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In reply to Wendy's query about what to do with the 62 maps at Portland
State that need to be cataloged and the current methodology used at PSU to
catalog maps--
 
Does the PSU Cataloging Dept. use OCLC, RLIN, or WLN to catalog other types
of materials in their collections to be added to the local online union
catalog? In particular, if the Dept. already uses OCLC why can't maps be
treated the same as other materials, searched against the database, member
records that are matching copy edited for the local system, and then loaded
into the local system? The distrust by the Dept. of the quality of
cataloging going into the local online catalog is probably warranted if not
healthy, but it seems like training is a key issue here.
 
Training paraprofessionals (or professionals for that matter) for
cataloging maps can be had, the various regional OCLC entities (such as
SOLINET in the south and southeast) sponsor these types of format training
workshops regularly for some formats and on occasion for maps when there is
enough demand. If training at a formal workshop isn't available (especially
if time is a factor here) then why not network with map catalogers either
within the region or even nationally (I, for one, am always willing to
assist others cataloging maps so that they are completed with a high level
of quality, match national/international standards, and are available to
the rest of the world if a bibliographic record for a particular item has
never been created).
 
If the Cataloging Dept. doesn't want an untrained person adding map records
into the online catalog, yet is not willing to take on maps as part of the
Dept. workflow, how about (yep, you guessed it, that ugly word) outsourcing
? (for the uninitiated, that means hiring someone else to do the work for
you). Sixty-two titles would not take long for someone with a number of
years of map cataloging experience to get through, even if a portion of
them happen to be serial publications or are difficult in some other way.
 
The fact that no authority control has been used up to this point plus
creative subject headings are being used is a bit disturbing but not
necessarily the end of the world. Authority control is important, but if
the individual doing the cataloging does not have the tools necessary to
enact authority control from the perspective of standards (such as access
to the LC Name Authority File, either electronically or in fiche), at least
be consistent with the usage of a given corporate or personal name. Subject
headings can be reworked if the decision is to go to using the LC Subject
Headings file.
 
Seems to be plenty of issues involved here, the one that disturbs me most
is the Cat. Dept's unwillingness to touch maps (echoes of the past here).
If I can assist with other questions I can be reached via email or by
telephone or mail at the addresses below:
 
Mr. Paige G. Andrew
Maps/Nonbook Cataloging Librarian
E506 Pattee Library
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
email: [log in to unmask]
phone: 814-865-1755
 
Hope this helps.
 
Paige