----------------------------Original message---------------------------- 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