Centralised Cataloguing,

UNIT 8 CENTRALISED CATALOGUING, Cataloguing-in-Publication and

Pre-Natal Cataloguing
CATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATION
AND PRE-NATAL CATALOGUING
Structure
8.0 Objectives
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Library Cooperation
8.2.1 Library Networks
8.2.2 Centralised Processing
8.3 Centralised Cataloguing
8.3.1 Forms of Centralisation
8.3.2 Card Services
8.3.3 Commercial Cataloguing
8.4 Cataloguing-in-Publication
8.5 Pre-natal Cataloguing
8.6 Co-operative Cataloguing
8.6.1 Union Catalogue
8.6.2 Co-operative and Centralised Cataloguing
8.7 Summary
8.8 Answers to Self Check Exercises
8.9 Key Words
8.10 References and Further Readings

8.0 OBJECTIVES
Processing work in libraries, such as, cataloguing and classification can be done
centrally in a particular library or agency which will save time and cost to the
participating libraries. These activities can also be performed cooperatively. In this
Unit, we introduce you to centralised and co-operative cataloguing.
After reading this Unit, you will be able to:
describe the concepts of centralised and co-operative cataloguing with their
advantages and the few drawbacks;
explain library networks, their varieties and their operation in centralised and
co-operative cataloguing; and
explain Cataloguing-in-Publication and Pre-natal Cataloguing.

8.1 INTRODUCTION
In a library usually, we classify and catalogue documents that are added to the stock of
the library. The same documents may also be acquired by some other library. That library
also will do the process of cataloguing and classification. If both the libraries follow the
same catalogue code and the same scheme of classification then the Class Numbers of the
documents as well as the catalogue entries will be the same. That is to say, the same job
is repeated in two different libraries. But suppose the job is shared by the two libraries,
then both the costs and man hours spent on the job is shared by the two libraries, thereby
both are reduced and both the libraries will benefit. 73
Format of Catalogue Entries If such a sharing is done by not just two libraries but by several libraries, then the
benefits are many for all the libraries. Similarly, if there is a central library or an apex
library and there are several branches for it, then instead of all the libraries spending
time and money on the technical processing, the central library itself may take up the
processing on behalf of all its branch libraries.
When the same book appears in several hundreds of copies, all the libraries that buy
the title will have to process it again and again. If the book itself gives the catalogue
entry according to a generally acceptable catalogue code and also the class number
according to a very well known scheme of classification, then the burden of
processing the book will be reduced to a great extent in all the libraries that buy the
book. Such a centralised processing can be a very good cooperative or a
commercial proposition.
However, there may be some problems when centralized. processing is opted for.
First and foremost is the problem of individualizing a document within the stock of
the particular library collection. For this purpose, the library procedure and practices
may have to be observed. The central organisation cannot give a solution in such
cases because all the libraries may not buy all the books. Hence, according to local
needs, the particular library will have to individualize a document. In the same way,
because of the size of the library, one library may need more added entries and
another library may need less number of entries. The levels of description may also
vary from library to library and some times from document to document within the
same library. But problems of this sort can be easily handled with appropriate
measures.
Various aspects of centralised processing like its advantages and drawbacks, the
nature and objectives of centralized cataloguing, the different forms of centralized
cataloguing like card service, cataloguing-in-source, etc., are described and discussed
in this Unit. A brief history of centralized processing, particularly centralized
cataloguing, is also narrated. With the introduction of Machine-Readable Cataloguing
(MARC), centralized and cooperative cataloguing gained new dimensions. A brief
description of these efforts is also given.
8.2 LIBRARY COOPERATION
Libraries have many things in common. The processes and practices in several
libraries are similar. Even the problems of management and services are common. So
with a certain amount of understanding and willingness to cooperate, libraries can
come together and offer better services.
When two or more libraries come together to share their resources or exchange their
services or agree to cooperate with each other, then such an understanding is known
as library cooperation.
The following are some of the areas in which there can be cooperation among
libraries:
1) Selection of documents.
2) Acquisition documents.
3) Processing of documents.
4) Interlending of documents.
5) Preparation of bibliographies, acquisition lists, union lists and catalogues, etc.
6) Helping users through information services like translation service, on-line
search, etc.
In such cases of cooperation, there can be central cooperating library or coordinating
body which monitors and oversees these activities. Sometimes, without any such
coordinating body the libraries themselves may agree to co-operate with each other
following certain broad guidelines and principles.
Library co-operation can be not only within a group of libraries or library systems but
74 also within the main library and its branch libraries of the same library system. These
activities can be accomplished through library networks.
Self Check Exercise Centralised Cataloguing,
1) List a few areas of library cooperation. Cataloguing-in-Publication and
Pre-Natal Cataloguing
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
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8.2.1 Library Networks
A Library network is defined by Hunter and Bakewell as "A group of libraries and/or
information service points, connected together for the purpose of satisfying specified
requirements."
Wynar says that the term "network" has been used to describe multi-library
organisations designed to facilitate inter-library loan, reference, duplicate exchange,
processing and the like".
When any of the types of cooperation mentioned in Section 8.2 is to be achieved,
networking of the libraries will be very useful. Through library networks cooperation
and centralized processing becomes easy.
To give you an idea of networks and their services two illustrations are given below.
Figure 1 is the network where each individual participating library gets the services
from a central coordinating body of library.

This type of network known as Star Network is illustrative of centralised processing

and services.
Figure 2 illustrates the type of network where all participating libraries mutually
exchange services. It is a network which illustrates of cooperative processing and
services. It can also have multiple network paths as illustrated in Figure 3 and it is
known as Mesh Network.

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Format of Catalogue Entries

In Figure 2, arrows are indicated both ways. In other words, each one of the
participating libraries will have access to each and every other library in the network.

In a Mesh Network each centre known as node will inspect incoming messages or
packets; accept those intended for it and pass on the others to appropriate nodes.
There can be other types of networks also which can help the libraries in their
cooperative and centralized activities.
For example if the activities are confined to cenrtalized services like selection,
acquisition, processing, information services, etc., within the same library system
with several branches, a Hierarchical Network which is also known as Tree Network
can be the solution.

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 Centralised Cataloguing,
Cataloguing-in-Publication and
Pre-Natal Cataloguing

Two or more networks can be interconnected through what are known as `Gateways'.
A gateway, Purser says "is an interface between two distinct networks, in which
some sort of conversion or mapping between the two formats and functions of data
valid for each of the two networks takes place".
For example in our country Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) acts as an
international gateway. The illustration given below (figure 5) can give you some idea
of a gateway and inter connection of networks.

In an attempt to serve the user better-by providing exact, pin-pointed and exhaustive
information expeditiously, libraries and information centres are now-a=days taking
advantage of the developments in information technology. Library networks world
wide are playing a key role in this regard. In course BLIS-07 Units 11 and 12 you
will get more details about library networks.
Self Check Exercise
2) Define a Library Network.
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
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Format of Catalogue Entries ....
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8.2.2 Centralised Processing
By "processing" we mean technical operations that are necessary to prepare library
materials for access and use. So, centralized processing would mean undertaking of
those operations by a central agency or body. Wynar says that "the term Centralized
Processing may be broadly defined as any consolidated effort to bring under one
control the technical operations necessary to prepare library materials for access and
use at different service points".
Technical processing centres can be of different varieties. Broadly speaking, these
can be:
1) centres, which undertake acquisition and complete technical processing of
getting the books ready for access and use by the libraries.
2) centres that acquire, catalogue and classify the documents.
3) centres that just catalogue and classify documents.
Advantages
Centralized processing has many advantages. For example.
1) Duplication of work is avoided: The type of work involved in processing is
similar, So, instead of all the libraries repeating the same type of work in the
different libraries, a central organisation can undertake to do the job.
Duplication of the work is avoided in that way.
2) Economy: Since processing work is done on behalf of several libraries, there
will be saving in money to be spent by individual libraries.
3) Uniformity: Since a central agency undertakes cataloguing, classification,
etc., the technical processing will be based on uniform and standard
practices. All the libraries that opt for the services display the same uniform
practices as regards cataloguing, classification, etc.
4) Qualitative improvement: We can also achieve improvement in the quality
of the technical services because a central agency can pool up the best
manpower resources to improve the quality of performance.
5) Use of sophisticated equipment: Because of centralization the central
agency can go in for sophisticated equipment Most of the individual libraries
cannot afford the costs involved in purchasing sophisticated equipment.
6) Staff can be better utilised: Some of the members who would have been
otherwise engaged in ordering, classification, cataloguing, etc., processes in
the various individual libraries that opted for centralized processing will find
free time from these jobs. Their services can therefore, be better utilised for
other types of services like information services,
7) Promptness: Because of limitations and shortages, there may be delays in
cataloguing and classification in libraries. But in the case of centralized
services, user can expect promptness in service.
8) Scope for preparing union lists and catalogues: Through centralization of
processing there is also scope for the preparation of union lists, union
catalogues, etc. This is the data on the holdings of the different libraries
