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OLAC 2024 Conference Program

Speakers and descriptions are provided below this brief listing. The schedule is available on the schedule page and via Sched.

PLEASE NOTE: The preconference, poster session, and reception are in-person only; there will be no virtual attendance. All workshops, sessions, keynote session, and closing session and other events on the schedule will be available virtually and in-person.

Preconference (jump to description):

• "Advocacy for Cataloging and Metadata" with Leonard Martin

Keynote (jump to description):

• "A Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Toolkit for Audiovisual Catalogers" with Treshani Perera

Workshops (jump to description):

• Critical Cataloging Set: Accessibility Metadata; Critical Cataloging & Solo Librarianship
  
• Electronic Resources Cataloging
• Graphic Novels Cataloging
• Map Cataloging (Parts 1 & 2)
  
• MarcEdit for AV Cataloging
  
• Media Device Cataloging
• Objects Cataloging
• Subject/Genre Analysis for AV Materials
• Video Games Cataloging
• Videorecordings (Basic and Advanced)
  

Presentation Sessions (jump to description):

• BIBFRAME 101
• Developing Resources for OLAC Unified Best Practices using the Official RDA Toolkit
• The Magic School Bus explores a streaming video cataloging policy
• Mentorship program for OLAC members
• Putting the pieces together : evaluating the impact of descriptive cataloging for puzzles, games, and realia
• Standards and Best Practices for Assigning Subject Headings to Moving Images
• Weirdness Will Save Us

Lightning Talks (jump to description):

• The Object is YOU! Demonstrating the Power of Cataloging
• Retro Revival: Cataloguing Obsolete Media Formats as a New Cataloguer
• Contextualizing Harmful or Offensive Materials in Your Collection
• Establishing a Graphic Novel and Comics Collection in an Academic Library
• Media LibGuides: Creation and Workflows

Poster Presentations - CANCELLED (jump to description):

• No posters this time
  

Preconference: "Advocacy for Cataloging and Metadata" with Leonard Martin

This in-person, day-long workshop (Monday, 7 October 2024, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) will principally focus on developing communication strategies for technical services workers to engage with organizational leaders, donors, and users. Communication strategies will include drafting an “elevator pitch,” developing prompts for engaging with leaders and donors, and exploring how to make advocacy for professional descriptive work actionable and effective. Participants will also collaborate on a poster presentation on the aforementioned topics for the OLAC 2024 poster session.

Learning objects for participants will include:

• Developing communication strategies for demonstrating how descriptive work supports organizational success.
• Defining what descriptive work is at your organization and the need for professionals to complete that work.
• Advocating for new positions and filling vacant positions related to descriptive work in your organization.
• Recruitment strategies for hiring recent graduates and professionals from outside of the galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAMS) world.
• Retention strategies for emerging professionals and uplifting paraprofessional staff in your organization.

Preconference registration is $70 and is limited to 30 attendees (in-person only).

About the Speaker

Leonard (Leo) Martin is the Interim Head of Resource Management and Metadata at the University of Houston Libraries. He holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of North Texas. Leo is an active member of the Music Librarian Association (MLA), Music OCLC Users Group (MOUG), and the Association of Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC) and is the SACO Music Funnel Coordinator (2022-2027).

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Keynote: A Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Toolkit for Audiovisual Catalogers

with Treshani Perera, Community Coordinator for Library Initiatives with the Big Ten Academic Alliance

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) continue to be a priority in libraries. Topics on DEIA continue to appear in professional discourse in technical services areas. This keynote addresses the crucial role that DEIA plays in knowledge organization systems used in libraries. Through a comprehensive exploration of current challenges and opportunities, the keynote will delve into strategies for integrating DEIA principles and cultural concepts into cataloging practices. By fostering dialogue and action, this keynote aims to empower audiovisual catalogers to advance DEIA initiatives, ensuring that cataloging and technical services truly reflect and serve diverse communities in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Workshops

