assigned a personal number, which, together with the date and time, is recorded by the system at all stages, during the execution of each process or operation. Norms of time and output for the cataloguer (systematizer) do not exist: he works as best he can. Leaders are in charge, not performers.
The accounting unit is a cataloging object (name, but not an instance). If the indexing work is divided among several industry specialists, separate time records are kept. It is possible (and often it is simply necessary) to involve in the processing of the document a specialist with in-depth knowledge of industry knowledge or a foreign language as a consultant. Accounting for his work is kept separately. At the end of the reporting year, all indicators are analyzed. If the department constantly uses the services of specialists, for example, German, this is a signal: you need to hire someone who knows the language or send your employee to foreign language courses.
Reference apparatus of the systematizer
Not always the systematizer can find all the information necessary for making a classification decision directly in the publication. You have to clarify information about the author, terms, abbreviations, geographical location, and much more. It turns out that not everything can be found on the Internet. And, I will add, not as fast as in encyclopedias, dictionaries and reference books, geographical atlases, Unless, of course, they are in the immediate vicinity of the workplace.
The formation of a reference fund must be approached carefully. Of course, the latest edition encyclopedic dictionary will be sent to the Department of Reference and Bibliographic Services. But this is a reason to rearrange the previous edition of this dictionary into your working fund. The same applies to all reference books. You can put a reference card for yourself in the pocket (in the same one where the form is inserted) indicating the department or storage code of the latest edition, since sometimes the most up-to-date information may be required.
In some cases, catalogers and systematizers really want to keep a book, but this is not allowed. To give an elementary example: a publication in several volumes ends with a volume that includes the most useful background information. Now the book is not needed, but it is clear to everyone: the need to cope may arise in the future. You have to do it very simply: keep a copy of the catalog card with data that allows you to quickly find the book if necessary. A standard is being processed, which is not included in the SIBID system, but so often it is needed ... It must be written down. Did you come across a definition of a concept, a term that you did not know? It must be written out. This is how a reference file is formed, which the systematizer can maintain exclusively for himself.
I highly recommend writing out, for example, such a definition of nanotechnology, which, firstly, will be clear to you and, secondly, will not be associated with structures, organisms, or substances. So far, unfortunately, I have not found such a definition of this fashionable term today. There are many definitions, but in each of them the specialty of the author "penetrates". A one-sided understanding of nanotechnologies manifested itself in the recently established index in the UDC. It will probably take many years before not only the main place, but also the determinant is found.
Methodical apparatus of the systematizer
The methodological apparatus in the literature is understood as a set of manuals, file cabinets and indexes that ensure the uniformity of systematization methods, the quality of classification decisions.
Book editions. The composition of the methodological apparatus includes: practical manuals, textbooks and teaching aids, methodological recommendations, manuals on general and particular method of systematization. The task of the systematizer is to identify, collect and take into account all the manuals on the method of systematization from the library fund. Previously, a recommendation was made to confine ourselves to publications according to the classification system used by the library. Practitioners suggested: this is not entirely correct. Many manuals contain recommendations that are not so difficult to “translate” into your information retrieval language (ILL).
In recent years, there have been several educational publications which, as a rule, librarians-practitioners are not aware of. So, a textbook for universities Analytical and synthetic processing of information (L. B. Zuparova, T. A. Zaitseva; edited by Yu. N. Stolyarov. - Moscow: FAIR Publishing House, 2007. - 399 p. - Special publishing project for libraries) - fully complies with modern programs. Its disadvantage is some conciseness. There is almost no author's text here, many provisions are not explained, but stated. The standards are being rewritten.
Released a few years ago teaching aid Library processing of the document (L. B. Zuparova, T. A. Zaitseva, L. I. Sazonova; under the scientific editorship of Yu. N. Stolyarov. - Moscow: Liberea, 2003. - 208 p..), unfortunately, not without the shortcomings noted in the review ( Manual on library document processing / E. R. Sukiasyan // Nauch. and tech. b-ki. - 2005. - No. 1. - P. 126–132).
