AN ANALYSIS OF ENTRY-LEVEL CATALOGING ERRORS - IMPLICATIONS FOR INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING

This paper presents the results of a study conducted over a four-month period involving graduate students in an accredited library school wh o had completed a course on monographic cataloging. The purpose of the study was to determine the types of errors that appeared on original cataloging copy by entry-level catalogers. The records were analyzed f or errors in description, headings, encoding of MARC format, capitaliz ation, punctuation, and any other errors affecting access. Specific ar eas within these areas were examined as well. An examination of the da ta shows types and percentages of errors in the cataloging copy. The d ata should assist educators in planning and implementing a cataloging course and will inform professionals hiring catalogers out of library school on how well the graduates are prepared for professional catalog ing.