opting for centralization can be easily collected now for such compilations.
Drawbacks
There are certain drawbacks and disadvantages also in centralization of processing.
1) Some libraries may not be able to afford the operational costs involved. Or
the effectiveness of the cost involved may be marginal so that it may not
78 make much difference between centralized and individuul/se!fpnouexxiu8
for some libraries.
2) The libraries which are clients to the centralized processing may have Centralised Cataloguing,
practices different from the central organisation. For example, the scheme of Cataloguing-in-Publication and
Pre-Natal Cataloguing
classification or the catalogue code followed by the library may be different
from those followed by central organization. Even if they are same the
library may be following different editions. These local variations are
deterrents in opting for centralized processing.
3) For purposes of individualizing a document through its Call Number and for
purposes of deciding the number and type of entries required for the library
the participating library still has to keep skeletal staff in the processing
sections. That is to say a participating library cannot completely dispense
with staff in its processing sections.
Self Check Exercise
3) State the advantages of centralised processing.
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
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8.3 CENTRALISED CATALOGUING
By centralized cataloguing, we mean the provision of cataloguing service from a
central point to several clients. The service may range from a simple cataloguing of
documents to complete and whole cataloguing with the preparation of catalogue
cards ready to be inserted into the clients catalogues.
In simple terms Needham defines centralized cataloguing as "the cataloguing of
documents by some central organisation". The main purpose of centralised
cataloguing is to save duplication of effort in the cataloguing department of several
libraries.
Objectives
The objectives of centralised cataloguing are to:
1) avoid duplication of work;
2) achieve -uniform and standard cataloguing practices;
3) minimize the cost of cataloguing; and
4) help member libraries provide better and more effective library services.
Advantages and Drawbacks
In section 8.2.2 we have seen the advantages and drawbacks of centralized
processing. The same are applicable to centralized cataloguing also. However, some
of the relevant points are stated again briefly. You may refer to that section for better
understanding of the details.
Advantages
1) Duplication of work can be avoided.
2) Cost of cataloguing can be minimised.
3) Uniform and standard cataloguing` practices can be adopted.
4) Cataloguing can be qualitatively improved.
5) Some of the professional staff who are relieved of cataloguing work can be
utilised for other useful professional service: 79
6) Preparation of union catalogues will become easy.
Format of Catalogue Entries Drawbacks
1) Pooling up the necessary funds to opt for centralized cataloguing may be
difficult for some libraries.
2) Because of local variations it may be difficult to go in for centralized
cataloguing.
3) Centralized cataloguing system may cause delay. A library with a lower
number of accessions can complete the job of cataloguing much earlier.
4) Similarly such libraries may not need all the catalogue cards prepared by the
central organisation. It may not buy all the books because of its limited
funds and requirements. Excess cards will be a waste then.
Self Check Exercise
4) Give the drawbacks of centralised cataloguing.
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
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8.3.1 Forms of Centralisation
In centralised cataloguing we observe that there are several forms of centralisation
like:
1) Card (or Sheaf) service
2) MARC (Machine-Readable Catalogue) service
3) Information service
4) Cataloguing-in-Source
5) Cateloguing-in-publication
6) Pre-natal Cataloguing
Card (or Sheaf) Service
This is the type of centralised cataloguing where the unit entries are prepared by a
central organisation. The individual libraries can buy these cards in multiple
numbers. One card is retained as main entry and,other cards are used for preparing
added entries by adding the appropriate access points like names of the
collaborator(s),,title(s), subject(s), etc. In Unit-5 you have seen that the added entries
can be prepared in the unit record system. The BNB, the Library of Congress and the
H.W. Wilson Company are rendering such type of service.
MARC Service
In this service cataloguing data is prepared for documents in machine readable form
on magnetic tapes, etc. Client libraries can either directly search the information from
the tapes or use the service for the creation of conventional forms of catalogues and
bibliographies. In Unit 9 of this Block you will learn more about MARC and
computer catalogues.
Information Service
In this type of centralised service a central organisation produces a bibliography from
which libraries can prepare their own catalogues. These catalogues can be prepared
either by using the catalogue information from the bibliography for the books they
80 have to catalogue or by cutting and pasting on cards the appropriate entries from the
