COURSE 4: CATALOGUING.
Reading edition
Text Books Required.
(See also The Cataloguer’s Reference Shelf).
A.L.A. & L.A.—Cataloguing Rules. Author and title entries, compiled by Committees of the American Library Association and of the Library Association. Library Association, 1908. 5s.
Bishop (W. W.)—Practical handbook of modern library cataloguing. 2nd edition. Williams & Wilkins: Baltimore, 1924., Also Grafton, 8s. 6d.
British Museum—Rules for compiling catalogues in the Department of Printed Books. British Museum, 1920. 2s. 6d.
Brown (J. D.)—Library classification and cataloguing. Grafton, 1912. 10s. 6d.
Cutter (C. A.)—Rules for a dictionary catalogue. Government Printing Office: Washington, 1904. Also Grafton, 3s.
Fellows (D.)—Cataloguing rules with explanation and introduction. Grafton, 1922. 20s.
Hitchler (Theresa)—Cataloguing for small libraries. A.L.A., 1915. Also Grafton, 12s.
Quinn (J. H.)—Library cataloguing. Truslove & Hanson, 1913. 6s. Also Grafton.
THE CATALOGUER’S REFERENCE SHELF.
(Books other than those named in “Text Books,” and “Reading Lists” in this Course.)
General.
Note.—The British Museum catalogue of printed books is one of the most useful works for finding any bibliographical data.
A good atlas and gazetteer.
Aldred (Thomas), compiler—A list of English and American sequel stories. 1922.
Corns (A. R.) and Sparke (Archibald)—A bibliography of unfinished books in the English language; with annotations. 1915.
Crabbe—Synonyms.
Haydn (Joseph)—Dictionary of dates and universal information relating to all ages and all nations. 25th edition. 1910.
Walker (F. H.)—Abbreviations and technical terms used in book catalogs and bibliographies. Boston, 1912.
Also standard English, French, German and Latin dictionaries.
Pseudonyms, Anonyms.
Barbier (A. A.)—Dictionnaire des ouvrages anonymes. 4 vols. 1872-79.
Brunet (Gustave)—Supplément au Dictionnaire des Ouvrages Anonymes de Barbier et aux Supercheries Littéraires Dévoilées de Quérard. 1889.
Courtney (W. P.)—Secrets of our national literature. 1908.
Cushing (William)—Initials and pseudonyms: a dictionary of revealed disguises. 2 vols. 1885-88.
Halkett (Samuel) and Laing (John)—Dictionary of the anonymous and pseudonymous literature of Great Britain. Edinburgh. 4 vols. 1882-88.
Quérard (J. M.)—Les supercheries littéraires dévoilées. 2nd edition. 3 vols. Paris, 1869-71.
Weller (E.)—Lexicon pseudonymorum worterbuch der pseudonymen aller zeiten und volker. 2 vols. Regensburg, 1886.
Who’s Who in Literature, 1925—Fictitious and pseudonymous names compiled by Reginald G. Williams and Mark Meredith. pp. 502-533.
Places, Names, etc.
Ballhorn (Freid)—Grammatography: a manual of reference to the alphabets of ancient and modern languages. 1861.
Chambers’s Biographical Dictionary; edited by D. Patrick and F. H. Groome, 1902. Contains an index of pseudonyms.
Cousin (John W.)—Short biographical dictionary of English literature. Dent, 1918.
Peddie (R. A.)—Fifteenth century books; a guide to their identification. Grafton, 1913. 5s.
Phillips (L. B.)—Dictionary of biographical reference. 1889.
Smith (B. E.), editor.—The Century cyclopædia of names. 1903.
Smith (Sir William)—Classical dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. 3 vols. 1880.
Vapereau (L. G.)—Dictionnaire universel des contemporains. 1893.
Who’s Who.
Who Was Who.
Who’s Who in America.
The list could be considerably extended, but for more detailed information on cataloguer’s reference tools the following will answer most enquiries:—
Austin—Reports on aids and guides: a summary of bibliographical aids to cataloguers. L.J. Vol. 19, 1894, pp. 77-80.
Blanchard—Some cataloguer’s reference books of recent years. A.L.A. Bulletin, Vol 11, 1917, pp. 203-207.
New York State Library—Cataloguer’s reference books. Bulletin 84, 1904.
New York State Library—Selection of reference books for the use of cataloguers in finding full names. Bulletin 5. 1898.
Lesson 1.
Scope and Purpose. Qualifications of a Cataloguer. History. Definitions.
