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The Cataloging Discussion Group of ARLIS/New York met at the
Thomas J. Watson Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art, on November
25. Approximately 15 people attended the meeting, the theme of
which was backlogs.
Attendees spoke about the backlog situations at their
respective libraries. Sizes of backlogs ranged from a shelf to
over 100,000 items!
Some of the issues discussed were:
The definition of "backlog." Some libraries consider all
uncataloged collections a backlog, including special collections,
archives, non-print materials, vertical files, auction catalogs,
etc.
What causes backlogs? The primary causes mentioned by the
group were staff shortages, upheaval in workflow (such as
bringing up a new online system or reorganization of
departments), large gifts of materials, and simply acquiring more
now than in the past.
Backlog versus "frontlog," where the frontlog is the
priority material the cataloging staff can keep up with, and the
backlog gets chipped away at as time allows.
A related issue was "permanent backlogs" -- when the
library's backlog is too enormous to eliminate through general
cataloging workflow, it is in effect permanent. Some libraries
are opening their backlogs to readers, and even circulating
uncataloged material.
Control over the backlog -- examining whether the items are
vulnerable (e.g., they do not bear any ownership marks or
stamps); knowing what is in the backlog by having searchable
manual or online files; arranging the items by accession or
acquisitions control number, title, author, etc.; and having some
system to keep track of backlog items which circulate to readers.
Strategies for attacking backlogs included assigning
cataloging staff to backlog reduction as recon projects come to
an end (of course, many libraries have not even begun recon!),
using volunteers or interns to create minimal-level records to
get the items under control and in the stacks, and using services
such as RLG's Diogenes, which will search RLIN for cataloging
copy.
It was mentioned that most libraries lack the available
shelving space if their backlogs were to be completely cataloged,
and the question of weeding the backlog was raised.
After some socializing and sharing of other cataloging-related
news (such as problems with RLIN connectivity and
response time), the group adjourned at 5pm.
The next meeting of the ARLIS/New York Cataloging Discussion
Group will take place in early January at Butler Library,
Columbia University (announcement forthcoming).
--Kay Teel
Serials Cataloger
Bobst Library
New York University
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