Basic Cataloging Resources

The Basic Cataloging Resources page provides introductory references, tutorials, training opportunities, and cataloging tools for those who are new to cataloging or interested in learning more about the field. 

 Cataloging Training Sources (not specific to Alma)

ALA Core (formerly ALCTS) Online Learning

Fundamentals of Cataloging - Web course

Amigos Continuing Education

Cataloging and Classification Basics

Understanding and Using MFHDs Workshop 

OCLC Connexion Trainings provided by OCLC:

Connexion Client 

Connexion Browser

Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) trainings

Formats

marc

LC MARC Standards

OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards

Understanding MARC

Understanding MARC Bibliographic

Understanding MARC Authority Records

BIBFRAME

​Bibliographic Framework Initiative

Descriptions

RDA

RDA Toolkit (subscription)

RDA in Print

Technical Services Committee Best Practices for RDA in MARC21

Recommended RDA Resources

AACR2

Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Second Edition, 2002 Revision, 2005 Update​ 

(Online access via a RDA Toolkit or Cataloger's Desktop subscription.)

Classifications

Library of Congress Classification

Library of Congress Classification

LC Cutter Table - Yale University Library

Classification Web (subscription) Tutorial

Overview of Library of Congress Classification Call Numbers - Yale University Library

Fundamentals of Library of Congress Classification - LC workshop (course manual and slides)

Finding a Book on the Shelf -- Library of Congress Classification - Colorado State University Libraries

Dewey Decimal Classification

OCLC Dewey Resources and Training Courses

WebDewey Tutorial

How to read a call number: Dewey Decimal Classification - University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Superintendent of documents classification 

Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc) Classification Scheme

GPO Cataloging Guidelines

SuDocs Basics (shelf reading)

National Library of Medicine Classification

NLM Classification

National Library of Medicine Classification and Shelflisting 

Headings

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) 

Basic Subject Cataloging Using LCSH - LC workshop (course manual and slides)

LC Format and Genre Headings and What They Mean for I-Share Libraries (2011)

Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms for Library and Archival MaterialS (LCGFT)

FAQ about LCGFT

Library of Congress Medium of Performance Thesaurus for Music (LCMPT) 

About LCMPT

MLA's Best Practices for Using LCMPT (A Manual for Use with MARC Field 382) (2020 revision 1.41)

Medical Subject Headings (Mesh)

Using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) in Cataloging (online tutorial) 

Authorities

LC Authorities

Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO)

Subject Authority Cooperative Program (SACO)

Best Practices for Mediums

 Music Library Association (MLA) Best Practices

Online Audiovisual Catalogers (OLAC) Best Practices 

E-mail lists 

ALCTS-eforum (Association for Library Collections & Technical Services' moderated discussion forum. Rotating topics are discussed for a select period of time.)

AUTOCAT (High-volume listserv devoted to current cataloging and classification trends and issues)

CARLI Technical Services Interest Group (Low-volume CARLI listserv where you can ask questions of your CARLI colleagues, share information or strategies, and receive technical-services related announcements.)

​OCLC-CAT (OCLC's Cataloging listserv with a focus on questions relating to OCLC systems as well as general cataloging topics.) 

​OLAC-L (Online Audiovisual Catalogers's listserv for non-print catalogers.)

RDA-L (Discussion list focusing on RDA and related topics.)