It should be realised at the beginning of this course that the sole purpose of cataloguing is to construct a tool (not merely for the staff but primarily for the public) the use of which will render available the full resources of the library. In your practical work remember always that the best criterion is the extent to which a reader is led to the information sought for.
The difficulty of the task and the amount of care required are reflected in the qualifications deemed necessary. Read thoughtfully Bishop, pp. 60-63, and Quinn, pp. 2-3.
Although the earlier examples of catalogues provide little guide to present-day practice, much can be learnt by tracing the development of cataloguing and the history of the various codes.
Where possible examine the outstanding catalogues, British Museum, Bibliothèque Nationale, Boston Athenæum, London Library Catalogue and Subject Index, and the two parts of the 1923 edition of the American Library Association catalogue. Good examples of classified catalogues are those issued by the Bolton, Brighton, Finsbury and Glasgow Public Libraries.
Develop a critical habit, and in handling as many catalogues as possible, pay special attention to their style and peculiarities, applying to them the tests of efficiency outlined in the various readings of this course.
Learn thoroughly the exact meaning of bibliographical and cataloguing terms. An imperfect knowledge of these not merely retards progress, but prevents one acquiring uninterruptedly the full significance of the matter under consideration.
Reading List.
Anglo-American Code—Definitions. pp. IX.-XII.
Bishop—Library cataloguing. Chaps. 1, 2, and 4.
Bolton—The Anglo-American joint code of cataloguing rules, 1908. L.W. Vol. 12, 1909-10, pp. 382-390.
Brown—Manual of practical bibliography. The English Library. Routledge. Appendix 1, Definitions. pp. 157-162.
Cutter—Rules. Definitions, pp. 13-24.
Edwards—Memoirs of libraries. Part 2, book 3, Chaps. on catalogues.
Guppy—Lectures on cataloguing. L.A.R. Vol. 22, 1920, pp. 19-21.
Hitchler—Cataloguing. Definitions, pp. 287-309.
Quinn—Library cataloguing. Chaps. 1 and 2.
Sayers—The Anglo-American cataloguing code. L.W. Vol. 11, 1908-9, pp, 467-472.
Wheatley—How to catalogue a library. 1889. Chaps. 1 and 2.
Questions.
1. What do you consider to be the purpose of (a) a catalogue (b) a bibliography?
2. Define:—Colophon, imprint, syndetic, diagram, edition, collation, synonym, facsimile, reference, chronogram, caption, reprint, cross-reference, impression.
3. State, in the form of a brief essay, what you know of the Anglo-American Cataloguing Code.
4. Outline the history of the British Museum catalogue.
Lesson 2.
Style of entry. Order of information. Collation. Punctuation. Abbreviations. Numerals. Size.
Cataloguing practice varies in most libraries, but the reasons for the various modifications in use do not enter into consideration here, the purpose being to show what are generally accepted as the best style and method.
If care is taken during the present lesson to adopt a correct form of entry this will become more familiar to the student while covering the practice outlined in succeeding lessons, and the exactness and careful attention to detail which are so essential will thus be automatically acquired.
Note the exact order in which the information should be given (see example on page 114). Follow this in all practice, giving fullest information required by the particular form of entry being made out.
The clearness and uniformity of entries are largely affected by punctuation and the extent to which items of the collation are abbreviated. The latter is too often overdone. Note the various abbreviations used and the considerations as to whether the gain of space is commensurate with the loss of clearness to the reader.
Obtain a complete understanding of the respective uses of Arabic and Roman numerals, and the methods of giving the sizes of books.
Reading List.
Anglo-American Code—Rules 136-166; 172-174; Appendix 1.
Bishop—Library cataloguing. Chap. 6.
Cutter—Rules 197-297.
Fellows—Cataloguing rules, pp. 8-15.
Guppy—Lectures on cataloguing. L.A.R. Vol. 23, 1921, pp. 274-278.
Hitchler—Cataloguing. Chap. 2.
Quinn—Library cataloguing. Chap. 4; Appendix B.
Questions.
1. Give an entry, which may be imaginary, containing full collation and imprint, demonstrating the use of capitals and punctuation signs, and showing how you would treat numerals.
2. Give some of the common abbreviations you would use in cataloguing. To what extent would you carry abbreviation?
3. Show the exact order in which you would give the information for a full author entry.
4. In what ways are the sizes of books shown? Which method do you prefer, and why?
Lesson 3.
Main Entry. Author Entry. Analytical Entries.
Rules governing Main and Author entries take up the major portion of most codes of rules, but as they are better studied as a complete series they are all included in this lesson.
It will be found that the various codes disagree in the form of entry for certain names, etc. Study the reasons for each variation, and after making comparison, attempt an independent decision as to the best form.