bibliography. The British National Bibliography (BNB) and the Indian National
Bibliography (BNB) are such types of tools. Centralised Cataloguing,
Cataloguing-in-Publication and
Cataloguing-in-Source Pre-Natal Cataloguing
A publisher of a book, if he can provide the catalogue entry in the book itself, will be
helping the purchasing libraries. Their processing work is reduced to a large extent.
What is needed in such service is that the catalogue code followed should be the one
which is universally acceptable. The entry should also carry class number according
to a popular and acceptable scheme of classification. Such a service is known as
Cataloguing-In-Source (CIS).
Ranganathan made a plea from such cataloguing of a book even before its release. He
termed it as `Pre-natal Cataloguing'. There is yet another term for similar service;
namely, Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP).
In the succeeding sections we will discuss some of these centralised cataloguing services.
8.3.2 Card Services
Eminent librarians like Charles Jewett, Albert Blor, Henry Stevens, F. Max Mueller,
W.C.Lane, Melvil Dewey and several others advocated centralised cataloguing services.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress began printing catalogue cards in July, 1898. This service is
made available to all libraries since 1901. The cards were prepared and printed for
American copyright books. In 1910 the service was extended to include several large
libraries outside the government structure.
The card service of the Library of Congress is a part of the activities of the library.
There is no separate central organization, separate from the Library of Congress.
Each and every item catalogued by the Library of Congress is given a serial number
known as `card number'. Card Numbers are noted in the Cumulative Book Index
through' which the cards are ordered.
Detailed descriptive cataloguing was followed by the Library of Congress. However,
during 1951, and 1963 the Library of Congress had gone in for limited cataloguing.
In limited cataloguing only simple details of documents are given. Even then, not
every document is catalogued. Some items which are considered not so important are
omitted.
All-The-Book-Plan
This was started by the Library of Congress in 1953. The purpose is to increase the
number of titles for which printed cards were available. The Library of Congress
expected that American publishers would oblige by sending. pre-publication copies
of current publications so that Library of Congress could produce the cards as soon as
possible. The Library of Congress order numbers were printed on the verso of the
title page to help easy accessibility to the printed cards. In 1959, R. R. Bowker
Company agreed for listing the titles in the Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly in
exchange for cataloguing information provided by the Library of Congress for the
review copies received by it.
Cards-With-Books Programme
In this Programme the Library of Congress printed cards were supplied with the
books through the publishers and book sellers. This programme was started in 1961
as another attempt to help the libraries with the catalogue cards for the books as
quickly as possible.
National Programme of Acquisitions and Cataloguing (NPAC)
Through legislation in 1958 and later in 1965 the Library of Copgress is empowered
to acquire, catalogue and distribute biliographic records for all materials of research
value that were published in foreign countries. Under this programme which was
started in 1966 several acquisitions and cataloguing offices were opened in foreign
countries. By the end of the first year of its establishment nine overseas offices were
providing publications from twenty one countries with cataloguing information from
seventeen foreign sources.
Nowadays, the demand for printed catalogue cards is met by MARC tapes. But, for
non-MARC cards the demand has to be met by manually filled information from 81
inventory stocks.
Format of Catalogue Entries British National Bibliography
The British National Bibliography is an organization, which is self-supporting. It is
controlled by a Council represented among others by the Library Association, the
British Museum (now known as British Library), the Publishers' Association and the
Booksellers' Association. The organisation has access to documents as and when they
are received at the copy right office.
The national bibliography complied by this organization appeared in 1950. Its card
service began in 1956. Entries are also provided for sheaf catalogues. Card service
can be availed by sending the BNB entry number in the bibliography. Prior to the
introduction of card service by BNB, libraries could use its bibliography only as a
master from which their own cards were produced. In some library systems, marked
copies of BNB were tried as catalogues in their branch libraries.
Self Check Exercise
5) List the centralised cataloguing services offered by institutions.
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
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8.3.3 Commercial Cataloguing
When centralised processing like preparation and sale of catalogue entries on-cards is
undertaken by an agency as commerical proposition we may call it. `Commercial
