Fundamentals of Cataloging 2023 - Session 4.0
The Fundamentals of Cataloging (FOC) is a six-week online course that provides an introduction to the principles, policies and practices of cataloging in libraries. It is designed for librarians and library support staff new to cataloging; librarians and library support staff from other units who want to know more about cataloging; LSSC candidates pursuing certification in the Cataloging and Classification competency set; and experienced cataloging librarians and support staff seeking continuing education and networking opportunities.
Course components:
- Introduction to catalogs and cataloging, including an exploration into the principles behind the development and evolution of cataloging codes and rules
- Introduction to descriptive cataloging, including bibliographic description and descriptive access points with AACR2 and RDA
- Introduction to subject analysis and classification, with a focus on Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
- Introduction to reading and understanding MARC 21 formats for bibliographic and authority data
- Exploration of the history of cooperative cataloging, current trends and some suggestions about the future for cataloging and bibliographic management
Learning Outcomes:
Students will gain a basic understanding of library cataloging concepts and practices.
Who Should Attend:
As a fundamentals course, FOC is tailored for librarians and library support staff new to cataloging, librarians and library support staff from other units who want to know more about cataloging, and experienced cataloging librarians and library support staff seeking continuing education and networking opportunities.
Cataloging librarians in countries other than the U.S. and library school students or graduates developing skills to help get a job or identify areas of interest in library work may also benefit from this course.
Format:
Students receive login instructions one week prior to the course start date. Students have 24/7 access to the course site for the six-week period, and aside from assignment and quiz deadlines, the course may be completed at their own pace. Instructors provide guidance and feedback as students work their way through the course material. Weekly, instructor-moderated chat sessions are the only live course events that students are asked to attend.
Registration for each course is limited to 25 people. For courses that are not sold out, online and fax registration ends at 12 noon CDT on the Monday before the course begins. Mailed registration forms must be postmarked by two Mondays prior to the course start date.
Core Code of Conduct:
Please review the Statement of Conduct before registering.
Tech Requirements:
A Moodle-developed site is composed of self-paced modules with facilitated interaction led by the instructors. There are predetermined start and end dates and a suggested pace which include interaction with the instructors and your classmates. Students regularly use the forum and chat room functions to facilitate their class participation. Section quizzes are offered and feedback given, however, there is no final class grade.
The course web site will be open for 1 week prior to the start date for students to have access to Moodle instructions and set their browser correctly. The course site will remain open 1 week after the end date for students to complete any sections and submit the course evaluation survey.
Credits:
Contact Hours - 24 hours
Core defines contact hours in line with the IACET standards on Continuing Education Units.
Certificates of completion are sent upon successful completion (passing score of 70% or higher) of the course.
Questions?
For questions about registration, contact ALA Registration by calling 1-800-545-2433 or email registration@ala.org.
If you are registering using a Purchase Order, please email registration@ala.org. Our registration department will send you an invoice for payment.
If you need a registration form, please email registration@ala.org. They will email you a PDF registration form.
For all other questions or comments related to this course, please contact Mia Blixt-Shehan, Core CE Assistant at mblixtshehan@ala.org.