Judging by the letters of practitioners, a manual is still being used that combines educational and reference functions, prepared on the basis of a course of lectures for students of the Higher Library Courses, i.e. for the system of additional education: Library catalogs: method. materials / E. R. Sukiasyan. - Moscow: Profizdat, 2001 - 191 p. – (Series "Modern Library"; Issue 19). Today, the material of the book requires a serious addition. Over the past years, the situation in the classification world has changed significantly: factual information about classification systems is outdated, GOST 7.59–2003 has been reissued, and many new editions have appeared. However, in terms of indexing, the material is not out of date.
With practical aids, the situation is bad. Last thing ( Systematic catalog: practical. allowance / GBL; comp. E. R. Sukiasyan. - Moscow: Prince. chamber, 1990. - 182 p.) is already difficult to find in libraries, and the previous two editions of the excellent book by E. I. Shamurin “The Systematic Catalog and Its Organization” were published in the 1930s. Standard 7.59 was commented in detail in 1991 ( Document indexing. General requirements for systematization and subjectization: instructive method. instructions / GBL. SPK; comp. E. R. Sukiasyan. - Moscow, 1991. - 61 p.), the reprint in 2003 was accompanied by an article ( Document indexing. General requirements for systematization and subjectization. Reissue of GOST 7.59–90 with changes / E. R. Sukiasyan // Nauch. and tech. b-ki. - 2002. - No. 7. - P. 43–48).
All publications on indexing issues (manuals and guidelines on general and particular methods of systematization) should be collected in a working fund, on shelves or in a closet in the immediate vicinity of your workplace. How to organize, arrange them - decide for yourself (options: by year of publication, by authors and titles, by subject). On another shelf, it is useful to store classification tables, lists of subject headings, thesauri - those publications with which you do not work on a daily basis (including those classification systems that you do not use).
Methodological materials useful and necessary for systematizers are often published in periodicals, ongoing publications, and collections of articles. We must remember: “meeting” with them is a matter of chance, once they saw, read, the source “dissolved” in the library funds. Materials must be taken into account - it is enough to keep your working file, indicating in the records the place where the source is stored. Many experienced systematizers keep dossiers - they collect copies of such materials.
The fund of book publications, especially the photocopies and other materials collected in the folder, must be regularly reviewed so as not to waste time searching when the need arises.
Methodological apparatus in classification tables provides the systematizer with day-to-day assistance. Here it can be presented both as an independent part of the publication (introduction, appendix), and directly in the tables, as part of the classification division (class records). The name of the division may be supplemented by one or more sentences. Then methodological instructions of a different nature are introduced into the tables, links ( cm.) and references ( see also). In UDC tables, links are denoted by the same sign → , but it is not difficult (by the location of the link) to understand what exactly is meant.
The systematizer must know the fundamental difference between links cm.(previously called full link or reference) and see also(previously - private link). Terminological standard 7.76-96 (clause 5.5) allows the use of forms cm. and see also. Their semantics must be explained to readers: if it is said cm., then you need to look where it is recommended, while see also means to look both here and in the recommended division. By the way, it should be remembered that the rules of the general method of systematization do not recommend repeated reflection in two divisions connected by links.
Particular attention should be paid to guidelines that are addressed not only to the systematizer, but also to users (for example, on the order of detailing the material). Such indications in the card catalog are placed on catalog separators and help the user in the search.
Ignoring the methodological apparatus in the classification tables leads to gross errors, which sometimes cannot be immediately detected. For example, the literature on the same topic is not collected together, but diverges according to different indices. An experienced systematizer will not only see the error, but also determine the cause: the systematizer was in a hurry, saw the index in the index and put it in without opening the tables, without reading the guidelines and references. In old library textbooks, I came across the phrase: “It is a grave sin to put an index on a pointer!” It is a pity that today we do not call a spade a spade.
Systematic Control File (CCM) for APU is a useful tool. It is located on the organizer's table. Each index available in the worksheets has an AAP subject heading assigned to it. Before indexing, look at the CCM and decide: will the book you are organizing be in place? Is there a subject heading for its content?
Benefits on the general method of systematization. The general method of systematization is a set of principles, rules and methods of systematization, set forth regardless of any particular branch of knowledge or certain sections of a particular classification system. The study of the general methodology should be preceded by the study of the system - its main parts, general structure, typing (in relation to UDC - a system of common determinants), indexing (notation), rules for combining indices (building complex and composite indices).