Critical Cataloging Set:

• Accessibility metadata with Teressa Keenan
• Critical Cataloging & Solo Librarianship with Katie Yeo

Accessibility Metadata

with Teressa M. Keenan, Head Collections & Metadata Services, University of Montana, Mansfield Library

Our libraries provide access to resources that are usable and accessible for all users. But can our users find those resources? And can they do it independently? Accessibility of library catalogs goes beyond software and its compliance with WCAG checklists. Do our catalogs accurately describe resources that have accessibility features and hazards? If so, are these features highlighted with well-labelled displays and filters? Unfortunately answers to these questions are often no. This session will share a few of the exciting things currently happening with accessibility metadata, some of the challenges being faced from a cataloger’s perspective and what you and your library can do with accessibility metadata to make your catalog more accessible.

Critical Cataloging & Solo Librarianship

with Katie Yeo, Catalog Librarian at the Brigham Young University Library

Many solo librarians want to engage in critical cataloging projects to make collection materials more inclusive and accessible for patrons. However, due to time and manpower constraints, undertaking large-scale cataloging projects is often unsustainable in the long term. Instead, solo librarians can learn to incorporate a few simple steps into their daily workflows to more seamlessly integrate catalog revision into existing library processes, to eventually facilitate instinctual and effortless catalog enhancement over time. Solo librarians struggling with small budgets and a heap of other responsibilities can still benefit from reparative cataloging, as even small efforts to make collections more inclusive also ultimately make them more usable.

Electronic Resources Cataloging

with Bobby Bothmann, Catalog & Metadata Librarian, Minnesota State University, Mankato

This session will cover the Original RDA core elements of description related to electronic resources including instructions specific to content, carrier, and media vocabulary, digital file characteristics, and equipment and system requirements. It will address single unit and integrating resource manifestations with highlights on electronic resources that are freely available, including open educational resources (OER), and stand-alone e-books (that is, not part of a publisher package).

Graphic Novels Cataloging

with Stefanie Dennis Hunker, Browne Popular Culture Library, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio

Cataloging graphic novels can be fun, but it can also be challenging.  This workshop will discuss various kinds of graphic novels and things to consider before cataloging, such as: national cataloging standards, who are your users, what kind of library are these a part of, etc.  Bring along an example (or just keep one in mind) and we can discuss some issues together as we go along

Map Cataloging Basics for the Beginner or Occasional Map Cataloger (Parts 1 & 2)

with Paige Andrew, Cartographic Resources Cataloging Librarian and Emeritus Distinguished Librarian (retired), Pennsylvania State University Libraries

NOTE: This four-hour workshop will be given over two sessions of two hours each.

The primary objective of this workshop is to give the participant a basic knowledge level, and needed skills to create accurate, high-quality bibliographic records for sheet maps or be able to work successfully with bibliographic record copy. We will start with an overview of the map as a unique information format and learn several principles related to describing a map or other related cartographic resource.

Basic skills that will be taught include: how to decide which title to choose when more than one appears on a map and providing access to other forms of a single title; recording scale information correctly when provided or determining a scale when it is not, and the proper techniques for measuring a map(s) and how to record that, and other, physical description information. Hands-on activities as part of the workshop will include how to use the Natural Scale Indicator to determine an approximate scale when it is not formally presented on the map and using a tape measure to determine dimensions for one or more main maps. It is assumed that the participant is already conversant in using the MARC21, AACR2 and OCLC; it would be helpful if they have used the RDA Toolkit, but it is not necessary.

MarcEdit for A/V Cataloging

with Stacie Traill, Discovery and Metadata Systems Lead at the University of Minnesota Libraries
Tina Gross, Metadata Analyst at the University of Minnesota Libraries
Elissah Becknell, Cataloging & Metadata Education Librarian at Minitex

This hands-on workshop introduces MarcEdit, a software that can create, manipulate, and transform library metadata in a variety of MARC formats and standards. This workshop will be delivered in a hybrid format, but is not a passive experience. Participants will be using MarcEdit and learning how to work with data with an instructor.

