84037 - Cataloguing and Bibliographic Classification

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will know the theroretical principles of descriptive and sematic cataloguing, and is able to use and apply Italian cataloguing rules, the main standards of bibliographic description and the structure of the main subject indexing and classification systems.

Course contents

The course provides the theoretical knowledge and methodological tools needed to understand, apply and critically evaluate the principles and practices of bibliographic cataloguing and knowledge organisation. The course is structured in three stages: a historical and theoretical overview of cataloguing; an examination of descriptive standards, with practical exercises; and a study of semantic indexing and knowledge organisation systems.

By the end of the course, students will have gained an understanding of the historical development of the catalogue and bibliographic cataloguing, as well as the fundamental principles governing bibliographic organisation and access to information. They will also have gained an understanding of the main conceptual models developed by IFLA, such as FRBR, FRAD, FRSAD and IFLA LRM, and will be familiar with national and international descriptive standards, with particular reference to ISBD and REICAT. They will have an understanding of the theoretical foundations of semantic indexing and classification systems.

From a practical perspective, students will be able to apply the ISBD and REICAT standards to the description of various types of bibliographic resources and to carry out a critical analysis of bibliographic records and authority files.

The course also aims to develop independent judgement, enabling students to critically evaluate the various standards, models and tools used in bibliographic organisation and information management.

Readings/Bibliography

In addition to the materials that will be made available on Virtual, the examination includes the study of the following texts:

Mauro Guerrini, Dalla catalogazione alla metadatazione. Tracce di un percorso. Roma: Associazione Italiana Biblioteche, 2020

Carlo Bianchini, Teoria e tecniche della catalogazione e delle classificazioni. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2018.

 

Non-attendees will add to the above bibliography:

Mauro Guerrini, Lucia Sardo, IFLA library reference model. Un modello concettuale per le biblioteche del XXI secolo. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2018

Lucia Sardo, La catalogazione. Storia, tendenze, problemi aperti. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2017

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching methods

Lectures with explanatory power points and cataloguing exercises. During the course, exercises will be carried out in order to promote learning of what the lecturer has presented. The cataloguing standards and regulations discussed in class will be made available on Virtual. In-depth materials and summaries of the topics discussed in the lecture will be provided, also on Virtuale.

Assessment methods

Oral exam, beginning with a subject choosen by the student.

It will be evaluated very positive the student's ability to demonstrate the acquired knowledge in a personal and critical way, using an appropriate language.

The final assessment will be based on the following indications:

• Inadequate: gaps in knowledge, inability to link topics, imprecise language

• Satisfactory (18–21): basic knowledge present, presentation largely correct but not independent

• Good (22–26): solid knowledge, correct and reasonably independent presentation

• Distinguished (27–29): well-structured knowledge, independent presentation with good critical thinking skills

• Excellent (30–30L): high level of mastery, ability to synthesise and exercise critical judgement, appropriate and precise language

With regard to examination, limited, declared and non-substantial use of AI is permitted for support activities (summarising, rephrasing). Substantial use of AI to complete parts of the examination is not permitted.

This course (6 CFU) is a component of the integrated course 'Information Theory and Cataloguing'. The final exam grade will therefore be determined by the average of the results obtained in each of the two parts. It is advisable (but not compulsory) to take the Information Theory and Documentation examination first.

Teaching tools

Illustrative and in-depth Power Point presentations.

The materials used during the lectures and further study materials will be available on Virtuale

Office hours

See the website of Lucia Sardo