At Your Fingertips : Core Cataloging Tools on the Web

The following list of tools is meant to be an introductory guide to how Web-based tools may be used in cataloging. Each entry below has its title linked to the tool, and is followed by a short description of how it may be used to help you catalog items. If there are any other tools, explanations, related training sessions, etc. you would like to see made available, please ask Chris.

Bibliographic formats and standards
One of the most essential cataloging tools on the Web, this guide will help you discover the intricacies of the MARC record, its fields, indicators, and delimeters as used by OCLC. Most of the guide consists of a reference to what each of the different codes mean. The table of contents consists of several guidelines, followed by a field-by-field numerical breakdown.

Searching for bibliographic records, quick reference
OCLC's quick guide to bibliographic record search techniques. For more detailed search information, you may want to try the chapter-by-chapter User's Guide.

Authorities reference card
A brief introduction to authority records on OCLC, including search and retrieval as well as editing.

OhioLINK Central Catalog
How have other OhioLINK schools cataloged an item? What schools placed what item in Reference? How many have used a certain OCLC record? Check the central catalog and find out.

Library of Congress Classification System Outline
A brief outline to the LC Classification system, put out by the Library of Congress.

FYI

Understanding MARC bibliographic
A concise introduction to MARC and MARC records. Includes most commonly used fields as well as sample records.

Passport for windows user's guide
Have you ever wondered about some of the more technical aspects of using OCLC? This technical guide will help you with macros, printing, exporting, and more.

American Library Association (ALA)
What's it all about? How do libraries reach the public? How can library employees learn from one another? What are today's hot issues? Check out the ALA. See also American Libraries Online, the electronic version of the ALA publication.

The Library of Congress
There are all kinds of goodies within these virtual doors. Search the collections, look at our nation's heritage through the American Memory Project, visit the Catalog Directorate, and more.

Created 8 June 1999. Last updated 6 July 1999.
Questions, comments, additions, or changes? Contact Christine Rigda.