Issues included pre-cataloging vs. post cataloging authority work, keeping up with reports, and developing procedures for handling loaded records. Recorders were Mary Monson and Sherry Wadham. Participants identified new tasks in technical services that weren t done five years ago. New assignments include more authority work, on-line claiming, interacting with public service people, work with metadata, and document delivery. New materials being processed include government documents, electronic resources including electronic dissertations, and mixed-media materials.
Integrated systems mandate more flexibility in individual duties of all library employees.
Responsibilities for non-librarians have increased, particularly as librarians have taken on other responsibilities. They also are cataloging more complex material such as nonbook formats and archival materials. In addition, serving on committees, attending conferences, and professional development continue to make the librarian s life busy. Some copy cataloging is now being done in acquisitions, particularly for approval books. This raised the issue reclassification and the problem of training when the supervisor is not a cataloger.