Many of the rules are quite simple and easily remembered, but in those cases where the procedure does not appear to be straightforward the student is advised to trace a book which meets the description of the rule under consideration. In most instances the actual handling and examination of an example will assist one to grasp much more readily the instructions and the reason for the ruling.
The best method of working is to study primarily the Anglo-American Code, comparing rule by rule with the corresponding portion of other codes, noting differences as they occur.
Necessity often arises for dealing separately with the contents of a book. Consider the extent to which analytical treatment should be carried out, and the form of the entries necessary.
Reading List.
Anglo-American Code—Rules 1-111; 130-135; 167-171.
Bolton—Anglo-American joint code of cataloguing rules, 1908. L.W. Vol. 12, 1909-10, pp. 382-390.
Cutter—Rules 1-119; 193-196; 352-369.
Fellows—Cataloguing rules. pp. 16-37; 58-86; 97-130; 144-257.
Guppy—Cataloguing of anonymous literature. L.A.R. Vol. 3, 1901, pp. 298-313.
Hitchler—Cataloguing. Chap. 3; pp. 7-16; 19-22.
Quinn—Library cataloguing. Chaps. 4-13.
Questions.
1. Under what name or form of name would you enter:—(a) authors with compound surnames; (b) noblemen; (c) trials; (d) monarchs; (e) authors who have changed their names.
2. Show by examples how you would catalogue books by a married woman who has written under maiden and married names.
3. Give the ruling of the various codes with reference to the treatment of anonymous books.
4. What is the Anglo-American Code rule governing (a) a book showing initials instead of an author’s name upon the title page; (b) government reports? Give examples.
5. Define “analytical entry,” and say what works compel the use of this entry.
6. How would you catalogue (a) a commentary; (b) an anthology; (c) a dissertation; (d) transactions of a society.
7. Give a full entry, with the necessary references, for a work written pseudonymously.
Lesson 4.
Subject Entry. References. Form Entry.
Here we face the most difficult and vital part of cataloguing, requiring the maximum amount of care, ability, and discretion, so essential is the choice of correct headings to the success of a catalogue.
There are no fixed rules as in the case of author entries, and few cataloguers, even of long experience, feel completely satisfied with their work in this direction. As a warning to the unwary, it has truly been said that in the choice of subject headings and cross references more absurdities can be perpetrated than in any other branch of library work.
The appended reading matter is amply suggestive of the best practice, and illustrative of the errors to be avoided, and should be read with studious attention. Note the insistent emphasis on uniformity and consistency, attainment of which requires a definite adherence to a decision once taken; the choice of popular, rather than scientific or technical names; use of terms of permanent character; avoidance of foreign terms where there are English equivalents; choice of most specific subject; constant aim at ease of consultation, best obtained by placing oneself in the position of a reader; constant guard against the occurrence of synonymous headings and the useless multiplication of headings; care not to misuse national adjectives and geographical sub-divisions; inclusion of the necessary references, etc.
Do not overlook the utility of a card list of the subject headings in use.
The A.L.A. list of subject headings for a dictionary catalogue; Library of Congress list of subject headings; A.L.A. Catalogue, with supplements; Mann’s Subject headings for juvenile catalogues; Sears’s List of subject headings for small libraries; and good encyclopædias, are extremely useful guides and should be closely studied.
Students should make a special point of reading those portions of the preface to the London Library Catalogue which deal with our subject, and examine the separately published Subject Index.
The inclusion of form entries is often carried too far. Weigh carefully the value of such entries, and in examining catalogues give special consideration to the question as to whether the advantage of their inclusion is commensurate with the space required.
Reading List.
Bishop—Library cataloguing. Chap. 7.
Cutter—Rules 161-192.
Fellows—Cataloguing rules. pp. 38-51; Appendix 1.
Fry—Subject analytical cataloguing. L.W. Vol. 18, 1915-16, pp. 36-41.
Guppy—Lectures on cataloguing. L.A.R. Vol. 23, 1921, pp. 410-413; Vol. 24, 1922, pp. 5-11.
Hasse—Subject headings for state documents. L.J. Vol. 31, 1906, pp. 123-126.
Hitchler—Cataloguing. Chaps. 5-6.
Hulme—Construction of the subject catalogue. L.A.R. Vol. 3, 1901, pp. 507-513.
Hulme—Principles of dictionary subject cataloguing. L.A.R. Vol. 2, 1900, pp. 571-576.
Quinn—Library cataloguing. Chap. 14.
Tyler—Modification of subject entries for card catalogues. L.J. Vol. 28, 1903, pp. 21-22.
