Recataloguing and reclassification projects and methods in Cape Town libraries

Hinchliff, Patricia Shaen

Recataloguing and reclassification projects and methods in Cape Town libraries

Master Thesis

1974

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Library and Information Studies Centre (LISC)

Abstract

Cataloguing and classification are fields of librarianship currently experiencing many alterations to long established procedures. Constant changes in both field of knowledge and in internationally standardized cataloguing rules and classification systems result in increasingly complex problems at libraries to which librarians should attempt to provide, economical solutions. A current technical problem confronting librarians is that the maintenance of a catalogue and a classified bookstock frequently results in continuous recataloguing and reclassification of retrospective titles. The knowledge that this technical problem is connnon to many libraries prompted this study of recataloguing and reclassification projects and methods in seven Cape Town libraries. An objective of this study is to examine the situation which in the necessity for recataloguing and the circumstances under which it can be undertaken as an economical proposition at a library. The aim is also to assess which aspects of a recataloguing project time-consuming and whether improvements can be implemented in the routines at libraries in order to effect a greater economy in operation.