Book vs Non Book

Wow, in looking at my past three entries, things versus other things seem to be a developing trend. I promise I’ll end that tomorrow, with another library design post. However, this week in my Organization of Information (Introduction to classification and cataloging) we are talking about book and non-book record formats. The formats for these records (in MARC) vary widely, with some common elements, but also with some very different elements, like the mathematical codes in a cartographic object record. Here’s a snippet from the discussion I wrote, and thought you might enjoy:

1) What are the common aspects in describing non-book materials? A few of the common aspects in the description of both book and non-book materials are: main-entry, physical description, publisher information, subject headings.

2) How such common aspects differ from print materials and how do they affect the description? Thinking specifically about the differences in description between a book and a cartographic object, the physical description can vary widely. A book is a (somewhat) standard object, but cartographic materials can be flat or three dimensional, have differing scales and reliefs, as well as different elevation display methods. These are just some of the differences between book and cartographic items, dissimilarities shared among other items as well.

3) Is it necessary to describe so many details about non-book materials? If so or if not, why? Yes, as the items can vary much more widely than books. Different manifestations can be very different from one another, as well as even individual items. This array of possibilities calls for depth in description that satisfies the needs of the user.