Cataloging and Authorities Advisory Group

CAAG Recommendations for Electronic Resources

The Cataloging and Authorities Advisory Group reviewed ISAG's preliminary recommendations concerning electronic resources. CAAG's recommendations follow. Two aspects of this issue we could not determine are what types of materials would be cataloged and to what level of specificity. It is unlikely that one recommendation would suffice for all items, and CAAG recognizes that these two issues cannot be decided without the input of CDAG. It is our recommendation that each resource be considered individually and that consultation between the bibliographer and cataloger determine the most appropriate level of specificity.

The following recommendations concern general aspects of designation within the Acorn record. It should be understood that all electronic resources will be cataloged with available hypertext links.

1. Multiple vs. single records for multiple formats

CAAG strongly recommends that this be left to cataloger judgment. Sometimes the single record approach will not work. Catalogers would work with the understanding that the single record approach is preferred.

2. Multiple vs. single records for separate processing units

CAAG recommends one record across processing units for all electronic materials

3. Library:

CAAG recommends the creation of a separate library for campus-accessible electronic resources to be named ELECTRONIC. This library would include internet resources and web-launchable CD-ROMs. It would not include location-based CD-ROMs or CD-ROM networks.

To preserve library-specific searching capabilities, a monthly "new titles" list for the ELECTRONIC library would be compiled. Collection development representatives from each library could check the list and request a separate call for their library if so desired. If a specific library funds the electronic material, a separate call for that library should be added automatically. Individual processing units will need to develop procedures to alert processing staff to add the funding library.

4. Location:

CAAG recommends using INTERNET as the location for all web-based resources. NETWORK should continue to be used as the location for CD-ROM networks.

5. Item Type:

CAAG recommends multiple item types (designations to be determined later) to reflect different types of material. Ex.: E-BOOK, E-JOURNAL, etc.

6. Call Number:

CAAG could not reach complete consensus on the issue of call number. As changing the call number impacts a variety of matters, we offer the following thoughts.

A complete call number (LC, MeSH or SuDocs with class, cutter, and date) would be necessary for a proper call number browse. Patrons using the call number browse would not be able to find multiple formats together if electronic resources did not use a call number similar to paper formats. Also, catalogers frequently use call number browses and it would be helpful to have the "e" version file next to its paper counterpart. Collection analysis would also be a benefit of this option. If complete call numbers are assigned to electronic materials, we recommend some designation be added (a symbol or short word) to indicate the item is electronic.

Collection analysis could also be performed if we chose to use only the class number portion (no cutters or dates) of the call number. Call number browsing would still be possible but would be significantly weakened by this approach. If only the class number is retained, we recommend using it with some extra designation to mark the item as an electronic resource.

If traditional call numbers are completely abandoned, we recommend using the phrase AVAILABLE ONLINE.

Linda Tesar, Chair
Cataloging and Authorities Advisory Group