Introduction

In today’s digital age, proper cataloging and adherence to metadata standards are essential for organizing and managing library resources efficiently. This training course is designed to provide library professionals with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to implement cataloging standards, including MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) and RDA (Resource Description and Access). Understanding these metadata standards ensures accurate resource retrieval, management, and interoperability across digital platforms and library systems.

This course delves into the principles, application, and best practices for cataloging library resources using standardized metadata frameworks, helping participants enhance their cataloging practices, improve library discoverability, and ensure compliance with national and international cataloging norms.

Target Audience

• Library professionals (catalogers, metadata specialists, and library technicians) seeking to develop or strengthen their knowledge in cataloging and metadata standards.
• Archivists and curators involved in organizing and cataloging physical and digital collections.
• IT professionals working in library automation systems, who need a deep understanding of metadata for integrating cataloging systems.
• Library science students and educators interested in gaining practical insights into the application of MARC, RDA, and other metadata standards in contemporary library settings.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of cataloging and metadata standards in organizing and managing library resources.
• Gain proficiency in the MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) format, including its structure, fields, and usage in bibliographic records.
• Learn the principles of RDA (Resource Description and Access) and how it aligns with modern cataloging practices, replacing older systems like AACR2.
• Apply cataloging standards effectively to physical and digital resources across various library types (academic, public, special, and digital libraries).
• Understand the role of metadata in resource discovery and access, ensuring that library materials are easily searchable and accessible.
• Develop skills for creating and managing metadata records that comply with international cataloging standards, enabling interoperability across different library and archival systems.
• Explore best practices in cataloging and metadata management to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and enhance library resource discovery.
• Identify common challenges in cataloging and metadata creation, and learn strategies for addressing them in practical scenarios.

Through this course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current cataloging landscape and be equipped with the tools to catalog resources accurately and consistently in line with industry standards.

DURATION

5 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Cataloging and Metadata Standards

• Overview of cataloging and metadata
• Importance of standardization in library systems
• Key concepts: Metadata, cataloging, resource description

Module 2: Understanding MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging)

• History and development of MARC
• Structure of MARC records
• Fields, subfields, and indicators
• Types of MARC formats: MARC 21, MARCXML, MARC 8

Module 3: Introduction to RDA (Resource Description and Access)

• History and evolution of RDA
• The relationship between RDA and AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules)
• Core elements in RDA
• How RDA applies to resource description

Module 4: RDA and FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records)

• The FRBR model and its impact on cataloging
• The four user tasks in FRBR: Find, Identify, Select, Obtain
• How RDA structures records to meet FRBR’s user tasks

Module 5: Cataloging of Print Resources

• Cataloging monographs and serials in MARC
• Workflows for cataloging printed books, journals, and magazines
• How RDA principles apply to print resources

Module 6: Cataloging of Electronic Resources

• Metadata standards for e-books, online journals, and digital resources
• Creating MARC records for electronic resources
• Licensing issues and metadata for digital content

Module 7: Cataloging Audio-Visual Materials

• MARC and RDA guidelines for cataloging audio-visual materials
• Identifying and describing video, audio, and multimedia resources
• Handling special formats like DVDs, Blu-ray, and streaming media

Module 8: Subject Cataloging and Classification

• Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
• How to assign subject headings and classify resources
• The role of controlled vocabularies in metadata

Module 9: Authority Control in Cataloging

• Understanding authority control and its importance
• Managing personal names, corporate bodies, and titles in cataloging
• Integrating authority records with MARC and RDA

Module 10: Metadata Standards Beyond MARC and RDA

• Dublin Core: A simple metadata standard for digital resources
• MODS (Metadata Object Description Schema)
• EAD (Encoded Archival Description) for archival materials

Module 11: Advanced MARC Techniques

• Linking records in MARC (e.g., bibliographic and authority records)
• MARC for special collections and rare books
• Batch processing and automated workflows in MARC

Module 12: Metadata for Digital Repositories

• Introduction to institutional repositories and digital asset management
• Metadata standards for digital objects: OAI-PMH, METS, PREMIS
• Preservation metadata and digital object life cycle

Module 13: Cataloging for Interoperability

• Interoperability between systems using metadata standards
• Implementing linked data and RDF (Resource Description Framework)
• MARC and RDA in relation to modern systems like Linked Open Data (LOD)

Module 14: MARC and RDA in Library Automation Systems

• Implementing MARC and RDA in Integrated Library Systems (ILS)
• Cataloging workflows within library automation tools
• Customization and integration of MARC and RDA standards

Module 15: Ethical and Legal Considerations in Cataloging

• Copyright issues in metadata creation and cataloging
• Ethical standards for catalogers: Privacy, inclusivity, and accessibility
• Standardizing sensitive and personal data in cataloging

Module 16: Cataloging Quality Control and Best Practices

• Quality assurance in metadata creation
• Common cataloging errors and how to avoid them
• Developing cataloging policies and guidelines for libraries

These modules ensure a comprehensive approach to learning cataloging and metadata standards, addressing both foundational concepts and specialized areas. Each module is designed to give participants practical skills in cataloging across formats, using both traditional and contemporary metadata standards.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.