Cataloguing'. Barbara Westby defined commercial cataloguing as "Centralised
Cataloguing performed and sold by a non-library agency operating for profit".
Such commercial cataloguing efforts are described below in brief:
Publisher's Title Slips
The idea of a Printed Title Slip was mooted as early as 1877 at the American Library
Association (ALA) Conference. A Committee on Publisher's Title Slips consisting of
Winsor, Bowker and Dewey was formed at that conference. The committee
recommended the supply of title slips prepared for immediate use as catalogue cards
to subscribers. The New York office of the Library Journal and Publishers Weekly
was the central office but title slips were to be prepared under the supervision of the
librarian of Harvard University and the Boston Atheneum. The catalogue entries
were printed on one side of a thin paper so that it could be pasted on a card. Extra
copies were supplied for use as title and subject entries. This programme could not
survive beyond one year. The project which started in 1879 came to an end by
February, 1880.
Rudolph Indexer Company
A proposal to supply printed catalogue cards for all books `currently' published in
America was thought of by Rudolph Indexer Company in 1893. But the project did
not materialise since a similar plan was thought of by the Library Bureau also,
The Library Bureau
The Library Bureau had a plan similar to Rudolph Indexer Company. Its intention
82 was to supply printed catalogue cards for all current standard books. Even this project
could not succeed.
H.W. Wilson Company Centralised Cataloguing,
Cataloguing-in-Publication and
This famous American publisher of several bibliographies and indexes supplied Pre-Natal Cataloguing
many school and public libraries simple but adequate card copy at nominal cost for
widely read books from 1938 to 1975. During that period over one hundred other
distributors and publishers followed the Wilson example of supplying a packet of
cards with each book sold. With the introduction of cataloguing-in-publication (CIP)
the concept and practice of Books-with-cards was replaced.
Self Check Exercise
6) Name the commercial agencies which offer printed card service.
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
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8.4 CATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATION
As noted earlier one way of helping the libraries in cataloguing is giving catalogue
information in the book itself in a standard format following a well recognised
catalogue code.
Cataloguing-in-Source
With the collaboration of the publishers and through a financial grant provided by the
Council on Library Resources, the Library of Congress experimented with what was
known as Cataloguing-in-Source.
Under this programme a central organization catalogues books before their
publication. The catalogue entries are then printed, into the books themselves. The
publishers will have to cooperate with the central organisation for this purpose. The
Library of Congress catalogued, 1,203 publications of 157 publishers using page
proofs from June, 1958 to February, 1959.
The Library of Congress could experiment with Cataloguing-in-Source only during
1958-59. At the end of that period they felt that in view of the finances involved
besides technical considerations, and the actual use of the service, a permanent full-
scale service is not justified.
Cataloguing-in-Publication
The cataloguing-in-Source given up by the LC in 1959 was revived in July 1971. The
entries were prepared from galley proofs and data returned to publishers within ten
working days. Subtitle, imprint and collation were not given. However, the LC
includes this information later in the MARC. The MARC is made available four to
six months before the book's publication.
There are three products of Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP). Namely; (1)Record of
CIP cataloguing data on MARC tape made available before the final cataloguing
copy appeared on the MARC tape. (2) The LC cards made available before the
publication date of the book. (3) Cataloguing data printed in the book itself. You
might have seen that some American and British Books carry the Cataloguing-in-
Publication information in the back of their title pages.
The following is an illustration for the Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-
Publication.
Wynar, Bohdhan S
Introduction to cataloguing and classification
83
(Library science text series)
Format of Catalogue Entries Bibliography: P. 597.
Includes indexes.
1. Cataloguing. 2. Anglo-American cataloguing rules 3. Classification - Books. I.
Taylor, Arlene G, 1941-II Title
z693.W94 1985 025.3 85-23147
ISBN -0-87287-512-1
ISBN 0-87287-485-O (Pbk)
The success of CIP depends on the cooperation extended by the publishers. If CIP
were to be adopted throughout the world then building-up national and universal
biliographies and preparing union catalogues will become easy.
Self Check Exercise
7) List the three products of Cataloguing-in-Publication.
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
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8.5 PRE-NATAL CATALOGUING
Ranganathan mooted the idea of cataloguing and classification of a book prior to. its
