2018 ISKO UK Student Research Grant

The opportunity:

Are you a student?
Would you like a grant of up to £500 for your research project?

If you are in the planning or initial stages of your dissertation and need funding to help you with your research, ISKO UK has a fund of up to £500 for research related to Knowledge Organization.  This could include (but is not limited to) research on:

•       Cataloguing
•       Classification
•       Authority files
•       Thesauri
•       Metadata
•       Linked open data
•       Ontologies
•       Taxonomies,
•       Information architecture

For further details please visit:

http://www.iskouk.org/content/isko-uk-grants-students

Do apply as soon as possible. A decision on the applications is expected to be made by the end of July 2018. Best of luck to all of those who decide to apply.

International Society for Knowledge Organization (ISKO)

The International Society for Knowledge Organization (ISKO) is a membership organization that advances the theory and practice of knowledge organization (KO). As the UK chapter of ISKO, we run regular conferences, meetings and seminars, many of which are free to students.

You can find more information about ISKO and about ISKO UK, including past and future events, at www.isko.org and www.iskouk.org respectively.

 

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Catalogue & Index: Call for papers (Issue 191) – Ethics for cataloguers

Ethics, values and trust are important topics in library and information work in 2018, and the position of ethics within our professions is a hotly discussed issue.

• What does “ethics” mean for cataloguing, classification and indexing?
• What is your ethical stance as a cataloguer, and do you have ideas about what you would like to see as the ethical position(s) of cataloguing?
• Do people trust the library catalogue or the classification/indexing of library resources, and more to the point, should they?
• Have you encountered a particularly problematic area of a classification scheme or cataloguing issue which you consider to be ethically problematic?
• What do you think we could do about it? How do you deal with ethical cataloguing/indexing/classification issues in your own library or information setting?
• Who do you think are the custodians of cataloguing ethics?
• Do you think our ethical practices and policies need to change as we move from older library cataloguers to a potential linked data future?

We are seeking articles on these or any other topics broadly related to ethics, value and trust within metadata, cataloguing, classification, and indexing.

If you would like to write a paper for this issue we will send you more information. Please contact the editors:

• Karen Pierce: PierceKF@Cardiff.ac.uk
• Deborah Lee: Deborah.Lee@courtauld.ac.uk

Please also contact the editors if you have any queries or if you want to offer a paper that does not fit into any of the themes mentioned. We are always happy to consider papers on topics unrelated to an issue’s theme, especially if it is the result of some research you have conducted or a project you have been involved in.

Papers can be up to 2,000 words, and we are happy to include a selection of images. Please check our guidance for contributors: https://archive.cilip.org.uk/cataloguing-indexing-group/catalogue-index/guidance-contributors.”

Library Juice Academy classification course: a report by Anna Hughes

I recently received a bursary from CILIP’s Cataloguing & Indexing Group to complete a four week Dewey decimal classification course run by Library Juice. I saw this opportunity advertised on the CIG blog (via Twitter).  As well as being used at most academic libraries in the United Kingdom, the Dewey decimal classification system is common in public libraries too. While my cataloguing role at The University of Manchester Library (UML) involves copy cataloguing shelf-ready items to DD23, I am not involved with the classification of the new material passing through the department. The online course aimed not only to expose novices to the steps necessary to assign classification and build Dewey numbers using Web Dewey, but to give them a solid foundation in the creation and interpretation of Dewey decimal classification numbers as well. For those (like me) who are more used to copy cataloguing Dewey numbers, this was an opportunity to understand the methods used to build the classification numbers from scratch.

This course consisted of lessons and practical exercises to give participants experience with classifying various types of resources. There were also group discussions which were extremely useful when you had a classification quandary, which given the subjective nature of classification, was pretty regularly! Each week’s content was posted on a Sunday night with a week to read through the subject matter and complete the assignments and exercises. Deadlines were not strict though which meant that the course could work around my job which was perfect.

