- CatSIG - lists.ecs.vuw.ac.nz

CatSIG Catapult December 2025 issue available
by Hazel L 01 May '26

01 May '26

Kia ora koutou, I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and had a good break. The December issue of Catapult is now available and attached. Kia maiea tō rā, Hazel Loughrey Catapult editor

1 2

Call for presenters on AI use
by Joanne Rowan 30 Apr '26

30 Apr '26

Apologies for cross posting Presenters needed on AI in cataloguing for CatSIG discussion Having trouble viewing this email? View in browser.<https://u26611046.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.mZktG25qDBdyoH-2FtEL1Bv…> [https://swiftfoxprod.blob.core.windows.net/lianza-public/gnGuc30fjXOqWi8LCw…] Kia ora Joanne, The next Cataloguing SIG discussion webinar will be on AI and cataloguing, and we hope to organise this for a time in early June. To do this topic justice, we need your help! If you have been experimenting with AI tools in cataloguing, in any capacity, from day-to-day cataloguing, retro projects and more, we would appreciate you doing a brief five-to-ten-minute presentation on what you’ve been doing and what your findings are. Please email the CAT SIG Committee at catsigcommittee(a)gmail.com<mailto:catsigcommittee@gmail.com> and we will be in touch. If you know someone who has been using AI in their cataloguing work, please pass this message on to them. AI in cataloguing survey Please take some time to complete this survey to help inform LIANZA Cataloguing SIG about AI tools in your cataloguing work. This survey should take less than 10 minutes, is anonymised and will be used to inform the work of the LIANZA Cataloguing Committee. COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE<https://u26611046.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.mZktG25qDBdyoH-2FtEL1Bv…> Ngā mihi, Joanne Rowan LIANZA Cataloguing SIG PO Box 37-170, Lower Hutt 5141 www.lianza.org.nz<https://u26611046.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.mZktG25qDBdyoH-2FtEL1Bv…> officeadmin(a)lianza.org.nz<mailto:officeadmin@lianza.org.nz> [https://static.sfox.au/images/social/linkedin-white.png]<https://u26611046.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.mZktG25qDBdyoH-2FtEL1Bv…> [https://static.sfox.au/images/social/instagram-white.png]<https://u26611046.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.mZktG25qDBdyoH-2FtEL1Bv…> [https://static.sfox.au/images/social/youtube-white.png]<https://u26611046.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.mZktG25qDBdyoH-2FtEL1Bv…> [https://static.sfox.au/images/social/facebook-white.png]<https://u26611046.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.mZktG25qDBdyoH-2FtEL1Bv…> Unsubscribe<https://u26611046.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.mZktG25qDBdyoH-2FtEL1Bv…>

1 0

National Library seeks input into support plan for transition to new cataloguing standard
by Sandra McKenzie 30 Mar '26

30 Mar '26

Kia ora koutou, The National Library is thinking about ways to best support the transition of New Zealand libraries to the cataloguing standard Official Resource Description and Access (RDA). This standard will come into effect next year, replacing the Original RDA which will not be accessible via the Web after May 11, 2027. Original RDA was first published online in June 2010, with the last update in April 2017. As you will appreciate, information technology has changed a lot since then. There have already been changes in MARC records sourced from the National Library of New Zealand, and over the coming months, New Zealand libraries will be seeing changes in records sourced internationally as the transition to the Official RDA gets closer. You can read more about the changes in our MARC records here: https://natlib.govt.nz/librarians/cataloguing-standards-at-the-national-lib… If you would like to send in ideas, or get in touch for more information, please email Sandra McKenzie, Senior Collection Description Specialist, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa (email:sandra.mckenzie@dia.govt.nz) before 30 April 2026. Thank you in advance for your manaakitanga and ideas. Sandra McKenzie | Senior Collection Description Specialist National Library of New Zealand | Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua DDI: +64 4 4623926 www.natlib.govt.nz<http://www.natlib.govt.nz/> I work Monday – Thursday I work from home on Tuesday

1 0

Call for content: December issue of Catapult
by Hazel L 23 Mar '26

23 Mar '26

Kia ora koutou, Worked on an interesting project lately? It's that time again: Catapult is seeking cataloguing related content for December's issue, and a cataloguer to profile. Please email me or the catsig committee with your submission (or any questions) by the 20th of December. Kia pai tō ra, Hazel Loughrey Catapult editor

1 1

FW: [rdaoceania] Feedback on proposals for April RSC Meeting
by Bridget Jennings 11 Mar '26

11 Mar '26

Kia ora koutou, Apologies for cross-posting. As Jack says below, there are three new proposals to be discussed at the next meeting of the RDA Steering Committee. You can let me know if you have any comments on these. Again as Jack points out, the Translations paper may be of interest to people working with rare materials. Ngā mihi, Bridget CatSIG ORDAC Rep From: rdaoceania-request(a)nla.gov.au <rdaoceania-request(a)nla.gov.au> On Behalf Of Jack Ennis Butler Sent: Wednesday, 11 March 2026 10:51 am To: rdaoceania(a)nla.gov.au Subject: [rdaoceania] Feedback on proposals for April RSC Meeting Caution: This email originated from outside the organisation. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe. Hi all, I'm seeking feedback on three proposals that will be discussed during the 28 April 2026 Meeting of the RSC<https://www.rdatoolkit.org/news/rsc/save-times-rsc-public-sessions-april-no…>. Please send through any thoughts you have before Monday 13 April. Don't hesitate to email me directly(jack(a)rdatoolkit.org<mailto:jack@rdatoolkit.org>), or if preferred, use the RDA Oceania list to have your feedback visible by the community. Document Number Title RSC/TechnicalWG/2026/2<https://www.rdatoolkit.org/sites/default/files/uploads/RSC_TechnicalWG_2026…> [Proposal on] Soft-deprecated elements: “Details” elements RSC/TechnicalWG/2026/1 <https://www.rdatoolkit.org/rsc/rsctechnicalwg20261> [Proposal on] Soft-deprecated elements related to Manifestation: material RSC/TranslationsTLO/2026/1<https://www.rdatoolkit.org/sites/default/files/uploads/RSC_TranslationsTLO_…> Proposal on adding new elements, applicable to rare and old materials, to the RDA Toolkit, the corresponding new definitions to the Glossary, and the corresponding new properties to RDA Registry The proposals from the Technical Working Group relate to "Soft-deprecated elements". There is a concise and informative introduction in RSC/TechnicalWG/2026/1 that provides the background. This continues some of the discussion relating to parallel elements discussed at the last session. The third proposal will be of interest to those working with rare and old materials. If you have any other comments or things you would like me to raise, please don't hesitate to let me know - if you'd prefer to chat just let me know and we can find a time. Kind regards, Jack Ennis Butler Oceania region representative to the RDA Steering Committee

1 0

American Library Association Core Interest Group Week presentations
by Bridget Jennings 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

Kia ora koutou, Coming up next week is the 2026 Core Interest Group Week (March 3 to March 7 our time). This features some presentations that might be of interest to the CatSIG committee (particularly if you are an early bird!). The full programme is here: 2026 Core Interest Group Week | Core<https://www.ala.org/core/interest-group-week>. Attendance is free. Noted below are some sessions in particular (with times converted to NZDT). There is a session on BIBFRAME on Saturday 7 March starting at 9am which looks worthwhile for those wanting/needing to know more about the practicalities of BIBFRAME. Tuesday 3 March 6am to 7am Metadata Interest Group – AI in MarcEdit: practical tools for metadata work How can AI support real-world metadata workflows? Featuring Terry Reese, developer of MarcEdit. Wednesday 4 March 5am to 6am Bibliographic Conceptual Models Interest Group – Linking Data: Getty’s LOD Transformation Wednesday 4 March 8am to 9am Faceted Subject Access Interest Group Topics include: * Aligning terms and facilitating connections with FAST headings and tools * Practical strategies for modernising library metadata Thursday 5 March 6am to 7am Competencies & Education for a Career in Cataloging Interest Group presentations Friday 6 March 5am to 6am Linked Data Interest Group presentations Saturday 7 March 6am to 7am Catalog Management Interest Group Topics include: * Creating workflows to enhance vendor-supplied records * Exploring practical workflows using the Ex Libris AI Metadata Assistant * Meeting your match in authority work Saturday 7 March 9am to 10am MARC Formats Transition Interest Group Topics include: * Transitioning library workflows from MARC * Experiences with transitioning to or testing BIBFRAME * Future of metadata standards beyond MARC * Training and education in BIBFRAME for MARC cataloguers Thank you to Charlotte for the heads-up! Ngā mihi, Bridget Bridget Jennings Senior Cataloguing Specialist Whare Pukapuka me ngā Wāhi Pāpori | Libraries & Community Spaces Te Kaunihera o Pōneke | Wellington City Council P 04 801 4093 E bridget.jennings(a)wcc.govt.nz<mailto:bridget.jennings@wcc.govt.nz> | W wcl.govt.nz<http://www.wcl.govt.nz/> The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its contents. If received in error you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is appreciated. [cid:image001.jpg@01DCA661.B5555820]<http://wellington.govt.nz/wcc-email-campaign>

