Just a quick comment -- our program is a 2-year program. The problem is that almost no one comes in with an undergraduate degree in library science or information studies, so we are not building on previous knowledge, unlike most other graduate programs. We really need 3 years, in order to cover the basics, the advanced, and the specialization -- and that is not going to happen.
 
Suzanne M. Stauffer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Library and Information Science
Louisiana State University
275 Coates Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
(225)578-1461
Fax: (225)578-4581
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From: Discussion List for issues related to cataloging & metadata education & training on behalf of Richard Stewart
Sent: Sun 1/11/2009 2:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [eduCAT] incorporating RDA into a Cataloging and Classification class



Suzanne and Karen, good points about keeping the terminology clear. It's actually quite a challenge to clarify the distinctions among, and the history of, all the different standards and protocols that intersect in modern cataloging. It makes my head hurt if I start thinking it through before the second cup of coffee.

I have long thought that the cores of our curricula need to incorporate a longer and deeper look into the history, principles, and current practice of bibliographic control. A corollary is that to give a proper orientation to the real knowledge base of our profession as it is today, the master's degree should be a two-year program. Not that that will happen; the monetary return is so small that I think many prospective students look long and skeptically at the investment for even a one-year program.

Richard A. Stewart
Senior Cataloger
Indian Trails Public Library District
355 South Schoenbeck Road
Wheeling, Illinois 60090-4499
USA

Tel: 847-279-2214
Fax: 847-4760
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htpp://www.itpld.lib.il.us
>>> Karen Weaver <[log in to unmask]> 01/11/09 10:38 AM >>>
Suzanne and all:

ps  personally , I have never used the word "code" for cataloging-metadata
work .  I'll have students with a programming background or hobby who like
to compare it to other "coding" work and that is all fine if it works for
them.   Since library catalogs esp contain a large amount of what is now
called "legacy" data , I'm a strong supporter of historical understanding
and perspective--even of the catalog.  ;-)        more on what a challenge
for some today to understand the need for "structure" without seeming too
"legacy-like"   (?)   ...



On Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:20 AM, Suzanne Stauffer <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I think it is important to distinguish among "codes," "coding" and
> "standards." ...