We will start with the layout, display, and features of MarcEdit. Then we will proceed to working with different MARC file types, MARC encoding, and character encoding in MarcEdit. We’ll learn how to profile our data, creating various reports to get an overview of a MARC file. We’ll locate simple errors and use shortcuts to fix them. Then, we’ll progress to more advanced techniques for manipulating fixed and variable fields within MARC records. Participants can expect to learn the basic functionality and use of MarcEdit. Exercises will be focused on A/V cataloging problems and needs.

This workshop is based on the Library Carpentry MarcEdit curriculum. It has been adapted to the needs of A/V catalogers and the schedule of the OLAC conference. There are no prerequisites to join this workshop. A basic knowledge of MARC records and interest in learning how to do more with data is all that you need.

Media Devices:  Introduction to the Media Devices RDA Best Practices

with Bruce J. Evans, Director of Cataloging and Metadata Services, Baylor University
and Kristi Bergland, Music Metadata Librarian, University of Minnesota

This workshop will cover the cataloging of formats collectively known as Media Devices, covered in the newly-released Best Practices for Cataloging Digital Media Storage Devices Using RDA and MARC21. Media Devices formats comprise the following two broad categories:

1. Digital Media Storage: These formats require additional equipment to access their content. Their content is generally not rewritable. Examples include Storage cards (MicroSD, SlotMusic, Yoto, Toniebox); Computer discs (Optical) (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM); Computer chip cartridge (USB, e-Go!, Saregama Music Cards); and other similar formats.
2. Portable Media Devices: These formats have preloaded content, and do not require additional equipment to access their content. Content and carrier are one and the same. Examples include Audio-enabled books (Wonderbook, VoxBook), Audio media players (Playaway Audio, Go Reader, Me Reader); and other similar devices.

These best practices were created by the joint MLA/OLAC Media Devices Best Practices Task Force: Kristi Bergland (University of Minnesota), Bruce J. Evans (Baylor University), Mary Huismann (St. Olaf College), Barbara Tysinger (University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill).

(Objects) Cataloging Objects for Circulation

with Andrew Le, Information Services & Cataloging Librarian, Jefferson County Library District (Washington)
Julie Moore, Special Collections Catalog Librarian, California State University, Fresno

Three-dimensional objects force catalogers to think outside the box, especially in circulation environments with many moving pieces and little storage space. As OLAC’s 2020 manual Best Practices for Cataloging Objects urges, “Do not agonize!” This workshop discusses practical approaches for cataloging toys, games, and other circulating objects.

(Subject/Genre Analysis) Navigating the Genre Jungle and the Subject Swamp: Subjects, Genres and Forms for Audiovisual Materials 

with Kelley McGrath, Metadata Management Librarian, University of Oregon

This session will cover the basics of assigning subjects, genres and forms to describe all types of audiovisual materials, including moving images, audio, objects, images and electronic resources. Historical context about the use of subject, genre and form terms for audiovisual materials will be provided. Topics will include distinguishing subject from genre and form, best practices for assigning subject and genre-form terms and where to find relevant documentation. The focus will be on LCSH and LCGFT, with brief overviews of some other vocabularies.

Video Games Cataloging

with Junghae Lee, E-Resources Metadata Librarian, University of Washington Libraries

This session will introduce video game cataloging using Original RDA, based on the OLAC Unified Best Practices Guide. It will address both tangible and online formats, covering features and issues specific to video games.

Videorecordings (Basic)

with Jeannette Ho, Cataloging/Metadata Librarian, Texas A&M University Libraries

This workshop will provide an introduction to some of the rules and OLAC best practices for cataloging video recordings, with an emphasis on DVDs and Blu-rays. It will begin with brief histories of the development of DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming technologies. It will then cover fixed field and 007 coding, sources of information, field 264 (Publication, etc. information), fields 33x (Content/Media/Carrier Types), field 300 (Extent, Duration, Sound and Colour Content, Dimensions), and treatment of accompanying materials. It will also cover the recording of technical details relating to Sound, Video, and Digital File characteristics (34x), Equipment and System Requirement (538) and Aspect Ratio/Aspect Ratio Designation (345 and 500), and other topics.

