Re: [ARSCLIST] Cataloging sound recordings

[Susan Stinson <Ststinso@xxxxxxx>]

Susan T Stinson, Curator
Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive
Syracuse University Library
222 Waverly Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
315-443-3477 / fax 443-4866


>>> stevenc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 5/4/2005 9:52:41 PM >>>
>Cataloguing databases refer to actual, physical entities...these
being
the phonorecords that are held by a particular individual or
institution.
As such, they include fields only applicable to these specific
phonorecords:
items like Condition, Damage, Price Paid, Acquisition Date and similar,
as
well as information on where they specific item is stored. From a
strictly
technical standpoint, these databases do not need to include detailed
discographic information; presumably, the catalog user can obtain that
data
from the phonorecord itself, after establishing the collection
includes
a copy and accessing it.

The problem with not including some pertinent information here is
particularly with institutional archival collections that are
non-circulating - the stacks are closed.   This means that in order to
verify whether a recording in the catalog is the one being sought, staff
[me, in our case!] has to go to the shelves, locate the disc(s) and then
reply to the inquirer.  This is not efficient for me, nor helpful to
researchers.  Some versions, especially but not limited to the early
years, have different performers or conductors - but the label name and
issue numbers are the same.  Matrix numbers, take indicators, etc. are
all significant in identifying recordings.  I wish I had a dollar for
every time I have said that records aren't books and shouldn't be
treated as such: I could take a nice vacation.

Sue