Often, what is called a “general methodology” is replaced by 70% with a description of the system and its rules. But the rules of the system do not always agree with the rules of the general methodology. Let me explain: they have different goals. The rules of the classification system are created and developed (in reprints) primarily in order to preserve its stability, its originality, all that singularity that characterizes the system. The rules of the general methodology functionally, according to their purpose, should ensure the creation of a search apparatus.
Analysis of the classification features of a document, identification of the main (essential, meaningful) and, along with them, additional ones (for example, reflecting the general categories of place, time, language, type of publication, and others) are less related to one or another classification system. It can be conditionally considered that in manuals on the general methodology, 5/8 will be devoted to the general methodology and 3/8 to the classification system. To date, no one has been able to write a universal manual on the general methodology (with examples from several classification systems). The last such monographs belong to Sh. R. Ranganatan (1892–1972) and were created by the middle of the last century.
There are questions that relate exclusively to the general methodology. I will name some of them. The problem of the main place for a "broad" topic, as a rule, expressed by a "subjective", multi-aspect concept ( globalization, ecology, space research). The problem of multiple reflection (use of terms duplication, re-reflection not recommended) and the choice of a sequence of indexes, especially in a systematic arrangement, when the first index automatically decides the place of the book on the shelf. The problems of delimitation, considered to a lesser extent within the framework of the general, to a greater extent - within the framework of a particular method of systematization. Problems of systematization of multi-volume publications - in cases where each volume has its own content. Problems of using the methods of one discipline in other disciplines. Problems of systematization of literature of a personal nature: person and field of activity; person and time, era, environment; person and place: from birth to death; face and tongue. This list can be continued. Let's put it this way: just because we are indebted to a general methodology, to which we pay less attention than it deserves, questions constantly arise that we try to solve in "artisanal" ways.
Manuals for a private method of systematization are more close to the structure of a specific classification system (the amount of material is in inverse proportion: 3/8 - for the analysis of classification features within the industry, 5/8 - for the specifics of reflecting the identified problems in the system). Regardless of the system, we can say, for example, that in economic geography there are two such signs: sectoral and regional. But then I have to talk about specific tables.
What might be the structure of such benefits? More often, the authors repeat the structure of the tables, in other words, they publish detailed guidelines, as it were, “by indexes”. The author, in fact, writes such a manual based on his own file cabinets of methodological solutions (KMR ) . For those cases when the issue is difficult to resolve immediately, another card file is organized - observation file . It is necessary to understand its temporary nature: sooner or later, any observation must end with a decision and be reflected in a permanent file of methodological decisions.
A few practical tips for managing them. The reference to the adopted decision is given both in the tables ("on the index") and in the index. For 10–15 years, there was a discussion: in what order should the material be organized in these service filing cabinets?
Traditionally, it was believed that the KMR is built in the alphabet of keywords. In the manuals, an example of an entry on a card was given: “Textbooks. Textbooks for secondary school - with a determinant, for high school- no determinant. Some practitioners considered that it would be more convenient to maintain the KMR using the indexes of the main and auxiliary tables, others suggested that a link to the KMR be included in the text of the index. A small comparative study yielded an interesting result: it is more profitable to keep the KMR in chronological order, putting down the serial number and date of entry on the card. Both in the tables and in the index, the entry “KMR 142” is entered in the appropriate places (on the index and on the subject heading). Such a "KMR" can be turned from a file cabinet into a file and keep it on your computer.
Another, in my opinion, more correct structure of the manual according to a private method, is built on problems when connections and distinctions are considered first, then the place of literature of a general content (“as a whole”), the application of the method of multiple reflection, the use of typification (systems of general and special determinants ), combination features, etc. In modern manuals, it would be appropriate to single out a section on the principles of constructing classification formulas.