release by the publisher. Since the cataloguing is to be done before it is delivered
(released) for sale or use he called the process `Pre-natal Cataloguing'. In fact, he was
suggesting pre-natal technical work. That is to say cataloguing and classification of a
book before the publication is released by the publisher.
Pre-natal technical work is to be undertaken by the National Central Library of each
country. The publisher is obliged to send a copy of the forme proof of the book to the
National Central Library under a legal provision. The National Central Library then
prepares a master stencil of the catalogue cards for the book before its release. The
catalogue cards are later made available for distribution to various libraries which
acquire the book. Ranganathan suggested even providing the call number for the
book before it is published and released. The class number can be printed in the back
of the title page.
Ranganathan had said there would be a saving of 79 per cent if such centralised
cataloguing is done. He pleaded international and national cooperation for
implementing pre-natal cataloguing. He also pleaded for State Central Cataloguing
Body for each constituent state and a National Central Cataloguing Body for
effectively implementing Pre-natal Cataloguing in our country.
8.6 COOPERATIVE CATALOGUING
In section 8.2 we have seen not only centralised processing but also cooperative
processing can be achieved through proper networking.
In cooperative cataloguing a group of independent libraries share the cataloguing
work. Needham says that cooperative cataloguing refers to "a situation where a
number of independent libraries share the work of producing a catalogue for their
mutual benefit"
The aims and objectives of cooperative cataloguing are virtually the same as that of
centralised cataloguing. Just as in the case of centralised cataloguing through
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cooperative cataloguing we can gain the following:
 1) Better use of resources: Centralised Cataloguing,
Cataloguing-in-Publication and
2) Standardization of cataloguing practices: Pre-Natal Cataloguing
3) Economy in expenses:
4) Improving the quality of library services; and
5) Preparation of union catalogues with relative ease.
Cooperative cataloguing as an idea had its origins in the early eighteenth century. In
1850 William Desborough Cooley was thinking of `Universal Catalogue' at public
expense. By then C.C. Jewett had drawn up a plan for cooperative cataloguing for
American libraries. Cooperative cataloguing, however, had found firm ground with
the introduction of LC printed cards in 1901. The LC scheme can be viewed both as
cooperative and centralised cataloguing. It is cooperative in the sense that it
exchanges catalogue entries with other Marge libraries and builds up a
comprehensive union catalogue at Washington.
Self Check Exercise
8) List the gains of cooperative cataloguing.
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
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8.6.1 Union Catalogue
A library catalogue, we know, is a list of all or some of the holdings of a library. If
two or more libraries make out such a list we call it a Union Catalogue. Larson
defines a union catalogue as a "catalogue listing in one sequence the holdings or part
of the holdings of two or more libraries."
Ranganathan defines a union catalogue as a "List of all the documents in two or more
libraries giving the names of all the libraries where copies of each document can be
found. A union catalogue may cover all kinds of documents or any restricted kind of
them". Union catalogue is a very good example of cooperative cataloguing where
two or more libraries cooperate with each other in listing their holdings partially or
fully. Union catalogues can be prepared at local, regional, national and international
levels.
Union catalogue, once prepared efficiently, serves several purposes. Some of which are:
1) serves as a tool which can reveal the document resources available in
libraries in a geographical region.
2) reveals the strength and weaknesses of library collections.
3) indicates the probable areas of collection specialisation and cooperation.
4) helps in coordination of collection development activities of the libraries.
5) serves as a tool for bibliographical information.
6) provides useful information for document selection.
Pre-requisites for a Union Catalogue
Compilation of a union catalogue is possible only through library cooperation. Any
such compilation should be very clear in the beginning itself about the
1) purpose of the Union catalogue to be compiled,
2) region to be covered,
3) materials to be covered; (decision as to the type of reading materials,
language, period, subject, etc),
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4) physical form of the catalogue,
Format of Catalogue Entries 5) catalogue code to be followed,
6) type of entries,
7) level of description,
8) arrangement of entries, and
9) The method of compilation and revision.
8.6.2 Cooperative and Centralised Cataloguing
There are many similarities in objectives and purposes of cooperative and centralised
cataloguing, however, there are many differences also. These are shown in tabular
form below:

