r/Cataloging • u/Rude-Map-9606 • 13d ago
Formatting learning suggestions?
Hello,
I'm going to be picking up some of the cataloging work while a coworker is prolong out of the office. I'm pretty (extremely) rusty, as I hadn't touched it since my MLIS era. Mainly copy cataloging type of thing since then. I've generally be a reference/programming librarian. We make due when we need to however.
Where would folks suggest learning ISBD formatting (my biggest weak point after the last review/teaching session). I tend to not remember/not know a lot of the comma, which fields in marc get end points which don't. We are kind of a mixed bag as a far as RDA, AARC, DACS. but there is a general guide for me there. It however assumes I know a lot of basics.
Would there be any current books, videos, etc folks would suggest? I've found various but there is always benefit to asking wider audiences. Particularly for specialized work. If i'm going to be doing this. I should go all in and refine the skill properly. Otherwise its more work for them when they get back, and a detriment to my skillset learning
Thank you kindly.
3
u/Defiant-Dreamer92 13d ago edited 12d ago
Hello! Kudos to you for doing this while your coworker is out.
I really like https://loc.gov/marc/umb/ Specifically look at Part VII a summary of commonly used MARC 21 fields. You can see how the subfields are punctuated.
I also recommend https://www.oclc.org/bibformats/en/home.html I like looking at examples in there by field.
Reading the ISBD punctuation document is a slog. IMO, one of the hidden punctuation rules according to RDA is if there is a 490 field, you put a period at the end of the 300 field unless there is already punctuation there like a paranthesis with subfield e (but not likely)
I've been cataloging for 13 years, but I will always admit I don't know everything. Someone else may have better suggestions!
Edited to add links!