Chinese Multilingual Materials – 1 book, 2 volumes

This is an issue that came up today.  I find that a lot of our work requires balancing classification and access with what frontline staff, managers and librarians request.  Access is tricky. 

I catalogue the bulk of our multilingual materials.  Recently, a large number of Chinese novels have arrived for cataloguing.  A reoccuring characteristic is that one novel is contained in 2 large volumes.  Unlike encyclopedias, generally catalogued on one bibliographic record, I viewed this item as a two part work and accordingly, catalogued each volume on a separate record.

I can see both arguments for access in this.  To catalogue them on a separate record, the patron has the ability to place a hold on each individual volume.  This was my thought as I am constantly thinking about access.  However, the second volume isn’t a stand alone work, so arguably, the two volumes should be placed on the same bib record.  This presents a challenge because our system will not allow a patron to go into that record and place a hold on a specific volume.  If they are unaware of this, they may continue to receive the same volume when they place a request. 

 There are a few considerations.  If patrons are aware they can receive help from staff, staff can place the hold on the specific volume.  For many of these patrons however, English is a second language.  Their computer skills may far surpass their language skills.  In the alternative, many multilingual patrons may require staff assistance because they have no computer skills.

This is a tricky access issue.  I believe at times we underestimate patrons’ computer skills and common sense.  On the cataloguing side, I see a potential for frustrated patrons who want the ability to place volume specific holds, but instead continue to receive the same volume over and over.  These same patrons may not be the assertive type who approach a staff member because of language difficulties. 

 However, there is good reason from frontline staffs’ point of view to place the volumes in the same bib record.  This leads to interaction with patrons and a personal relationship with the library.

 I believe interaction between staff and our patrons is vital.  But I also believe that we need to credit patrons with some technological skills and provide the tools necessary for them to experience the library digitally, without assistance from staff.

It reminds me of an editorial I recently read in one of the library journals.  When a librarian opened the library one morning, she had to inform the patrons that the computers were down but the library was open.  Almost all of the patrons left.

Native Peoples v. Indigenous Peoples v. Aboriginals…Are any of the terms really any good?

One of the first major projects I undertook in my new position dealt with finding a proper way to describe the people who used to bluntly be called “Indians”. Native Americans, First Nations, Aboriginals, Indians of North America… we’ve all been challenged by this very important, yet frustrating access issue. As a Canadian library, we tend to follow LC’s rules, only they use the term “Indians of North America”. As an American, I understand the term and really, if you are from the States, it remains politically correct to use it. Are there better descriptions, perhaps, but I’ll be addressing my issues at a Canadian library.

In this area, the authority work was quite daunting. We used “Native Peoples”, “Indians of North America — Canada” and “Indians”. Wait a minute…Indians? And yet, there was no see also reference for “First Nations”. In Canada, that is one of the key terms used. I also needed to know what term we could collectively use for all the original peoples of Canada – First Nations, Metis and Inuit combined. What followed was an immense undertaking on how Canada describes her First Peoples and what we were going to do about it.

Reading, looking at other libraries and perusing various authorities were among my first steps. Following that, I sent an email to the National Library of Canada. They were quite willing to provide feedback but, ultimately no firm position. Unfortunately, they are in the middle of revamping this too. I believe they are just as confused.  However, they are taking a serious look the steps we are taking and considering them in their decisions.  We’ll have to wait and see.

Next, I went to my good friend and fellow librarian Reegan (http://prairielibrarian.wordpress.com/). Reegan specializes in this area and always recommends excellent resources, besides having a multitude of patience for my questions. She referred me to several resources. I’ll include them at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

In the end, what followed was a lot of questions, reviewing of our own collection, reviewing subject headings and numerous drafts of the proposed changes. I found this challenging and stimulating. I hadn’t ever been “let loose” with the authorities before. I drafted mock authorities that I wanted to use, including additional notes for our cataloguers. These notes included exceptions to our new rules and direction as to how to appropriately use the term.

I would like to say that we’re done with this project, but I think it is ongoing. We did add a First Nations reference in our catalogue. This allows patrons who search for First Nations to find our subject heading “Indians of North America — Canada”. We no longer use the terms Native Peoples or Indians. They exist only as references to guide users to the correct and more appropriate terms. We decided that the best term for works collectively describing the First Nations, Metis and Inuit was Aboriginal Peoples. And, after much consideration, Indigenous Peoples was selected for all aboriginals residing outside of North America/Canada.

This is by no means black and white. There is so much grey and we have created quite a few exceptions. After all, what if there was a work about the Inuit of Canada, the Aztecs of Central America and the Aboriginals of Australia? In that case, we would assign the term “Indigenous Peoples” as it is more of a work about aboriginals around the world. Then, of course, there is our 4 or more rule…but, I don’t think I have the time to go into all of our exceptions and rules. However, if you are interested, please send me an email (tarulll@halifaxpubliclibraries.ca)

I think the lesson in all of this is to be thorough. I learned a lot with this project. Canadian libraries face challenges. We are, in a way, married to the United States, but we are unique. We seek guidance from the Library of Congress yet we have our own terms and our own people. Seek out other professionals, ask for their input and advice. Also, go to your cataloguers, they are an amazing resource. Finally, don’t be afraid to take a step forward and lead the way. Sometimes it is scary, sometimes it is frustrating but, it is always an education with a potential for extreme satisfaction.

I’ll let you know about this adventure as it continues and the challenges we face at HPL as they present themselves. However, feel free to check out the Halifax Public Libraries’ catalogue at http://catalogue.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/#focus and our use of these terms.

Aboriginal Resources

First Peoples’ Libraries Wiki – http://firstpeopleslibraries.wikispaces.com

Words First, An Evolving Terminology Relating to Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/pub/wf/index_e.html

Welcome to my blog

I thought it was about time I started blogging. There are a lot of cataloguers out there and I think it’s important to meet, share information and to know that we aren’t alone in our well-organized worlds!

First, I’ll tell you a bit about myself. I’m the cataloguing librarian (aka Collection Access Librarian) for the entire Halifax Public Library system. This position is relatively new for me and it’s been exciting and challenging everyday. I received my MLIS from the University of Alberta and have an undergraduate degree is music, which I received from Ithaca College.

I needed to start this blog because there are times when I feel very alone as a cataloguer. I read the library journals and I feel left out. Have we been forgotten? Collection development is always applauded for their efforts, as is reference and, for that matter, all of “public service”. Where does that leave us? I’m hoping this blog will get us talking, sharing tools and technologies and generally, giving each other advice. I hope to bring up important issues, including marketing strategies for our catalogues, challenges with cataloguing rules (including authority work and access issues) as well as how we can use new web 2.0 tools to assist us.

That’s it for now! Again, welcome to my blog.

Disclaimer: The contents of this site contain my own personal opinions and views. It does not represent the views or opinions of my employer.