Cataloguing

I went to the local library this afternoon for clarification on some cataloguing questions. Boy am I glad that I did. I think I learnt more in 30mins. at the library than I have in the last few days glued to the computer!! The local government amalgamation has meant an update of the OPAC to incorporate all the former council libraries into one system. The staff were busy cataloguing new material to be dispersed throughout the local region. I was so glad they could spare some time for me. Anyway, with assignment due dates looming, soccer presentation and construction of evidence for my ICT licence time surely moves at a rapid pace.

We never stop learning

I can't believe that I almost failed a subject. I am such a procrastinator I am probably typing this instead of finishing my assignment!!! This teacher librarian course is opening my eyes wider than they have ever been before. Not only do TLs require teaching skills and ICT skills, they also have to be adept at managing a library. At the moment I am learning how to create catalogue records for library items. I thought this would be pretty simple. Just enter the Dewey no's and SCIS does the rest. Not so, there are a great many rules that are applied to cataloguing. There are also punctuation requirements, just like references. I have found a new respect for the cataloguers at SCIS.
During my first term as temp. TL I couldn't understand why we had to send books to SCIS in Brisbane for cataloguing. Now I understand that you have to have all the required information before applying the correct rules as per AACR2. It would be great if I could process those books myself without having to send them away. ( Tell me I'm dreaming).