Michael Mitchell wrote:

> A thousand plus boxes ought to really simplify things! I'm like Mac, I really
> like the numbers. I'm beginning to really like the silos too if the option is a
> total mashup of protocols and a loss of standards.

HA!  For sure, a single form containing all of the boxes at once would be quite overwhelming.  I was envisioning something a little more fitting in with current technology, like having multiple levels of input screens, context-sensitive prompts, etc.  The thing is, the labels for the boxes could be whatever one needs/desires.  Just think how much easier/faster cataloging could be if new and/or temporary personnel could get up to speed quickly because they're seeing the elements named in their own language/lingo.  Why should anybody doing cataloging have to learn the MARC format?  The way we have to input cataloging data passed the point of being ridiculous ages ago.

Kevin M. Randall
Principal Serials Cataloger
Northwestern University Library
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(847) 491-2939

Proudly wearing the sensible shoes since 1978!