Die relevansie van katalogiseerreëls soos die AACR2 vir rekenaarmatige katalogisering

Abstract

Cataloguing rules are at present within a period of change and development as far as the retrieval of bibliographical information is concerned. Though cataloguing is a library activity which has shown little change through the years, the corning of the computer and recently also the development of OP AC's, have brought to mind the question whether cataloguing rules such as the AACR2 are still useful and relevant. In this study, the development and standardization of cataloguing rules are examined to identify principles that are still applicable to the online catalogue. The role of the AACR2 in the cataloguing process is analysed to determine which rules are specifically relevant to computer cataloguing and which should be altered or changed. Furthermore, new possibilities that are opened up by OP AC's as far as the retrieval of information is concerned, are looked into to determine the influence thereof on existing cataloguing rules. Access points is an issue that, in so far as it concerns computerised cataloguing, evokes a great deal of criticism. Computerised cataloguing offers new possibilities which lacked with tradisional hand-catalogues. It is especially concerning these possibilities that cataloguing rules should be altered or changed. Seen in the light of the new possibilities and demands of OP AC's, it is necessary that cataloguing rules should be revised. Through this study, it becomes evident that effective retrieval of information is still dependent on the complete and accurate bibliographical description of the documents in the library collection. Therefore the rules of descriptive cataloguing will still stay applicable - being supplemented with rules that make provision for the enrichment of the bibliographical record. Rules for the main entry should change. Standardization stays a fundamental point, as the bibliographical function of the catalogue still remains a cardinal factor.