In one of the manuals prepared in the State Library of the USSR. V. I. Lenin, a list of categories is given, which, it seems to me, is ideally suited for the content of a particular method of systematization. I will give it with some abbreviations:
- Objects of inanimate nature
- Wildlife objects
- Materials, substances, raw materials, products
- Devices, equipment. Buildings and construction
- Phenomena, processes. Operations, actions
- Conditions, relationships, connections between objects
- Properties, qualities, signs of the subject
- Spatial and temporal concepts
- Regional concepts
- national, ethnic, language concepts
- Personalia (individual, collective)
- Collectives (institutions and organizations)
- Population groups
- Branches of knowledge, science. Branches of the economy
- individual theories. Research methods
- Complex themes and issues
Many probably learned: a fragment from the contents of the manual for librarians " Alphabetical and subject index to the systematic catalog” (GBL; editor-in-chief E. R. Sukiasyan. - Moscow: Book, 1981. - 147 p.). This is the only manual where an attempt is made to apply the provisions of the categorical analysis of Sh. R. Ranganathan to solving the problem of editing an alphabetical-subject index to a systematic catalog (ACU). Please note: I do not use the abbreviation APU in relation to the index in the tables, since it is standardized in GOST 7.76–96, clause 8.10 only in this meaning, referring to the systematic catalog).
Is there some more special methods of systematization . What is their purpose? With a centralized systematization, when a classification index is published for mass use outside the library in which it is affixed, a special methodology is used, with some limitations and deviations from the methodology adopted within its organization. It's a pity that many libraries don't know this.
A special methodology is used in cases where the object of cataloging (indexing) is a periodical or ongoing publication as a whole.
Another aspect: indexing for bibliographic indexes in printed form or in bibliographic databases. In any case, this work has no direct relation to systematizers. Do you want to assign them an additional function? It is necessary to calculate the labor intensity and pay for the work. First, two related problems must be solved. First: what will be the classification system? Any index has its own material grouping scheme, predetermined principles (for example, detailing). Second: systematizers must say that they work on the principle de visu while having a document in front of your eyes. What will we systematize: a document (how will its delivery be technologically ensured?) or its abstract, annotation - or should we limit ourselves to the data of a bibliographic record?
We are not yet very clear about the features of indexing electronic resources. With regard to catalogs, there is a general pattern that can be formulated as follows: first, bibliographic processing (descriptive cataloging), then indexing. Catalogs of Internet resources is a task more (if not entirely) bibliographic than cataloging. Let us give bibliographers the right to prepare appropriate reference books. Electronic resources can be indexed if they are translated into document form, i.e. saved on a disk or other storage medium, and then received a bibliographic description. This provision is of a general nature.
I am sometimes asked: “Should we systematize “all sorts of papers”, for example, typewritten collections of documents, conference proceedings?”. I answer this question with a question: “Do these documents have a library stamp, inventory number? If there is, index according to general rules. If not, you demand to go through the inventory first. The same with electronic resources: is there an inventory number on the resource or not? Has the resource become a document (disk, printout, floppy disk)? Why does the question of indexing arise, because this is, as it were, a secondary process. First, a bibliographic description should be prepared.
All of the above applies to all other types of documents (resources). Many of them (for example, standards, cartographic works) have certain features, but an inventory is mandatory for all.
Algorithm of the systematizer
There is no doubt that the work of a systematizer should be maximally formalized. I do not want to say that it should be "brought to automatism" - that would be wrong. Smart functions cannot be automated. Therefore, I personally do not believe in the possibility of "automatic classification" (it would be more correct to speak of systematization). Prove - I believe. So far, these are only premises that do not justify the funds that are spent on their development. Why doesn't it occur to anyone to automate the feeding process? Putting a tube in a person's mouth is much easier than understanding how the brain works. So there is still no “automated eating”. It's not interesting to do it. And it’s interesting to automate indexing ...
Attempts clearly, in a given sequence, taking into account all connections and relationships, to build an algorithm for systematization processes have been made before. A figure was published several times illustrating the processes of systematization in accordance with GOST 7.59 (for the first time it was placed in the practical guide "Systematic Catalog" on p. 48, Fig. 6). We emphasize that the algorithm was built taking into account the "manual execution" of all processes. At that time (the book was written in 1988–1989), we did not have the opportunity to study and algorithmize the processes of automated indexing. There are no such opportunities even today: the automated systems used in the country's libraries are too different. Each has its own "mechanism", often invented by developers in isolation from practitioners they are not used to. For some, this mechanism seems to have also been developed in our country, but it is like two drops similar to well-known foreign systems. It's hard to figure it out here. Sometimes an international and free system in the process of modernization acquires a proper name and becomes paid.
