Now That We Know the Answer, What Are the Questions?

Abstract

Abstract Information resources, regardless of their medium, exist on a value continuum; so, too, the methods of organizing, storing, describing, and providing access to information range greatly. For any given infonnation resource, the “cataloging” methods used are generally associated with the value ascribed to the information: the more highly valued the information, the more rigorous the methods. Libraries would do well to apply this simple logic to the cataloging of Internet resources. A good rule of thumb might be this: If an Internet resource were published in any other media, say, paper, and it met your library's selection and collection development criteria, would you catalog it? If the answer is Yes, then select the Internet resource and catalog it. Libraries that take this approach find themselves offering improved patron services, staying abreast of technological change, and positioning themselves for next-generation cataloging alternatives even i f their actual level of cataloging is low. Some ...