Videorecordings (Advanced)

with Jeannette Ho, Cataloging/Metadata Librarian, Texas A&M University Libraries

This workshop will continue where the Basic workshop left off for DVDs and Blu-rays, and also introduce cataloging rules and OLAC best practices relating to streaming video. It will begin with an introduction to cataloging streaming videos including the PCC Provider-Neutral guidelines, and how practices differ from Blu-rays and DVDs regarding fixed field/007/006 coding, sources of information, 264 (Publication, etc. information), fields 33x (Content/Media/Carrier Types), field 300 (Extent, Duration, Sound and Colour Content), and technical details (34x). Other topics covered will include recording of the 245 field (Title and Statement of Responsibility) for both tangible and online videos that are single and multi-part, fixed field/041/546 (Language of Content), and 041/341/532 (Accessibility Content). Finally, it will cover authorized access points for works, expressions, and related agents/works, and identifiers.

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Presentation Sessions

BIBFRAME 101

• Autumn Faulkner, Interim Head of Cataloging & Metadata Services, Michigan State University Libraries

Keywords: BIBFRAME; cataloging; linked data

This session will be a basic overview of BIBFRAME, including its place among current cataloging standards, a detailed look at its structure and vocabulary, and relevant Library of Congress and library vendor developments. The session will also provide hands-on BIBFRAME cataloging exercises using both the Sinopia and Marva BIBFRAME editors. Given time limitations, there will be no opportunity to address specific media cataloging practices in BIBFRAME; however, at least one of the session exercises will be an AV resource, and session packets will include plenty of additional resources for further learning. Attendees can expect to come away with a solid grasp of what day-to-day BIBFRAME cataloging could involve; namely, the practical differences between BIBFRAME cataloging and MARC cataloging, and the growing number of systems and tools available to potential BIBFRAME adopters. For the best possible learning experience, attendees should have some familiarity with conventional MARC cataloging, RDA (original or new versions), and FRBR/LRM.

Developing Resources for OLAC Unified Best Practices using the Official RDA Toolkit

• Junghae Lee, E-Resources Metadata Librarian, University of Washington Libraries
• Robert Freeborn, Music/AV Cataloging Librarian, Penn State University Libraries
• Sarah Hovde, Monographs & Media Cataloging Librarian, University of Maryland Libraries 

Keywords: OLAC Unified Best Practices, Official RDA Toolkit

The Task Force on Unified Best Practices using Official RDA Toolkit launched in October 2022 and has investigated the processes for creating application profiles, policy statements, and metadata guidance documents in the Official RDA Toolkit using OLAC Unified Best Practices (UBP) document. In this presentation, we will introduce UBP mapping guidance, which will be available through the Toolkit, as well as cataloging workflows by formats. The UBP mapping guidance will also be available outside of the Toolkit for those who do not have access to it.

The Magic School Bus explores a streaming video cataloging policy

• Katie Peterson, Metadata Librarian and Electronic Resources Cataloger, University of Iowa Libraries

Keywords: Streaming video; Provider neutral cataloging; Accessibility

Streaming video is one of the newest additions to library collections. They provide more accessible viewing options for patrons and incorporate additional learning tools. To maximize access and provide reliable usage states, quality streaming video records are essential. However, because streaming video resources are newer and more complex than other library resources, there is less standardization in cataloging procedures. Records found in shared repositories may not include accessibility information to best serve users or they may not be provider neutral to best serve catalogers. To address these challenges, Peterson created a policy on cataloging streaming video at the University of Iowa. In this presentation, she will share the highlights of this policy and discuss implementation. Audience members can expect to gain ideas that improve the cataloging of streaming materials in their library.