1 0

Subject analysis working group findings (it's more interesting than this subject line suggests)
by Tali Boardman 30 Jan '26

30 Jan '26

Kia ora, [Apologies for cross-posting. Please feel free to share widely.] The ALA Core Subject Analysis Committee’s Working Group on $v Retention has released its report of research findings and recommendations deriving from the Group’s literature review and library worker survey, which garnered 699 responses, representing multiple library roles, library types, and library communities worldwide. The full report with findings and recommendations may be read here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12sYgYhVSyM1nObY-QeH-VySjYHxoSQTEj2xwBFT… The Group’s work began in March 2025, amid library community concerns about the Library of Congress’s (LC) January 2025 announcement that they would be discontinuing use of form subdivisions ($v) in subject headings, in favor of only including Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms (LCGFT). A form subdivision is the section of a subject heading that specifies that a topic appears within a specific form or media, for example the ending parts of the following subjects: Berlin (Germany) $v Guidebooks; Dinosaurs $v Juvenile fiction; Mendieta, Ana, $d 1948-1985 $v Catalogs; Miniature books $v Specimens. Some key findings from the Group’s research: * No user studies to date demonstrate that removing $v improves patron search or recall. * Patrons primarily do basic keyword searches, and examine the first few search results screens and individual records, valuing subject context and glanceability. Having found records of interest, patrons click on the subject strings (including those with $v) to find other materials. Faceting and advanced searches are not generally utilized by patrons. * 59% of survey respondents report that omitting form subdivisions would make patron searching more difficult (as opposed to 14% that say it wouldn’t), and 57% assert that $v omission would impede access to specific collections and types of material (versus 12% that say it wouldn’t). Missing form subdivisions disproportionately impact vulnerable library patrons, including children and socioeconomically challenged communities, who may lack search skills or public catalogs with robust genre display/search options. * 60% of public catalogs lack a dedicated search genre/form search option, so patrons could not search by form as they could by title, author, or subject. 42% of public catalogs lack dedicated genre/form facets for filtering search results, so patrons would be unable to narrow a topic by form if $v were omitted. * 55% of survey respondents were unaware that LC planned to omit form subdivisions, indicating a lack of adequate outreach and input-gathering from LC. Percentages are higher in certain library types. * 71% of respondents to question 3.8 oppose $v omission, whereas only 14% support it. * Requiring libraries to individually add $v information or configure catalogs disproportionately impacts lesser-resourced libraries, who are least likely to have time, knowledge or resources. 67% of libraries have no time and/or knowledge to add form subdivisions into their catalogs individually for all records that might require them. 55% of libraries cannot or are unsure of their ability to change their public catalog indexes and/or display if needed. In light of these findings and more, the Working Group’s top recommendations are that the Library of Congress: * continue providing form subdivisions in all applicable subject strings included in bibliographic records shared with other libraries, as a public service for library patrons and less-resourced institutions; * continue accepting proposals for new form subdivisions to allow growth for continued patron benefit and to maintain data interoperability between libraries; * retain all authority records containing form subdivisions and all Library of Congress Subject Headings Manual documentation pertaining to their use; * and commit to broad-based outreach regarding all future vocabulary decisions to allow all of the library community to participate in decision-making related to changes that impact them and their patrons. The Working Group requests that our colleagues read the report and consider supporting the Group’s recommendations. Given the centrality of user needs fulfillment and equitable access to the library profession, it is imperative for us all to support the most vulnerable libraries and their patrons, and oppose changes that leave these communities behind. Organizations wishing to endorse the recommendations can do so via this form: https://forms.gle/XwmvnfCQ7TkriRky7, or by contacting Group chair Deborah Tomaras at Deborah.Tomaras(a)marist.edu<mailto:Deborah.Tomaras@marist.edu>. Thank you for your time and consideration. Ngā mihi nui, Tali Boardman (She/Her) Library Specialist- Cataloguing Library Specialist- Cataloguing Kaiwhakarārangi Puka Libraries, Community Spaces & Archives | Wellington City Council Whare Pukapuka me ngā Wāhi Pāpori | Te Kaunihera o Pōneke Ph: 04-830 8311 E: tali.boardman(a)wcc.govt.nz<mailto:karl.tilley@wcc.govt.nz> | W wcl.govt.nz<http://www.wcl.govt.nz/>

