Cataloger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cataloger
[หkรฆt.ษ.ษกษหr.ษr ]
Definition
library science
A cataloger is a professional responsible for creating and maintaining metadata for items in a library or archive. This includes describing the content, structure, and context of materials in a systematic way that facilitates retrieval and access. Catalogers follow specific standards and guidelines to ensure consistency and accuracy in the cataloging process. Their work is essential for organizing library collections and improving user experiences. In recent years, the role has evolved to include digital resources as libraries increasingly adopt technology.
Synonyms
indexer, librarian, metadata specialist.
Examples of usage
- The cataloger updated the system with new acquisitions.
- She works as a cataloger in a university library.
- The cataloger's attention to detail ensures accurate entries.
- A skilled cataloger can greatly improve search results.
- The cataloger trained staff on new cataloging software.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Library Science
- Catalogers play a crucial role in library science, allowing users to find and access information easily.
- They often use systems like the Dewey Decimal Classification to organize educational material across subjects.
- With the rise of digital libraries, catalogers now have to adapt to new technologies, including database management and metadata.
Professional Skills
- Attention to detail is vital for catalogers since they must ensure accurate descriptions and classifications of items.
- Cataloging requires strong organizational skills to create a logical system for users to find information quickly.
- Many catalogers also need knowledge of various subject areas or languages to assist in diverse collections.
Cultural Impact
- In an age of information overload, catalogers help society by making vast amounts of data accessible and easier to navigate.
- The profession supports cultural preservation, ensuring that historical documents and items are recorded and maintained for future generations.
- Unique catalogs, such as those for art collections or archives, influence how we understand and appreciate cultural heritage.
Technological Evolution
- The advent of computers revolutionized cataloging, leading to electronic databases that allow for rapid updates and searches.
- Catalogers now implement digital tools like cloud storage and online platforms to expand access to information globally.
- Artificial intelligence is starting to assist catalogers by automating parts of the process, but human oversight remains critical for accuracy.
Origin of 'cataloger'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cataloger' comes from 'catalog', which itself originates from the Greek 'katรกlogs', meaning 'a list or a register'.
- In English, the term began to appear in the late 19th century as libraries expanded and the need for organization grew.
- Historically, cataloging was essential for libraries to keep track of their books and resources, leading to the modern system we use today.
The word 'cataloger' is derived from the noun 'catalog,' which can be traced back to the Middle French word 'catalogue' (early 16th century), borrowed from the Latin 'catalogus,' and originally from the Greek 'katรกlogos', which means 'a list or register'. In the context of libraries, cataloging developed as an essential practice to organize materials efficiently, particularly as collections grew in number and complexity. The cataloger's role became increasingly important in the 19th and 20th centuries, coinciding with the professionalization of librarianship. The advent of technology in the late 20th century significantly changed the field, with digital cataloging becoming a crucial skill. Today, the cataloger's work involves both traditional cataloging and digital resource management, reflecting the changing landscape of information organization.