Questions.
1. What do you consider to be the general principles governing the choice of subject headings?
2. Synonymous subject headings are sometimes found in a dictionary catalogue. How would you guard against this?
3. How would you choose between subject and country? Catalogue the following to illustrate your decision:—“Flowers and fruit of Spain.”
4. In cataloguing books on the following subjects, state under what headings you would place them, and what references would be required:—acoustics, anthropology, aves, economics, entomology, eschatology, natural philosophy, oology, pisces, psychology.
5. Name six form headings which you would bring into use in a dictionary catalogue.
Lesson 5.
Title and Series Entries.
Catalogues are often uselessly encumbered with superfluous title entries. Realise the legitimate function of a title entry, and note the works for which this is necessary, e.g., works published anonymously, plays, fiction, books with catchy titles, some music, etc.
In studying best form of entry, note the necessary transposition of some titles, and the use of title-subject entry. See recommendations re books published under different titles, and the selection of correct title when binder’s title, translator’s title, etc., do not agree with the title page.
A careful decision must be made as to which series require entry, as this is not necessary in all cases. Study examples of various methods of arranging items under a series heading, the necessary entries or references for the editor of a series, and the correct practice in cases where the editor of a series has written one or several of the books in that series.
Reading List.
Anglo-American Code—Rules 112-129.
Cutter—Rules 120-160.
Fellows—Cataloguing rules. pp. 55-57; 87-96; 131-143.
Guppy—Lectures on cataloguing. L.A.R. Vol. 24, 1922, pp. 5-11.
Hitchler—Cataloguing. Chaps. 4, 17, 18.
Quinn—Library cataloguing. Chap. 14.
Stewart—Rules for an author and title sheaf catalogue. L.W. Vol. 10, 1908, pp. 364-7.
Questions.
1. How, and for what purpose, are title and subject entries combined? Give example.
2. State which classes of books usually require title entries.
3. Books have been published at different times under changed titles. How would you catalogue such works?
4. What is a “series” entry? Give example. What method of arranging the entries under a series heading would you adopt, and why?
5. Give four examples of title entries for works other than fiction. State the reason why title entries are necessary.
Lesson 6.
Annotation.
Unless annotation is done very well, and the information given is very accurate, it is better not attempted. Study the object of annotation, and when it is necessary. Remember that the need of the readers is the chief guiding principle.
Each class of literature has its own special requirements in annotation, and after noting the general principles, the student will find it profitable to study the classes individually.
The subject is treated fully in Savage’s Manual, and the shorter articles in the following list deal specially with selected points or add emphasis to some particular aspect of the subject.
Reading List.
Baker—Co-operative annotation and guides. L.A.R. Vol. 7, 1905, pp. 272-283.
Bostwick—Book annotation. P.L. Vol. 24, 1919, pp. 87-90.
Brown—Manual of practical bibliography. Chap. 6, pp. 92-94.
Eastwood—Principles of book annotation. N.Y. State Library School, Bulletin 34, 1913. pp. 73-76.
Peplow—Evaluative annotation. L.A. Vol. 5, 1907, pp. 211-213.
Savage—Manual of descriptive annotation. Grafton. 1906. 6s.
Savers—The children’s library. pp. 45-51. Routledge. 1911. O.P.
Sayers and Stewart—Annotation. L.W. Vol. 8, 1905, pp. 36-39; 91-94.
Questions.
1. When are annotations necessary, and what are the general principles to be observed in framing them?
2. What is the essential difference between evaluative and descriptive annotation?
3. State the kind of books for which you would give annotations dealing with (a) standpoint; (b) period; (c) qualifications of author.
4. In framing annotations for (a) a historical work; (b) a scientific work; (c) a biography; (d) a work on some controversial topic, what information would you give?
Lesson 7.
Varieties of catalogues. Co-operative cataloguing. Central Cataloguing Bureau; Union catalogues. Cataloguing for special purposes:—children’s catalogues, bulletins, lists, etc.
Study definition of each style of catalogue, author, subject, dictionary, classified, alphabetical-classed, etc. The dictionary and classified forms are mostly in use, and opinion is divided as to which is the more suitable style for a public library, each claiming merits not possessed by the other. In order to decide which style most adequately serves the needs of the particular public using the library, consider what questions are likely to be asked of a catalogue which it may be reasonably expected to answer, and see to what extent these are met by the respective styles of catalogues.
The policy of establishing a Central Cataloguing Bureau in England is under constant reference. Study the advantages claimed for, and difficulties to be surmounted by, such a department. To what extent does the Library of Congress card scheme satisfy requirements in this direction?