1 0

Response to the Library of Congress' Genre/Form Subdivisions Announcement
by Joanne Rowan 11 Jan '26

11 Jan '26

[Please forgive cross-posting] Dear colleagues: The Library of Congress has, as of yesterday, circulated an announcement<https://www.loc.gov/aba/cataloging/subject/form-announcement.pdf> and an FAQ<https://www.loc.gov/aba/cataloging/subject/formfaq.pdf> about discontinuing the use of $v (form subdivisions) in new cataloging. In the interest of transparency, it should be known that questions in the FAQ were taken, largely verbatim, from a set prepared by the ALA Subject Analysis Committee's Working Group on $v Retention, endorsed by multiple library organizations, and sent to the Library of Congress on September 15, 2025. The complete set of questions and signatories can be seen here<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/docs.google.com/document/d/1Xh_J1qQ3ACnV…>. While we are glad that the Library of Congress responded to our questions, it is disappointing that the answers were not provided before a final decision on $v was made, and before the library community, which has a substantial stake in the development and usage of Library of Congress vocabularies, could fully understand the implications of this change and weigh in. Further, the answers provided within the announcement and FAQ raise further questions. We urge our colleagues to carefully scrutinize the information in those documents: * no future development of $v allowed (i.e., no possibility of $v Young adult fiction, or $v Kits, or anything else the community still using $v might feel necessary and useful) * the potential "modification" (i.e., removal?) of $v in already existing authority records * no guarantee of retention of either documentation or authorities related to $v long-term * no planned replacement of incredibly popular audience-inclusive $v (e.g., for children's and YA materials) with LCGFT alternatives * no consultation with the library community about which $v will receive LCGFT alternatives or in what form * undercutting of search and display functionality currently existent in a majority of libraries, in favor of fields and functions (655, and particularly 3XX) largely unavailable in library catalogs for post-coordinated searching at this time, and potentially unable to be implemented in the future * scant acknowledgment of the impact on patrons of the lack of "high-level consistency for many terms" in library catalogs, particularly for historic records lacking LCGFT and/or LCDGT * and so on The Working Group has been assessing the ramifications of the discontinuation of $v on library collections, catalogs, services, and—most importantly—library patrons. We are currently drafting our report, including results of a librarian survey which garnered 699 responses across all library types (academic, public, school, tribal, special, governmental, consortial, etc.), and from several countries. We intend to circulate the report widely when completed, hopefully by the end of January, and we hope that the library community and particularly its member organizations will consider our evidence and recommendations. We respectfully request that the Library of Congress delay implementing this change and finalizing a decision on $v before the release of the report, and the gathering of input and addressing of concerns from the library community. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Deborah Tomaras, chair of ALA SAC Working Group on $v Retention Deborah Tomaras (she/her) Metadata and Resource Management Librarian James A. Cannavino Library, Marist University 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Office: 845-575-2408 | Deborah.Tomaras(a)marist.edu<mailto:Deborah.Tomaras@marist.edu> [cid:image002.png@01DC83A8.98324D10]

1 0

Cataloguing Manager at Wheelers
by Joanne Rowan 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