Not all systems are capable of searching by index; only a few provide the search capabilities that a systematic card catalog traditionally has. There are only two of them: (1) search by hierarchy, with top-down browsing, and (2) search by alphabetical index with access to browsing by type (1). Someone has said (but this has not been proven anywhere) that keyword search sort of eliminates the need for indexing. And this turned out to be enough for the APU, which we had been running for decades, to “burn out” along with all its official apparatus (we are talking about a systematic control file). And many believed that you can find "everything for any word of the record."
Therefore, it is not possible to bring a single indexing algorithm in an automated mode. Build it yourself, using everything that was done for "handmade", but taking into account the specifics and conditions of your library.
Consider the initial "steps". Pick up a document and make sure that you have an independent object of systematization in front of you, that you will have to carry out a classification analysis for the first time, that this is not a separate issue (volume, number) of a serial or multi-volume publication. Was this book not in the library before? Maybe it came out under a different name? In another language? And if you have a translation in front of you, see if your library has the original. You do all this with one goal - to ensure the unity of systematization (principle: one and the same book - in one place, under one index). How many mistakes we could prevent if we always remembered this!
Classification analysis. Let us recall the recommendations of the "Systematic Catalogue" manual: "In order to ensure a comprehensive acquaintance with the document, it is useful to conduct it according to a well-established single program, turning these actions into a skill. The professional skills of a systematizer are developed quite quickly, but only if from the very beginning he tries to act consistently, without missing a single important detail. For each type of document, the analysis program must be specific, taking into account certain of its features that require reflection in the classification decision. For example, for books and brochures, it should include the study of the data given on the title page (information about authors, compilers, editors; the name of the institution (organization) on whose behalf or with the participation of which the book was published; information that reveals or explains the title proper), publisher abstract, layout of an annotated catalog card, table of contents or content of the book, introductory article, preface, afterword, indexes (especially terminological and subject), appendices, bibliography, illustrative material” (p. 89).
It must be remembered that a decision should be formulated based on the results of the analysis. Therefore, I quote: “... in the analysis, the systematizer must identify the subject as the main theme of the work, the aspect of the consideration of the subject, the form, the target and readership of the document. Therefore, all elements of the systematization object are analyzed with a certain target orientation.
It can be said that the analysis of a book in the process of systematization is a kind of bibliographic review, but a very specific one and in any case having nothing in common with a process similar in appearance, which is performed by a reader when choosing a book or a buyer when viewing book novelties. The systematizer, even before picking up a book, asks himself certain questions, and is already looking for answers in it.
Analysis of the object of systematization is a set of complex mental operations. Even in cases where the answers lie on the surface, the systematizer must test his working hypotheses. Some elements of the publication provide invaluable assistance in this. Thus, the sources placed in the list of references can confirm the correctness of the conclusion about the branch of knowledge. The classification indices published in the book, in which the systematizer must be well oriented with the help of the corresponding tables from his working fund, will also say a lot” (pp. 89–90).
What might a systematizer need? Library catalogs (both alphabetical and systematic). You will have to turn (maybe more than once) to the reference fund. And if necessary, look for a consultant who will help in terms of content or with translation (if the systematizer does not know the language). Empirically, it has been found out: it is always better to first look for a specialist in the industry, and then - in the language. The systematizer must skillfully work with translation dictionaries, accumulate terminological knowledge. Results will not be immediately visible. But after 5-6 years of work, the difficulties will disappear (this happens when the systematizer cannot immediately answer the question of how many languages he reads, understands the literature on the industry).
The result of the work: a preliminary classification decision in an arbitrary verbal form, expressed in one sentence (or a chain of words, phrases). All "extra" words are discarded.
Making a classification decision. In foreign textbooks, I came across the statement: the good systematizer is the one who questions everything. Sometimes you can hear in the student environment: why express the results of the analysis in natural language? We have our own artificial language, for example, the language of indices UDC. The fact is that the transformation of a verbal decision into an indexing one goes through the stages of methodological control. We must make sure that this particular case fits into the general methodological patterns. A good systematizer always sees dozens of similar books behind one book - with the same or similar title, with the same additional features. The book should be reflected in the “family of its own kind”, be close by, in the same division. Here's how interesting: it seems that we are talking about the systematization of a particular book, but in fact we are talking about (or imagining) a catalog.