Many suggestions have been made with a view to co-operation in cataloguing. Consider what it is claimed possible to accomplish in this direction, and note what has been attempted towards this end.
The Manchester and Glasgow union catalogues are notable examples of co-operation in order to give fullest information on a particular subject available in the locality.
Carefully consider the utility of these attempts at co-operation, and the possibilities underlying the various suggestions which have been made.
Note the extent to which the usual cataloguing practice is modified when compiling children’s catalogues, lists, bulletins, etc.
Reading List.
Varieties of catalogues:—
Barrett—Alphabetical and classified forms of catalogues compared. International Library Conference, 1897. Transactions, pp. 67-71.
Bishop—Library cataloguing. Chap. 3.
Bond—Classified versus dictionary: a comparison of printed catalogues. L.A.R. Vol. 2, 1900, pp. 313-318.
Brown—Manual of library economy. 3rd edition. Chap. 18.
Doubleday—Dictionary versus classified catalogues for lending libraries. The dictionary catalogue. L.A.R. Vol. 3, 1901, pp. 521-531.
Funnell—Sketch of the history of the classified catalogue in the British Isles. L.W. Vol. 14, 1911-12, pp. 197-200.
Guppy—Lectures on cataloguing. L.A.R. Vol. 22, 1920, pp. 19-21.
Kroeger—Dictionary catalogues versus bibliographies. L.J. Vol. 27, 1902, pp. 180-186.
Lillie—Merits of the classified and dictionary catalogues. L.W. Vol. 17, 1914-15, pp. 97-102.
Quinn—Library cataloguing. Chap. 3.
Sayers—Introduction to library classification. Chap. 11. The classified catalogue.
Co-operative cataloguing; Central cataloguing dept.; Union catalogues.
Blease—Co-operative cataloguing. L.A.R. Vol. 16, 1914, pp. 513-525.
Hastings—Library of Congress printed cards: how to order and use them. 2nd edition, 1914. Government Printing Office, Washington.
Library of Congress—Handbook of card distribution. 3rd edition, 1914. Government Printing Office, Washington.
Mattern—National and international co-operation in the field of analytical cataloguing. L.J. Vol. 37, 1912, pp. 370-376.
Richardson—Cumulative printed catalogue for large libraries. L.J. Vol. 41, 1916, pp. 28-31.
Wright—Co-operative cataloguing. L.W. Vol. 25, 1922-3, pp. 417-421; Vol. 26, 1923-4, pp. 10-16.
Cataloguing for special purposes:—Children’s Catalogues, Bulletins, Lists, etc.
Collar—Classification and cataloguing of children’s books. L.J. Vol. 28, 1903, pp. 57-68.
Mann—Subject headings for juvenile catalogues. A.L.A., 1916.
Savage—Reading lists. L.W. Vol. 2, 1899-1900, pp. 259-262.
Sayers—The children’s library. Chap. 3, Cataloguing, pp. 25-51.
Sayers and Stewart—Catalogues for children. L.A.R. Vol. 7, 1905, pp. 379-391.
Sayers and Stewart—Library magazines. L.W. Vols. 7-8, 1905-6.
Questions.
1. What are the criteria of a good catalogue?
2. In which special objects or in which direction will better results be achieved by co-operation in cataloguing?
3. Make a brief evaluative comparison between a dictionary and a classified catalogue.
4. Outline briefly the special purposes of a (a) bibliography; (b) catalogue; (c) bulletin; (d) reading list.
5. What would be your main considerations in compiling a children’s catalogue, and in what way would the usual cataloguing practice be modified?
6. Describe briefly the various kinds of catalogues. State which you prefer in an open-access library, giving reasons for your choice.
Lesson 8.
Forms of Catalogues:—Card, Sheaf, Printed, Placard, etc. Methods of display.
The librarian’s choice of catalogue does not end with the decision on a dictionary or a classified variety. The form of the catalogue has also to be considered. Of the three main forms—card, sheaf, and printed, the number of each kind in use at the present time testifies to the varying opinions held as to their suitability.
Study the considerations affecting the choice of any one of these, and the advantages claimed for each.
In order to ensure the fullest use being made of the catalogues by the public, no effort should be spared in making them most conveniently accessible. Although the devices invented to achieve this end are so numerous, many of them are mere variations of the same principle, and although opportunity must be taken to see as many different kinds as possible, an examination of a device illustrating each principle will enable the student to grasp the underlying idea of all.
Reading List.
Brown—Library classification and cataloguing. Chaps. 8 and 9.
Brown—Manual of library economy. 3rd edition, 1919. Chaps. 18 and 19.
