The committee on revision of cataloging practice appointed by the
library schools instructors at their meeting in January, 1912,
wishes to make a brief report of the work done.
As a preliminary step in securing opinions from the various
schools on the extent of the work and the forms that the code
should take, the following plan was tried. A sufficient number
of the galley proofs of a new edition of the rules compiled by
the Wisconsin library school were secured and, on May 6, sent
to all of the library schools; also to one or two individuals
whom the chairman thought might be interested in the project
from the teaching point of view. It was thought that this code,
which had proved a practical one, might at least serve as a basis
for comments. The schools were asked whether they desired to
co-operate in the attempt to secure uniformity in practice, and if
they approved of the form in which the Wisconsin code was to be
printed, that is, on cards; and lastly, to show by their comments
the points wherein their practice varied.
Replies have been received at this date from all of the schools,
and from them the following conclusions are reached:
First, there is a general interest in the subject of securing
unification in instruction; but there seems to be some doubt as
to whether we are to attempt to cover all of the points of a
complete cataloging code, or only matters of spacing, indention,
punctuation, etc.
Second, the majority of the schools returned the proofs fully
annotated for the changes which they desire. On the whole, these
comments showed that the differences are not great and that
uniformity on many at least can be secured, if so desired by the
schools.
Third, a general discussion of the subject will be helpful, before
any final decision can be reached in regard to a co-operative code.
The committee accordingly decided to ask that there be a
discussion of the matter at the Ottawa conference and a notice to
this effect was sent to each school.
A list of the points for discussion has been made out.[12] The
committee will hope to make a final report at the midwinter
meeting.
[12] See Catalog Section Minutes, page 246.
HELEN TURVILL, Chairman.
The membership committee, consisting of Miss Josephine A.
Rathbone, Miss June R. Donnelly and Mr. Paul Blackwelder, was
continued. The program committee, consisting of Miss Mary W.
Plummer, Miss Mary E. Hazeltine and Mr. Frank K. Walter, was also
continued.
Mr. Frank K. Walter was elected chairman for the coming year and
Miss Agnes Van Valkenburgh, secretary. Adjourned.