Self Check Exercise

9) State the differences between cooperative and centralised cataloguing.
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
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8.7 SUMMARY
Acquisition of materials, their cataloguing, classification, preparation for use are
some of the things that are common to all libraries. If the libraries agree to co-operate
they can group, themselves as networks and reap the benefits of reduction in
processing work in individual libraries. Such a processing can be done by a central
organisation on commercial basis.
Centralised and / or co-operative processing has several advantages like avoidance of
duplication of work, qualitative improvement of service, etc. There are few drawbacks
also in such processing; the cost involved; the local variations in practices; and the like.
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Centralised cataloguing services can be broadly grouped as
Card (or Sheaf) Service Centralised Cataloguing,
Cataloguing-in-Publication and
MARC Service Pre-Natal Cataloguing
Information Service
Cataloguing-in-Source
Cataloguing-in-Publication
Pre-natal Cataloguing
The origins and development of these services, their nature and objectives are
reviewed briefly in this Unit. Similarities and differences between centralised and co-
operative cataloguing are also noted.
8.8 ANSWERS TO SELF CHECK EXERCISES
1) A few areas of library co-operation are:
(a) Selection, (b) Acquisition, (c) Technical processing, (d) Inter library lending,
(e) Preparation of bibliographies, (t) Complilation of Union Catalogues, directories,
(g) Information services like translation, on-line search, etc.
2) A group of libraries and or information service points connected together for the
purpose of satisfying specified requirements" is defined as a library network.
3) The advantages of centralised processing are:
a) Duplication of work is eliminated;
b) Economy is effected;
c) Standard practices resulting in conformity;
d) Qualitiative improvement;
e) Can obtain sophisticated equipment;
f) Employ better staff;
g) Can obtain speed and promptness; and
h) Scope for preparing access tools like union catalogues.
4) The drawbacks of centralised cataloguing are as follows:
a) Pooling of funds may be difficult;
b) Local variation may pose problems;
c) Possible delays; and
d) May not be necessary because of only limited number of documents.
5) Centralised Cataloguing services are offered by institutions like:
a) Library of Congress;
b) British National Bibliography Division of the British Library.
6) Printed Card Services are offered by commercial agencies such as.
1) Rudolph Indexer Co.;
2) The Library Bureau;
3) H.W.Wilson&Co.
7) The three products of Cataloguing-in-Publication are:
i) Record of Cataloguing-in-Publication on MARC;
ii) Library of Congress Cards; and
iii) Cataloguing data in the book itself.
8) The gains of cooperative cataloguing are:
a) Better use of resources;
b) Standardisation of practices;
c) Economy in expenses;
d) Improving the quality of services; and
e) Preparation of union catalogues. 87
Format of Catalogue Entries 9) Cooperative Cataloguing is not a commercial propostidn and the job and costs
are shared by the participating libraries for their common benefit. The work is
taken up by different libraries and then coordinated. The centralised cataloguing
can be for a central library and its branches but it can also be a commercial
proposition where the technical service work is controlled by a central agency
and the services are provided to any library for price.
8.9 KEY WORDS
Limited Cataloguing: Limited cataloguing implies reduction in the number of
entries and bibliographical elements in each entry. Such
treatment is given to documents not of sufficient
bibliographic and reference utility.
Pre-natal: Before birth. In the context of cataloguing, before the release of a
publication for sale or distribution.
8.10 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
Krishan Kumar. (1993). Cataloguing. New Delhi: Har-Anand Publications.

Hunter, Eric J. (1985). Computerized Cataloguing. London: Clive Bingley.

Needham, C.D. (1977). Organising Knowledge in Libraries: Introduction to

Information Retrieval. London : Andre Deutsch.

Tripathi, S.M. (1978). Modern Cataloguing: Theory and Practice. 2nd ed. Agra:
hivalal Agarwala.

Wynar, Bohdhan S. (1985). Introduction to Cataloguing and Classification. 7th ed.

Littleton, Colorado: Lilraries Unlimited.

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