Brown—Tyranny of the catalogue. L.W. Vol. 11, 1908, pp. 1-6.
Jast—The sheaf and card catalogues: a comparison. L.W. Vol. 5, 1902, pp. 129-131.
Sayers and Stewart—The card catalogue. Grafton, 1915. 5s.
Stewart—The sheaf catalogue. Grafton, 1908. 5s.
Willcock—Is the printed catalogue doomed? L.A.R. Vol. 9, 1907, pp. 384-389; 400-406.
Questions.
1. Enumerate the advantages claimed for (a) a card catalogue; (b) a printed catalogue; (c) a sheaf catalogue; (d) a placard catalogue.
2. Outline the points which would influence your decision in choosing between a card and a sheaf catalogue.
3. How would you guide a card catalogue? Illustrate by a rough sketch.
4. Describe the principal methods of displaying catalogues. Which method do you prefer, and why?
Lesson 9.
Preparation of the printed catalogue.
Note the various decisions required in planning a catalogue—edition, size, type, paper, binding.
Draw up a sample specification. Study the practice in obtaining tenders, and considerations necessary in deciding upon the most suitable.
Careful preparation and marking of the copy will save troublesome corrections at a later stage. It must be clearly marked to show the printer the various changes of type.
Learn the correction marks used in checking proof. Attention must be given to the necessary captions, etc., when checking page proof.
Considerations regarding type will be simplified by a knowledge of the Point System of type measurement (see paragraph on page 24).
Reading List.
Philip—-Production of the printed catalogue.
Quinn—Library cataloguing. Chapter 15; Appendix A.
Walter—Library printing. A.L.A. Manual. Chapter 32.
Ward—Publicity for public libraries. N. Y.: Wilson, 1924. Also Grafton. Chap. 16, pp. 271-298. Library printing.
Wheeler—The library, and the community. A.L.A., 1924. Also Grafton, 15s. Chap. 21, pp. 222-242. Lay-out and typography of printed matter.
Questions.
1. Prepare a specification for the printing of a catalogue of 20,000 volumes.
2. State what kinds of type you would bring into use in a classified catalogue of 10,000 volumes, and how you would mark the copy for the printer’s guidance.
3. Give as many proof correction marks, with explanations, as you can.
Lesson 10.
Indexing. Arrangement. Alphabetising.
Efficient indexing is an absolute necessity if the information contained in the Library or in the catalogue, if in classified form, is to be made fully and readily available.
Lack of experience in this direction accounts in many cases for the impression that indexing requires no great amount of discretion or ability, and students are warned that this erroneous estimate is invariably a preliminary to unsatisfactory work.
Compare the manner in which relative and specific indexes respectively achieve their object.
A decision will be required upon several points in compiling an index to a catalogue, e.g., use of page or location number for reference, form of entry, etc. Some entries are short almost to the point of being cryptic, others apparently contain matter superfluous in an index.
Even in the matter of arranging the entries custom varies. Study the rules laid down by Cutter. Make a special point of consistency in alphabetising.
Reading List.
Clarke—Manual of practical indexing.
Cutter—Rules 298-350.
Hawkes—Alphabetization of catalogues. L.W. Vol. 15, 1912-13, pp. 262-266.
Hitchler—Cataloguing. Chap. 23.
Neesham—Amplified indexing. L.W. Vol. 24, 1922, pp. 67-70.
Prideaux—Some thoughts on indexing. L.A.R. (N.S.), Vol. 3, 1925, pp. 160-169.
Quinn—Library cataloguing. pp. 70-79.
Wheatley—How to catalogue a library. Chap. 6.
Questions.
1. Describe the subject index you would provide for a classified catalogue on cards.
2. Give the main points to be observed in alphabetising.
3. Show the order in which you would arrange the following entries for a dictionary catalogue:—Stone and gravel—Title. Stone (E. M.)—Person. Stone—Subject. Stonecroft—Place.
4. Explain what is meant by “something follows nothing.”
TEST EXAMINATION.
Questions to be answered without the aid of text books, notes, etc.
1. Give the Anglo-American Code rules relating to (a) Oriental names; (b) Acts of Parliament; (c) trials; (d) names with prefixes; (e) married women; (f) indexes.
2. Give a list of twelve books of reference useful to a cataloguer.
3. In a classified catalogue what typographical distinction would you advise for (a) the various headings, classes, divisions, sections (b) text; (c) annotations? What steps would you take to show the printer your requirements?
4. State in the form of a short essay what you know of the history of the classified catalogue or the British Museum catalogue.