So what have I gained from taking this course? I hadn’t realised how complicated the Dewey decimal classification system is! Although I already had a basic familiarity with the system thanks to my PG.Dip in Library & Information Management, and from copy cataloguing in my day to day role, elements of classification such as using the Dewey decimal classification tables to add depth to classification numbers took me way out of my comfort zone. However, this course gave me an understanding of how and why material is classified where it is and enabled me to develop in-depth classification numbers using building blocks. Although classification at UML is made more complicated by the fact that we classify material to a range of Dewey decimal, dependant on the subject matter, thanks to CILIP and CIG, hopefully, I’ll be able to put what I’ve learned into action soon.

 

 

Catalogue & Index: Call for papers (Issue 190)

March 2018, Issue 190: Contemplating cataloguing, classification and indexing research

 

This issue will focus on the process of doing research in the cataloguing, classification and metadata fields. Sample topics might include, the process of submitting conference proposals, getting your work published, methodologies used for doing cataloguing-related research, useful journals for cataloguing indexing, experiences of doing research projects. So, do you have any thoughts, experiences, or advice to share?

• Could you write about giving your first-ever conference paper or writing your first article?
• How do you prepare your conference papers, and do you have any tips for the cataloguing community?
• What are your go-to-journal in this area and why?
• Which books do you find useful?
• How did you write that all-important cataloguing survey (or, do you have experience writing good surveys and want to share this with the cataloguing community)?
• What do you think about practitioners doing research and/or how did you persuade your manager it was a good thing to do?
• Have you done a cataloguing or classification related LIS dissertation recently and want to share how you went about doing your research?
• What do you think are the important research questions in cataloguing and classification right now (i.e. what would it be useful for us to know as a profession?).
• What are the ethical considerations of doing cataloguing-related research?

 

Please contact the editors (Karen Pierce: PierceKF@Cardiff.ac.uk and Deborah Lee: Deborah.Lee@courtauld.ac.uk if you would like to write a paper for this issue, and we will send you more information. Please also contact the editors if you have any queries or if you want to offer a paper that does not fit into the theme mentioned. We are always happy to consider papers on topics unrelated to an issue’s theme, especially if it is the result of some research you have conducted, or a project you have been involved in. Papers can be up to 2,000 words, and we are happy to include a selection of images. Please check our guidance for contributors: https://archive.cilip.org.uk/cataloguing-indexing-group/catalogue-index/guidance-contributors. Papers will be due on 28th February.

 

 

Training Bursary – Dewey Decimal Classification

Training Bursary – Library Juice Online Course – Dewey Decimal Classification

 

Already thinking about CPD for 2018? Would you like to enhance your Dewey classification skills?

CIG is offering 1 free registration on the Dewey Decimal Classification course which runs between February 5th – March 2nd 2018.

You will learn how to:

•  Analyse the subject matter of resources in order to assign Dewey numbers.
• Use Web Dewey (trial access is included for the duration of the course) to find, select and build Dewey numbers.
• Use Dewey tables to add depth to classification numbers.
• Make confident decisions when classifying resources that straddle subject areas.
• Critically analyse Dewey numbers in copy cataloguing records.

The course is taught asynchronously so that you can fit your study around your work/life commitments. Tuition is via readings, assignments and an online discussion forum.

You will also receive a certificate on successful completion of the course.

How to apply:

To apply for the free registration you must be a CIG member (although CILIP membership is not required.) The application (approx. 200 words) should demonstrate why you would like to enrol; how you would use this training opportunity to highlight or promote CIG’s special areas of interest; and why you would not be able to enrol without CIG sponsorship.

If you are successful you will be required to write about your experience of the course and its’ content. Your report, or summary, will be shared with CIG members via the CIG blog and/or our professional journal.

Please submit your application to the Honorary Secretary Emily Bogie, e.berrisford@sheffield.ac.uk by 12th January 2018.

Applicants will be notified whether they have been successful by 26th January 2018.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to get in touch at Info.cig@cilip.org.uk.

CIG conference 2018 – Call for proposals

Do you fancy going to Edinburgh in 2018? The Cataloguing and Indexing Group have come up with a very good reason to consider it. Here are some key metadata to get you in the mood:

#Conference #Cataloguing #Metadata #Indexing #September #Edinburgh #Create #Share #Enrich

On a more serious note….

