Week 5: Cataloging Systems

This week we learned all about the cataloging systems in school library media centers. This was very interesting because the cataloging system is one of the most important parts of the library. It allows the patrons to find the materials they are looking for.. so essential it is the center of the library. If no cataloging system was in place, patrons would become so frustrated for not being able to find their materials that they would leave. A SLMS should keep a up to date and very informative record for their cataloging system. One important piece of information that I learned through the observation was to go above and beyond for elementary aged students. Try to go through the book and think of every specific subject instead of just a broad range. Be specific about the animal(s) in the book instead of just having "animals" for the subject search. Elementary age students may not think to search for "animals" but instead the want a book with "dogs" in it. Try to think as they would in preparing your cataloging system, this way everyone can easily use the system and locate their materials.