The dream of capturing and organizing knowledge is as old as history. From the archives of ancient Sumeria and the Library of Alexandria to the Library of Congress and Wikipedia, humanity has wrestled with the problem of harnessing its intellectual output. The timeless quest for wisdom has been as much about information storage and retrieval as creative genius. In Cataloging the World, Alex Wright introduces us to a figure who stands out in the long line of thinkers and idealists who devoted themselves to the task. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, Paul Otlet, a librarian by training, worked at expanding the potential of the catalog card, the world's first information chip. From there followed universal libraries and museums, connecting his native Belgium to the world by means of a vast intellectual enterprise that attempted to organize and code everything ever published. Forty years before the first personal computer and fifty years before the first browser, Otlet envisioned a network of "electric telescopes" that would allow people everywhere to search through books, newspapers, photographs, and recordings, all linked together in what he termed, in 1934, a r?seau mondial--essentially, a worldwide web. Otlet's life achievement was the construction of the Mundaneum--a mechanical collective brain that would house and disseminate everything ever committed to paper. Filled with analog machines such as telegraphs and sorters, the Mundaneum--what some have called a "Steampunk version of hypertext"--was the embodiment of Otlet's ambitions. It was also short-lived. By the time the Nazis, who were pilfering libraries across Europe to collect information they thought useful, carted away Otlet's collection in 1940, the dream had ended. Broken, Otlet died in 1944. Wright's engaging intellectual history gives Otlet his due, restoring him to his proper place in the long continuum of visionaries and pioneers who have struggled to classify knowledge, from H.G. Wells and Melvil Dewey to Vannevar Bush, Ted Nelson, Tim Berners-Lee, and Steve Jobs. Wright shows that in the years since Otlet's death the world has witnessed the emergence of a global network that has proved him right about the possibilities--and the perils--of networked information, and his legacy persists in our digital world today, captured for all time.

The dream of capturing and organizing knowledge is as old as history. From the archives of ancient Sumeria and the Library of Alexandria to the Library of Congress and Wikipedia, humanity has wrestled with the problem of harnessing its intellectual output. The timeless quest for wisdom has been as much about information storage and retrieval as creative genius. In Cataloging the World, Alex Wright introduces us to a figure who stands out in the long line of thinkers and idealists who devoted themselves to the task. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, Paul Otlet, a librarian by training, worked at expanding the potential of the catalog card, the world's first information chip. From there followed universal libraries and museums, connecting his native Belgium to the world by means of a vast intellectual enterprise that attempted to organize and code everything ever published. Forty years before the first personal computer and fifty years before the first browser, Otlet envisioned a network of "electric telescopes" that would allow people everywhere to search through books, newspapers, photographs, and recordings, all linked together in what he termed, in 1934, a r?seau mondial--essentially, a worldwide web. Otlet's life achievement was the construction of the Mundaneum--a mechanical collective brain that would house and disseminate everything ever committed to paper. Filled with analog machines such as telegraphs and sorters, the Mundaneum--what some have called a "Steampunk version of hypertext"--was the embodiment of Otlet's ambitions. It was also short-lived. By the time the Nazis, who were pilfering libraries across Europe to collect information they thought useful, carted away Otlet's collection in 1940, the dream had ended. Broken, Otlet died in 1944. Wright's engaging intellectual history gives Otlet his due, restoring him to his proper place in the long continuum of visionaries and pioneers who have struggled to classify knowledge, from H.G. Wells and Melvil Dewey to Vannevar Bush, Ted Nelson, Tim Berners-Lee, and Steve Jobs. Wright shows that in the years since Otlet's death the world has witnessed the emergence of a global network that has proved him right about the possibilities--and the perils--of networked information, and his legacy persists in our digital world today, captured for all time.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

