Cataloguers in a global information network environment
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470810864082 |
| Published date | 11 April 2008 |
| Date | 11 April 2008 |
| Pages | 188-201 |
| Author | Charles O. Omekwu |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Cataloguers in a global
information network environment
Charles O. Omekwu
Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos Campus,
Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to explore the traditional and emerging roles of cataloguing professionals
in a global network information environment. That exploration becomes even more critical in view of
migration of information resources into digital, electronic and virtual domains.
Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory research design was adopted. The method was
to first examine current issues in library and information practice with specific focus on digital
technology, the electronic environment, automation, networking, the internet, cyberspace and virtual
libraries. The next approach was to examine the challenges of operating in a globalized information
environment.
Findings – Cataloguers have key roles in knowledge segmentation, identification, organization and
authentication. They are vital as content and system managers, software specialists and information
retrieval system designers. In all, more than 23 roles are articulated for forward-looking cataloguing
professionals.
Originality/value – The paper’s originality lies in its argument that roles are correlates of
competencies and that as the practice of knowledge organization migrates to a dominantly global
information network environment, cataloguers must upgrade their competencies in order to effectively
operate in the emerging environment.
Keywords Cataloguing,Globalization,Generationand disseminationof information, Managementroles,
Nigeria
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
“The challenge of information and communication technology (ICT) to cataloguing and
bibliographic services” was the theme of the 25th Annual Seminar/Workshop of the
Cataloguing Classification and IndexingSection of Nigerian Library Association. It was
auspiciousfor several reasons. First, it wasa clear recognition of the need forinformation
professionals to movewith the times. The information profession is critically situated in
an era of dramatic and dynamic change. And the engine that drives that change is ICT.
Second, it is a practice initiative. In an era of change, it is natural to sit on the fence of
observationor even to be reactive to changes that inevitablytouch the nervous system of
a professional group. Cataloguing and classification certainly constitute the central
nervous system of librarianship. And to organize a workshop that examines the
challenges of ICT to this core area of the profession was a worthy initiative. Third, it
examined challengesof ICT to the core area of cataloguing and classification on the one
hand and how that impacts on bibliographic services on the other. It was a clear
statement to the factthat cataloguing and classificationare not ends in themselves. They
are essentially the bedrock for providing information to the clientele system. Until all
aspects of the professional practice meet the diverse needs of different clientele groups,
the job cannot be said to have been done.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
EL
26,2
188
Received 16 March 2007
Revised 16 May 2007
Accepted 1 June 2007
The Electronic Library
Vol. 26 No. 2, 2008
pp. 188-201
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470810864082
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