5. Illustrate by examples of entries how you would catalogue a collection of maps.
6. How can co-operation be applied locally? State what you know of any such effort.
7. Give three entries, with necessary references and index entries, for dictionary and classified catalogues.
8. State what variety and form of catalogue you would choose for a lending library of 30,000 volumes, adding 2,000 volumes annually. Say which points would mainly affect your decision, and give reasons for your choice.
9. What relation has the Institut International de Bibliographie to cataloguing?
10. State how you would catalogue a book where the title-page is missing.
As in Course 3, Classification, the best practical test lies in the papers set at past Library Association examinations. These may be had at a trifling cost on application to the Offices of the Association.
NOTES ON CATALOGUING FRENCH AND LATIN BOOKS.
In cataloguing French books the following codes must be thoroughly studied: Quinn—Manual of Library Cataloguing, 1913 edition, pp. 114, 125, 127. Cutter’s Rules for a Dictionary Catalogue. Section 29, pp. 34-35, and A.L.A. & L.A. Cataloguing Rules.
The difficulty of cataloguing French books is mainly found with names containing the prefix Le, La, L’, Du, Des, De la, D’, De.
The student should note the method of treatment in the above codes and supplement this by consulting the indexes of standard text-books of French literature, noting what names the authors are entered under, and see how far they agree with the codes. Such works as Faguet’s “A literary history of France,” The Library of Literary History Series; Dowden’s “A history of French literature,” Short Histories of the Literatures of the World; Saintsbury’s “A short history of French literature”; and Wright’s “A history of French literature” will well repay careful perusal.
An early mistake in cataloguing French books is to enter the letter M as an initial of the author. If the letter is hyphenated to another letter, e.g., M-A—then the M. stands for one of the author’s initials, but should it have a full stop, as M.A.—then the letter M would stand as an abbreviation for Monsieur.
The general rule is to enter under the prefix when it contains an article, le, la, l’, du, des, but not under the preposition de, d’, e.g.,
Le Sage, Alen René
La Fontaine, Jean de
Du Boisgobey, Fortune
Chenier, André Marie de
Aubigne, Agrippa d’
Exceptions do occur, but very seldom, and then only in the case of very early writers, when the full name is best given, e.g.,
Jean de la Bierre.
When prefixes are embodied as part of a surname, it must be catalogued as one name, e.g.,
Delarne-Mardrus, Lucie.
In cataloguing Latin books the following codes must be studied: Quinn—Manual of Library Cataloguing, pp. 128-130; Cutter—Rules for a Dictionary Catalogue, Section 30, and A.L.A. & L.A. Cataloguing Rules.
It is now the general practice to enter Latin authors under the English name, as adopted in our standard biographical dictionaries, such as Smith’s “Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography,” and Harper’s “Dictionary of classical literature and antiquities.” In a great number of cases, however, these dictionaries enter under the Latin or vernacular form and the beginner in cataloguing Latin books is soon in difficulties, and still greater confusion results where an author has three names, as Titus Lucretius Carus, or Caius Suetonius Tranquillus, he does not know which is the best name. The nominative case is the best for the heading in practically every case. In order to become familiar with the names of Latin authors the beginner should know the case endings of the various declensions, especially the nominative and genitive plural, also the indexes to the following books may be profitably perused: Crutwell’s “A history of Roman literature,” also Appendix at pp. 483-489; Dimsdale’s “A history of Latin literature”; Duff’s “A literary history of Rome”; Wilkins’s “Roman literature.”
A careful observation of the various names should enable the cataloguer to recognise them when a Latin book comes along, for instance in
P. Ovidi Nasonis Tristium. Libri V. Recensuit.
Catulli, Veronensis liber: iterum recognovit.
P. Terenti, Comoediæ.
T. Macci Plavti Rudens.
The student should be able to select the names Ovidi, Catulli, Terenti and Plavti and from these we get the Anglicised names Ovid, Catullus, Terence and Plautus.
The Printed Catalogue.
The printed catalogue is rapidly disappearing due chiefly to the high cost of printing and the almost universal adoption of the open-access system. A card or sheaf catalogue, supplemented by bulletins or occasional lists, is in use in most libraries, but the following still find it advisable to issue Class Lists: Bolton, Brighton, Burnley, Finsbury and Glasgow. In each case the Dewey Decimal Scheme is the plan of arrangement. The following libraries issue printed bulletins or reader’s guides:—Coventry, Croydon, Ipswich, Norwich, Nottingham and Warrington.
Specification for Printing a Catalogue.
