Exploring the role of repertoire in library cataloging
ISSN: 0022-0418
Article publication date: 5 July 2019
Issue publication date: 12 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose
Library work is increasingly being explored from the perspective of design. Still, little work has actively explored specific aspects of design as they relate to library cataloging. The purpose of this paper is to dive deeper into the relationship between library cataloging and design by exploring a specific aspect of design – the concept of repertoire, or the use of previous experiences and bodies of knowledge during current work.
Design/methodology/approach
To examine catalogers’ use of repertoire, this paper employed a juxtaposition of field observations of professional library catalogers’ work processes with elements of “think-aloud” protocols.
Findings
The researchers identified three major types of repertory knowledge that were demonstrated by catalogers: internally embedded repertory knowledge; externally embedded repertory knowledge; and seeking out new knowledge using other sources. Additionally, certain trends were noted concerning which repertory knowledge was utilized for which particular task. Determining subject and genre headings were noted for relying quite extensively on internal repertoire such as personal knowledge and institutional knowledge, along with external sources, such as personal notes and local examples.
Originality/value
This paper adds to a growing body of work calling for design approaches in libraries and related information settings, and breaks ground by applying the previously unexplored concept of repertoire to librarianship, specifically library cataloging, which offers a new perspective on cataloger’s judgement.
Keywords
Citation
Clarke, R.I. and Dobreski, B. (2019), "Exploring the role of repertoire in library cataloging", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 75 No. 5, pp. 1169-1189. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-10-2018-0169
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited