Impact of Web Access on Cataloging

Today’s catalogers in larger libraries have Web access on their desktops, which puts many resources just a click away. Cataloging tools and documentation are available through Web browser interfaces. Many library online catalogs are accessible for searching class numbers and other cataloging information. Web sites of publishers, governmental agencies, and individual authors abound, providing a wealth of information. Having this information readily available has had an impact on cataloging. The ability to have more than one open window on the desktop enables catalogers to copy and paste cataloging information from multiple sources. Web resources provide critical information about the context for the item in hand, resulting in better cataloging records and more accurate access points. This article discusses and gives examples of ways that information found on the Web can be used to facilitate cataloging processes. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: © 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]