[ARSCLIST] Cataloging: Libraries and private collectors

[Steven Smolian <smolians@xxxxxxxxx>]

Institutions and collectors require catalogs that differ somewhat; the fields used most intensively may well be at polar opposites.  A discussion of some may lead to a better understanding of what each group expects from its catalog and, perhaps, inaccurate assumptions, based on their own needs, about why the other group wants what it wants.

Most libraries and archives obtain most of their older recordings passively, through gifts and transfers.  This is particularly true of pre-CD formats.  Collectors actively seek to fill gaps in their collections.  

A library's record cataloging has to conform to the cataloging of the same selection as printed music, which in turn, has to integrate in one huge catalog with books, periodicals, maps, photos and everything else in the library.

A collector must be able to tell if he has a particular item and, if so, in what condition, if it is an original or a copy and, if the latter, who made the copy.  The information has to match that in dealer's catalogs and on-line listings (made by people who know what they are doing.)  

There is also the matter of entry simplification.  To meet its in-house needs, an institution has to follow the second version of the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (the third version is deep in draft.)  The private collector may be satisfied with a simpler form of listing, as used in the old Schwann and Gramophone catalogs.  

Collectors use their catalogs to assemble programs, to be played back or copied. This requires a much easier-to-eye scan list of composer, title and performer entries that those that library catalog "short lists" create.  

These are a couple of the underlying issues.  There are many more, of course.  Feel free to contribute here.

The Victor project is going forward, with funding.  I'm sure these questions have come up in their committee meetings.  How are they handling these issues?

Steve Smolian