----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Forwarded from COOPCAT
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 14:41:10 -0500
From: "Gabel,Linda" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: Cooperative Cataloging Discussion Group
<[log in to unmask]>
Are you thinking about or responsible for ....
FORM/GENRE TERMINOLOGY IN LIBRARY OPACS?
The bibliographic community has expressed considerable interest in
improving the indexing and representation of forms and genres in
library online catalogs. Recent changes to the USMARC format provide
the community with an opportunity to employ form/genre terminology
for the benefit of users as never before. The Library of Congress
has established a Form/Genre Working Group to create an LCSH list of
controlled terms and to write cataloger guidelines. Several
thesaurus developers already have or are in the process of creating
controlled lists of form/genre terms. Many issues (such as system
design and retrospective conversion) remain to be resolved before any
substantive progress can be made.
To improve coordination, communication, and research on form/genre
issues, the ALCTS CCS Subject Analysis Committee established a
Subcommittee on Form Headings/Subdivisions Implementation. As a
first step, the Subcommittee has created a Web site where relevant
papers and documentation can be found in one convenient place.
Please check out this Web site for more information:
http://www.pitt.edu/~agtaylor/ala/alac.htm
You are also invited to participate in an interesting discussion
to take place during the 1997 ALA Midwinter Meeting. There will be brief
presentations on current status followed by a lively discussion.
SAC Subcommittee Open Discussion Meeting
February 14, 1997 8:00-10:00pm
Washington Convention Center, Room 8
ALA Midwinter Conference, Washington, D.C.