Mentorship program for OLAC members

• Beth Fogler, Cataloging/Acquisitions Librarian, Asbury Theological Seminary
• Kyla Jemison, Cataloging Librarian, Univ. of Toronto
• Ann Kardos, Metadata Librarian, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Keywords: Mentorship, mentoring, mentor

Ann Kardos organized the OLAC mentorship program beginning in 2022. For the current round of mentorship, there were very few applicants and Kyla Jemison and Beth Fogler agreed to be partnered together. In this mini-panel, we will talk about the program and our experience thus far as a way of encouraging other members to participate. Ann will talk about the program in general and Beth and Kyla will talk about their experience as a mentorship pair, discussing career growth, management, and opportunities to help grow cataloging and management skills on a budget.

Putting the pieces together : evaluating the impact of descriptive cataloging for puzzles, games, and realia

• Andrew Le, Information Services & Cataloging Librarian, Jefferson County Library District (Washington)
  

Keywords: realia, access, surveys

Jefferson County Library District maintains a collection of weird, odd, and wonderful (WOW) realia. Puzzles, American Girl dolls, soldering irons, and more are checked out and requested from the WOW collection in high volumes. Each WOW item or kit is cataloged to the same standard as circulating monographs. But what is the impact of this cataloging? To understand this, JCLD initiated a 6-month user survey tailored to identify user behavior and search strategies with the goal of improving discoverability. Although respondents generally favored non-catalog approaches to searching, catalog searches utilized keyword searching over specific fields. Respondents also submitted suggested terms and phrases for future cataloging practices.

Standards and Best Practices for Assigning Subject Headings to Moving Images

• Scott M. Dutkiewicz, Cataloger, Clemson University Libraries 
• Tomeka L. Jackson, Library Resident, Clemson University Libraries 
• Jen M. Jones, Metadata Specialist, Clemson University Libraries 

Keywords: Subject analysis; LCSH; Moving images

This presentation will discuss principles for assigning subject headings to moving images using case studies. The presenters provide a digital metadata-inspired approach to subject heading assignment guided by a graphic organizer. With systematic consideration of personal, class of persons, topical, geographical, chronological, and form/genre facets, catalogers may improve subject access to moving image materials. Drawing upon actual examples, presenters will deal with topics such as specific versus broader headings, pre-coordinated and post-coordinated approaches, commonly omitted facets, and misinterpretations of subject and subdivision usage. The focus will be on Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) following the Subject Headings Manual and instructions found in LCSH authority records. Library of Congress genre-form terms (LCGFT) will be discussed to the extent that they relate to assigned LCSH. Best practices may also be applied to subject analysis using other subject thesauri.

Weirdness Will Save Us

• Brian Falato, Senior Cataloger, University of South Florida

Keywords: Cataloging, artificial intelligence

Attempts so far in using artificial intelligence for cataloging have been greeted with amusement if not downright hostility. But will AI get to the point in the future where it will be acceptable for cataloging?

If that day comes, I maintain that all is not lost for catalogers, especially those working with audiovisual materials. AI may be able to produce good enough records for basic monographic materials, but how would it handle cataloging the three-dimensional objects (realia) that OLAC members deal with?

It's these kinds of "weird" materials that can guarantee future employment for catalogers. I will show this with examples taken from the University of South Florida Special Collections, showing how a human would deal with the materials versus the AI approach.

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Lightning Talks

The Object is YOU! Demonstrating the Power of Cataloging

by Mary S. Konkel, Head of Technical Services, College of DuPage Library (Illinois)

Keywords: cataloging, advocacy, communication

Abstract: Have you ever had difficulty explaining what you do as a library cataloger to your administrators, colleagues, friends, or family? Are you able to “elevator pitch” the importance of cataloging for identification, discovery, and accessibility?  Just tell them that you can catalog anything and then prove it!  In this quickie demonstration, you will learn how to catalog a very important object—YOU! We’ll go through the various steps and suggested MARC tags to create an actual bibliographic record describing the wonderful realia that YOU are. WARNING: Suitable for framing but not for actual entry into OCLC or your library management system.

