Thomas Mann’s Contributions to Current Library Debates on Cataloging and Bibliographic Control

This article examines the writing of Thomas Mann, Reference Librarian at the Library of Congress, regarding the enduring value of traditional methods and tools of research libraries, particularly online public catalogs, professional cataloging, and Library of Congress Subject Headings and pre-coordinated subject strings. One major contention asserted by Mann is that keyword searching on the Internet, while very valuable when used judiciously, should not be used as a substitute for traditional catalogs and cataloging. Also examined are the deprofessionalization of cataloging, inadequate ideas about library users, dangers to serious research, digitization, and the enduring value of books. KEYWORDS Thomas Mann, keywords, keyword