Examine cataloging and classification training programs around the world Education for Library Cataloging: International Perspectives examines the global development of educational programs for cataloging and classification in the library and information field. Library school faculty and professional librarians from more than 20 countries discuss a wide range of topics, including formal school and continuing education of catalog librarians, education and training for paraprofessional staff in cataloging and technical services, changes in library school programs, and metadata and information organization instruction. Faculty members and seasoned librarians from Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America, and the Middle East present case studies and overviews of library and information school programs, bibliographies of cited works in both Western and non-Western language literature, and plenty of helpful tables and charts. Articles presented in Education for Library Cataloging: International Perspectives are organized geographically to make it easier to check which countries are covered in each region, and to determine regional similarities and differences. Political, historical, cultural, religious, and linguistic factors were also considered to demonstrate the wide range of educational efforts and programs to cultivate cataloging professionals all over the world. Topics examined in Education for Library Cataloging: International Perspectives include: * education and training development for librarians in the University of Botswana Library * the library science school curricula in the Cross River State of Nigeria * the training of students in cataloging via distant education in South Africa * education programs in China * the education for knowledge organization (including cataloging and classification) in India * the current status of cataloging education in Japan * on the job training of catalog librarians in South Korea * the education for cataloging in Australia * how catalog librarians are trained in Germany and Austria * recent changes to the library education system in Poland * a critical study of cataloging instruction within the library and information science programs in Spain * a recent survey of graduate education and training for cataloging and classification in the United Kingdom * an overview of the education for cataloging and classification in Mexico * the current status of cataloging and classification education in Egypt * recent changes to cataloging teaching in Israel * the continuing education for catalogers in Saudi Arabia * and much more Many of the articles presented in Education for Library Cataloging: International Perspectives document the initial efforts to introduce education for cataloging in particular countries, including Egypt and Japan. This book is an invaluable resource for library and information school educators, administrators, and students.

Whether you're a practicing cataloger looking for a short text to update you on the application of RDA to cataloging records or a school librarian who needs a quick resource to answer cataloging questions, this guide is for you. Since the last edition of this invaluable text was published, the library world has experienced a revolution in descriptive cataloging the likes of which has not been seen since the early 1980s. This updated, third edition of an established and well-respected guide makes it easy for you to stay in step with those monumental changes. The book will help you understand the latest fundamentals of cataloging so you can get items on the library shelves quickly and efficiently. Every chapter has been revised. Changes in standards, including RDA and BISAC, that were alluded to in the second edition are discussed in depth and illustrated with explanations, and sample problem sets are included so you can put theory into practice. In addition, the book provides you with clear headings for easy scanning as well as cheat sheets and templates for creating records for book and non-book items. Previous editions of this text have been used by library practitioners and library and information science professors across the country because of its spot-on, easy-to-follow guidance on cataloging for school libraries. This new edition builds upon those strengths, adding everything you need to know about current, groundbreaking changes.

Offers a practical guide to the world of cataloguing and classification. This work also addresses such issues as FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records), FAST (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology), and the Semantic Web.

Dive into the engaging universe of library cataloging with this insightful guide. Designed for career professionals, this resource presents an exhaustive exploration of the multifaceted world of cataloging in a friendly, conversational tone. Each chapter weaves intricate narratives, delivering invaluable knowledge about different cataloging roles, required education and training, professional certifications, and essential tips for job interviews and resume building. This guide doesn’t stop at the basics. It prepares professionals for the dynamic nature of cataloging, highlighting emerging trends, the impact of AI and Machine Learning, and the evolving roles in the 21st century. Real-world cataloging project examples provide a practical look into the profession, while further chapters underscore the significance of cataloging in enhancing library usage and patron satisfaction. The journey culminates with an inspiring message for aspiring catalogers, a handy glossary of cataloging terms, a list of essential cataloging tools and resources, and a recommended reading list for deepening your understanding of this intricate field. With a blend of theoretical grounding and practical advice, this is an indispensable resource for those wanting to delve deeper into their profession, seeking knowledge that goes beyond the surface. This guide will empower you to navigate the captivating world of cataloging with confidence, finesse, and a zest for continuous learning.