Best Practices and Principles

Table of Contents

Cataloging Code of Ethics / Cataloging Ethics Steering Committee.

January 2021

manual or guide

A dynamic document on cataloguing ethics that embodies the collective experiences and wisdom of the cataloguing community of practice. It consists of ethical statements based on principles and values identified by the Cataloging Ethics Steering Committee and the Working Groups, with guidance and examples of best practice, that can be shared across the cataloguing community.

Defining Cataloging Ethics: Practitioner Perspectives / Karen Snow & Beth Shoemaker.

in Cataloging & Classification Quarterly. Vol. 58, issue 6 (2020).

paywall

article

Catalogers often need to make ethical decisions about their daily work. What is the starting point for defining cataloging ethics and how do practitioners define the concept? In this paper, the authors explore definitions of ethics and cataloging ethics in the literature, and subsequently analyze responses to a question asking respondents to define cataloging ethics. Set against the existing backdrop of the American Library Association “Code of Ethics,” the authors propose that shared values create a framework for discussing cataloging ethics, rather than a single articulated definition.

Guiding Principles for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Metadata Creation / Program for Cooperative Cataloging

Approved by the PCC Policy Committee, January 19, 2023

manual or guide

Six principles provided for PCC members as focused guidelines for applying DEI principles to their cataloging and metadata work. The principles are based loosely on the Cataloging Code of Ethics by the Cataloging Ethics Steering Committee.

Records, Responsibility, and Power: An Overview of Cataloging Ethics / Jennifer M. Martin

in Cataloging & Classification Quarterly. Vol. 59, issue 2-3 (2021).

article

Ethics are principles which provide a framework for making decisions that best reflect a set of values. Cataloging carries power, so ethical decision-making is crucial. Because cataloging requires decision-making in areas that differ from other library work, cataloging ethics are a distinct subset of library ethics. Cataloging ethics draw on the primary values of serving the needs of users and providing access to materials. Cataloging ethics are not new, but they have received increased attention since the 1970s. Major current issues in cataloging ethics include the creation of a code of ethics; ongoing debate on the appropriate role of neutrality in cataloging misleading materials and in subject heading lists and classification schemes; how and to what degree considerations of privacy and self-determination should shape authority work; and whether or not our current cataloging codes are sufficiently user-focused.

Open access institutional repository version of article: https://mdsoar.org/handle/11603/20612