Michael Dulock

New Cataloger Preparedness: Interviews With New Professionals in Academic Libraries

This study presents the results of interviews with twenty-two new professional catalogers in their first professional positions in an academic library. Interview questions focus on library education experiences, comfort with the theory and practice of cataloging, and overall level of preparedness provided by the master of library science (MLS) or equivalent degree. Interview results place great importance on practica, internships, or other practical experience during library education. The availability of more and better cataloging classes was also emphasized. Many interview respondents were unenthusiastic in their descriptions of the level of preparedness provided by the MLS.

Providing Metadata for Compound Digital Objects: Strategic Planning for an Institution's First Use of METS, MODS, and MIX

The University of Colorado at Boulder recently engaged in a grant-funded pilot project to use Metadata Encoding & Transmission Standard (METS), Metadata Object Description Standard (MODS), and NISO Metadata for Images in XML Schema (MIX) for a collection of digitized Sanborn fire insurance maps of the state. This article will draw on this experience to outline the processes and decision making required to implement new metadata structures, and will offer some insights on planning strategically for an institutions first use of these increasingly important metadata standards.

Using Linked Open Data to Enhance Subject Access in Online Primary Sources

Using online primary sources is both rewarding and challenging for users. Improving subject access is essential as these sources become increasingly important in educational curricula. A user needs assessment with humanities users showed improving findability and context for historical subjects were major needs. Linked Data can help by linking related concepts in the sources using specialized vocabularies, enriching them with outside resources, and enabling semantic services that empower users. This article discusses a project to enhance subject access in an online World War I collection by deep linking historical data on the civilian experience in occupied Belgium and France.

Report of the ALCTS Metadata Interest Group Meeting, American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, Dallas, January 2012

This column will feature reports on what is going on in the rapidly changing, ever fascinating field of Technical Services. Each quarterly issue will consist of reports on new developments including integrated library systems, next generation catalogs, management of electronic resources; conference happenings and reports from professional meetings; what’s new in technical services publications; as well as reports from technical services professionals on their research and projects. Such reports, announcements, and brief articles for consideration for inclusion should be sent to: Barry B. Baker, Editor, ‘‘Technical Services Report,’’ Director of Libraries, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 162666, Orlando, Florida 32816-2666.