Wheelers Books are seeking a full-time Cataloguing Manager to join their team based in our Glenfield office on Auckland’s North Shore. At Wheelers Books, we believe in the uplifting power of books to enrich lives. As a long-established and growing company with offices in Auckland and Sydney, we are a leading supplier to libraries and schools across Australasia, providing a complete self-ready service to our customers throughout New Zealand. We are seeking a full-time Cataloguing Manager to join our team based in our Glenfield office on Auckland’s North Shore. Working alongside our Selection/Acquisitions and Processing teams, you will provide critical operational support to our clients in New Zealand and Australia. In this pivotal role, you will lead the daily workflow of the cataloguing team, ensuring all books are catalogued efficiently, on time, and within budget. You will need a relevant library qualification, experience managing a team, and a customer-focused mindset. You will have a background in library management, where you have utilised excellent cataloguing skills in a high-service environment. We are looking for a leader who embodies our values of Integrity (Tautoko), Collaboration (Mahitahi), Community (Whanaungatanga), and Sustainability (Kaitiakitanga). We welcome applications from those with the following skills and attributes: * Substantial experience as a practising cataloguer * A library qualification or equivalent is essential for this role. * Effective people management skills with the ability to mentor, coach, and support a team. * The ability to think strategically, be logical, and drive outcomes according to plans. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate workflow between departments. * A strong drive for excellence in service delivery to libraries and schools. * Strong problem-solving and computer skills to optimise team and resource utilisation. * Self-motivated, pragmatic, and adaptable to change. You will be joining a supportive, purpose-driven team where you can make a real impact. We are passionate about supporting literacy and providing schools and libraries with access to quality resources. Check out the job description here.<https://www.lianza.org.nz/professional-development/vacancies/cataloguing-ma…> Contact email: If you have any questions, please contact Emily Rogers (HR Manager) emilyr(a)wheelers.co.nz Applications close: 7 January 2026 Link to apply: https://www.seek.co.nz/job/89133918 Ngā mihi nui, Joanne Rowan CatSIG convenor [signature_1301701140] Scholarly Content Team Te Kahu Tauira | Student and Scholarly Services Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland A General Library, Bldg 109, 5 Alfred Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand P Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand W www.library.auckland.ac.nz<http://www.library.auckland.ac.nz/> E librarycollections(a)auckland.ac.nz [cid:4832b00c-8983-4128-a609-926183838e17]

1 1

RDA news and request for feedback on upcoming proposals and discussion paper
by Bridget Jennings 25 Nov '25

25 Nov '25

Kia ora koutou, Apologies for cross-posting. The Extent Working Group of the RDA Steering Committee (RSC) has submitted several proposal papers for describing extent (including dimensions, containers etc.) in Official RDA. These are now available for reading and responding to. Please let me know if you have any comments to make on these and I can forward on to Jack. Additionally have a look at the discussion paper on soft-deprecated elements (soft-deprecated = marked for potential obsolescence). Again, let me know if you have any comments on this. Ngā mihi nui, Bridget CatSIG Representative on ORDAC From: rdaoceania-request(a)nla.gov.au <rdaoceania-request(a)nla.gov.au> On Behalf Of Jack Ennis Butler Sent: Friday, 21 November 2025 12:53 pm To: rdaoceania(a)nla.gov.au Subject: [rdaoceania] RDA news and request for feedback on upcoming proposals and discussion paper Hi everybody, I would like to bring your attention to a number of proposals and a discussion paper that were introduced at the last RSC session: The proposals from the Extent Working Group are significant and I highly recommend reading through in detail. Full details are available here: Ready for Feedback: Proposals from the Extent Working Group | ALA RDA Toolkit<https://www.rdatoolkit.org/rsc/extentWGproposals> The discussion paper looks at soft-deprecated parallel elements (eg parallel title proper, parallel statement of responsibility relating to title proper). It also discusses approaches that do not use these elements such as implementation undertaken at the National Library of New Zealand and the MARC2RDA project. Details are available here: Discussion Paper on Soft-Deprecated Terms Out for Community Review | ALA RDA Toolkit<https://www.rdatoolkit.org/rsc/technicalwg20251> These will be discussed at the January meeting. To allow time for ORDAC to finalise our response, it would be much appreciated if all feedback could be sent through to me (jack(a)rdatoolkit.org<mailto:jack@rdatoolkit.org>) before Monday 5 January. More news relating to RDA is available at the RSC news page including links to Aimee Hay's presentation at the last RSC public session NSLA Official RDA Project. Please don't hesitate to get in contact if you have any questions. Kind regards, Jack Ennis Butler Oceania region representative to the RDA Steering Committee

1 0