The classification decision is no longer expressed in words, but in terms of classification indexing - indices. And this means that we must know the rules for combining indices. It depends on us whether the classification decision will be expressed by one or several indices (with a plus sign between them), whether the constituent parts of such an index will be simple or complex. We need, especially with a systematic arrangement of funds, to decide on the first, leading index, since it will determine the place of the book on the shelf (a factor that means quite a lot in a number of cases).
We will have to stop here, as it is difficult to recommend anything further today. If you have preserved a card systematic catalog with APU (I hope, with a systematic control file), then you can use the mentioned practical guide. In all other cases, design, editing and other processes will reflect your specifics. Will have to think. I wanted to show how much to consider and how carefully to work. You can't rush or rush. Speed will come with experience. On the contrary: one must be afraid that caution does not disappear ahead of time ...
Workplace of the systematizer
The living space, in which a significant part of the systematizer's working time passes, must be equipped and equipped in a certain way, provide maximum convenience, save time and creative energy. In a large library, the layout of the working room is of great importance, in which the paths of document flows do not intersect, are minimal in length, and employees can transfer certain publications to each other without much physical effort, use a common reference and methodological apparatus.
All library staff involved in cataloging (including systematizers) should be located as close as possible to the reader's catalogs and the fund of reference publications. If the library has preserved and maintained service unit systematic catalog, it is necessary to provide a table for readers who will have to be served directly in the office (which is why during the library's opening hours in the evening and on general weekends, an employee on duty must work here according to the schedule).
When deciding on the placement of work places for systematizers, it is necessary to take into account modern ergonomic requirements for furniture and equipment, temperature and humidity conditions, noise and vibration exposure limits, lighting and color design of the room as a whole, and sanitary and hygienic conditions.
The systematizer needs additional space (working surfaces) to accommodate processed documents, and not only reference and methodological publications, but also working file cabinets should be located in its immediate vicinity. It is most convenient to organize such a workplace in the form of a functional corner desk with a swivel chair, chair. In front of the systematizer, on the surface of the table, on one side, there is a computer with a keyboard, on the other, a desktop with classification tables and writing instruments. It is advisable to keep documents received for processing separately (on different shelves) from documents that have been processed. A catalog cabinet with a working apparatus is located behind the back of the systematizer, next to it on a rack is a reference and methodological apparatus.
To store publications that are required more often than others, it is advisable to use bookshelves installed in front of the desk or directly on it, if its width allows. On the table at the systematizer should be only one edition, the processing of which he is busy. All reference and teaching aids taken from the shelves are immediately returned to their place after use. The principle “every book has its permanent place” is very important, since it is impossible to waste time looking for this or that dictionary, reference book, methodological manual.
After the end of the working day, the systematizer puts away personal belongings and accessories for work in the drawers of his desk, classification tables and other publications - in a closet or on shelves, drawers with file cabinets - in a catalog cabinet. In no case is it allowed to clean from the table into personal boxes of publications that are being processed. If it is impossible to hand them back to the dispatcher (which should be the norm), they are stacked on open shelves. The accidental absence of an employee (there may be many reasons) should not lead to a technological failure.
Abroad, a modular system of the workplace of the cataloguer (systematizer) is now being actively introduced. The module is a standard “box” without a ceiling, 2 x 2 m in size (i.e. 4 sq. m in total), 180 cm high, without windows. Along the two sides of the module is a desktop with an armchair, above it are bookshelves. Equipment - one, sometimes two computers. Very comfortable, good lighting. Wardrobe for clothes and personal items. Telephone, intercom for communication with the dispatcher. Open cabinet with three compartments: "Received", "In Progress", "Processed". Where they designed conveyor systems, they came to the conclusion that they take up a lot of space. Books are delivered and collected on comfortable silent carts. Since the modules are in a row, it is convenient to drive up to each of them. Why two computers? On one, work is being done in the system, one click and you find yourself in “your” EC (usually network, summary). And the other car is normal Personal Computer connected to the Internet. On one screen, you can create a record in the format, on the other, you can see the record for the same book in the EC BC or in OCLC. Or get help at www.Google.com.
Do not tell everything. It only seems that in our "economy" everything has stopped a long time ago.