The best way to have a catalogue printed is first of all have a specimen page “set up,” with entries that will bring in all the types to be employed. This, together with a copy of the specification may be sent to six different firms inviting them to tender for so much per page.
Specification for printing a Public Library Catalogue.
BOROUGH OF MONTANA.
The Committee of the Public Library invite tenders for printing a catalogue of their Lending Library upon the following conditions:—
Edition and Size.—The edition to consist of 750 copies, demy octavo in size (not less than 8⅞″ by 5⅝″ when bound).
Note.—The number of the edition depends entirely upon local circumstances and whether Sectional Class Lists or a complete catalogue is being printed.
Type and Setting.—8-point Old Style, with occasional small capitals, italics, and Clarendon or Antique; with 6-point for subjects, notes, and contents, and the proper accented letters in foreign languages. To be set solid, fifty-five lines (all types) to the page (apart from page-heading, which is to contain a title and catch-word syllables). Turnover lines to be indented one em, the repeat dash to be one em, the class-letter and number to stand clear four ems, the 6-point indent to be two ems. Spaces between the end of the book entry and the class-letter to be filled with leaders. The type must be free from wrong founts, and must not be worn or broken. For the punctuation and use of capitals the “copy” must be closely followed.
Specimen Page.—The specimen page enclosed shows the size of the printed page, the manner of setting out, and the proportions of type founts may be accepted as a fair specimen of the whole.
Paper.—To be demy, at least 30-lbs. to the ream, of good finish, white, and uniform in tint throughout.
Machining.—The sheets to be well “made ready” in perfect register, with good ink and uniform impression, afterwards rolled or pressed.
Time.—From the first receipt of copy, the work to be proceeded with at not less than two sheets of sixteen pages each per week until completed, or in default thereof the printer to pay a sum of five shillings per day as damages.
Proofs.—Two copies of proof in galley form and two copies of a revise in page form to be furnished for reading and correction. The Librarian to have the right to demand a revise in galley and such revises in page as he shall deem necessary. No sheet to be sent to press until ordered by the endorsement of the Librarian thereon.
Additions and Corrections.—-The Librarian to have the right to insert additional matter in galley but not in page. No charge to be allowed for author’s corrections unless pointed out and priced at the time they are made.
Number of pages.—The number of pages is estimated to be 250 more or less, but the number is not guaranteed and no allowance will be made for any miscalculation in this respect.
Covers.—750 covers to be printed upon coloured paper, of an approved tint, not less than 30-lbs to the ream (demy). The front of this cover to be printed with the title of the catalogue.
Binding.—The whole edition to be bound in good straw-boards of suitable thickness, strongly sewn with thread, with cloth strip backs of good quality, the covers being pasted on the front and back and the whole cut flush. Fourteen days will be allowed for binding after the last sheet has been returned for the press.
Delivery.—When completed the catalogues are to be securely tied up in brown-paper parcels of fifty each and delivered to the Librarian at the Public Library.
Tender.—The tender is to state the price per page for 8-point and for 6-point respectively, this price to be inclusive of all charges for press corrections, covers, binding, and delivery as aforesaid. When completed work to be measured up, and, according to the quantity of each of the above types used, charges will be allowed. Payment will be made within three months afterwards.
Other conditions.—The work is to be carried out to the entire satisfaction of the Librarian, and if he is dissatisfied with its execution he is authorised to stop the work and refer the matter to the Library Committee for their decision, which shall be final and binding.
Contract.—The firm whose tender is accepted may be required by the Committee to enter into a contract with the Borough Council to carry out the work in accordance with this specification and its conditions, and to give an undertaking that the rate of wages paid and the hours of labour observed are those that are generally accepted as fair by the printing trades.
The Committee do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender. Tenders with samples of the paper proposed to be used, to be sent in sealed envelopes, and endorsed “Catalogue” to reach the undersigned on or before January 1st, 1927.
GEORGE PRESTON, Borough Librarian.
Public Library, Montana.
Order of Bibliographical particulars for Cataloguing.
1. Author’s surname.
2. Author’s forenames.
3. Author’s distinctions.
4. Title of book.
5. Additions to title if any.
6. Name of editor or translator.
7. Edition if stated.
8. Series if any (A.L.A. and L.A. bring this after No. 13).
9. Place of publication.
10. Name of publisher.
11. Date of publication.
12. Number of volumes.
13. Size.
14. Number of pages.
15. Illustrations.
16. Portraits.
17. Maps.
18. Plans.
19. Facsimiles.
20. Diagrams.
21. Tables.
22. Charts.
23. Music in text.
24. Memoir.
25. Glossary.
26. Bibliography.
27. Contents.
28. Annotation.