Retro Revival: Cataloguing Obsolete Media Formats as a New Cataloguer

by Ellen Wright, Media Cataloguing Librarian, Concordia University (Montréal)

Keywords: Obsolete Media, Best Practices

Abstract: As the next generation enters the cataloguing workforce, valuable knowledge of obsolete media formats like U-Matic, LPs, and more is at risk of being lost. Join me as we explore the challenges of cataloguing these formats from the perspective of a new cataloguer. In this lightning talk, I will share my experience with a retrospective cataloguing project, focusing on the complexities encountered while cataloguing Laserdiscs and Beta formats. We'll examine the absence of current best practices for cataloguing obsolete media, navigating brief AACR2 records, and overcoming challenges in the Discovery layer. I’ll discuss how I applied OLAC Best Practices for DVDs and Blu-rays to establish local constant data using RDA and local bibliographic data, enhancing discoverability for these specific formats. While newer cataloguers may not commonly encounter these formats, centralized documentation and examples of well-crafted records for obsolete media would greatly improve record quality and workflow efficiency.

Contextualizing Harmful or Offensive Materials in Your Collection

by Elizabeth Burton, Cataloging & Metadata Librarian, Centre College (Kentucky)

Keywords: Critical cataloging, diversity, censorship

Abstract: As an academic library, we collect materials from a wide variety of disciplines, subjects, and perspectives. While our collection strives to be respectful and equitable, we are also aware of the potential research value that harmful or offensive items may have for students and faculty interested in rhetoric and historical treatments of marginalized groups. Because of this, rather than removing all offensive items from our collection, we have chosen to retain them and create a LibGuide with contextualizing information, as well as providing background information on critical cataloging. This talk will showcase the LibGuide we have created and provide best practices for other academic libraries interested in maintaining access to materials that may make us personally uncomfortable in the pursuit of a well-rounded collection.Establishing a Graphic Novel and Comics Collection in an Academic Library

by Gary Moore, Lead Cataloging Librarian, University of North Carolina Wilmington
and Rachel Fiery, Cataloging Specialist, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Keywords: Graphic Novels, Comics, Classification

Abstract: Student and faculty requests for graphic novels and comic series have continued to increase at the University of North Carolina Wilmington library. As the library acquired more graphic materials, it became a priority for us to make these more discoverable and accessible to library users. Using a one-time source of funds, the library undertook a project to purchase a large batch of graphic materials to build on its existing graphic materials, and to physically collocate all of its graphic materials together with a new classification schema to make them easier to find and browse. This project also presented an opportunity to enhance and improve the cataloging records with name, series, and genre fields.

Media LibGuides: Creation and Workflows

by Kathaleen McCormick, Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, Duquesne University

Keywords: LibGuides, Metadata

Abstract: Gumberg Library at Duquesne University, like many universities, has a plethora of LibGuides. For media collections in particular, we have two separate LibGuides that are maintained by the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian. One is for our feature films on DVD (which still have significant circulation). The other is our LibGuide for the Library of Things collection.

Although a LibGuide for DVD collections is not especially innovative, OLAC peers may appreciate our particular guide for feature films on DVD which is easy to use and has crisp graphic visuals. The LibGuide is maintained by the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian so that as DVDs are added or withdrawn from the collection, the LibGuide can be updated at the same time.

Our LibGuide for the Library of Things collection also has some features that may be of use. Instead of linking to the catalog records, this LibGuide links the user to a reservation system where they can choose the best time to check out an item. Both the Library of Things and the DVD LibGuide make use of the Subjects and Custom Metadata to make the Guides more visible in the library's discovery layer and on the internet.

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Poster Presentations - CANCELLED

No posters this time.

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