Proposals are invited for the CILIP Cataloguing and Indexing Group (CIG) biennial conference “Metadata: Create, Share and Enrich” to be held from 5-7 September 2018 at the John McIntyre Conference Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Conference theme:
This year’s conference aims to showcase the continued need for quality metadata in a data dominated world and those who create, share, enrich and use it.  We encourage submissions from information professionals, data suppliers, data researchers, standards and system developers on this theme and active audience participation.

If you want to find out more about the call for proposals please visit our page discussing in length conference topics, formats, submissions and submissions deadline.

CIG conference 2018 – Call for proposals link: http://bit.ly/2pFRA71

Very best,

The CIG committee

 

 

UK DDC forum: new members wanted

Do you use and/or have an interest in the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)? Are you interested in playing a part in the development of DDC?

The UK DDC User Forum is looking for new members. The Forum meets once a year to discuss proposed changes to the DDC, feeding back the views of the UK user community to the International Editorial Policy Committee. We would welcome expressions of interest from anyone based in the UK, especially from those working in the public library sector and/or from institutions in Northern Ireland or Wales, as these areas are currently under-represented.

For those who are interested in becoming new members, you have 2 choices:

• If you have any informal questions about membership, then in the first instance please email: Deborah Lee (deborah.lee@courtauld.ac.uk).
• To apply, please email: the Chair, Terrance Mann (Terrance.Mann@bl.uk), with supporting information about your current role and location, DDC experience and any particular subject expertise. The deadline for applications is Friday 16 February 2018.

 

 

Catalogue and Index: Issue 188

The new issue of C&I (188) is now available here.

Excerpt from the editorial:

Classification is the theme of this bumper issue of Catalogue and Index.
There was a tremendous response to the call for papers, illustrating the
importance and interest in classification to the U.K. cataloguing and
metadata community. The classification discussed in this issue comes in
many flavours, including the usage of classification schemes, digital tools
for classification, the theory of classification, reclassification, and much
more besides.

– Karen F. Pierce & Deborah Lee.

 

September Seminar: Managing Library Collections and Metadata

Join Backstage Library Works either in London or Edinburgh this September for a half-day seminar on managing collections and metadata in libraries.

The Topic:

Managing an institution’s collections and metadata can be a huge task. Librarians and archivists feel pressure to continually improve workflows, delivering better service to patrons and researchers.

At the same time, many are being asked to create efficiencies, to find new ways to accomplish more with existing resources.

Librarians at leading institutions are tackling these challenges in innovative ways. We’ve invited a few to discuss their current and future plans with you.

• Reclassification of library collections can speed up an acquisitions workflow and reduce processing costs for new items. Still, the task of changing class marks in the metadata, then relabeling and juggling the physical location of every book in the library can be overwhelming.
• Metadata workflows can be fine-tuned to streamline processes and improve discovery in your catalogue, but changes often require the coordinated efforts of several departments to overcome institutional inertia.
• Digital access to archival collections is expanding at a thrilling rate. However, the next fifty thousand images are only as useful as the metadata that patrons will search to find the content they want.

Dates:
Tuesday, 12 September 2017, in London
Thursday, 14 September 2017, in Edinburgh

Cost:
Free

Save the Date:

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for registration details and programme announcements.

Sign up for the mailing list to receive the latest updates:
bit.ly/backstage_events

Questions? Please email:

Nicole Lewis
nicole@bslw.com

Catalogue and Index – Call for Papers

For our September issue we would like to see papers on Classification.

CIG recently ran a successful event called “Thinking about classification” and we would like to take another look at classification in September’s issue of C&I. Do you have something to say about classification? Have you inherited an in-house classification scheme that you love/hate? Have you had to reclassify a library or collection, or are thinking of embarking on a reclassification project in the future? What do you wish you had learnt about classification when you studied LIS or what professional training in classification would you like to be available? Have you been to an interesting classification event recently or encountered a good classification book? Have you designed your own classification scheme? Do you use multiple classification schemes in your library and want to share your experiences of these? Have you got some interesting experiences of making your classification more localised or more standardised?  How do you think your library users utilise your classification? Do you have any thoughts about unethical classification and problematic terminology or structures?

We welcome papers on these or any other aspect of classification for this issue.  Papers can be up to 2,000 words and should be submitted by the end of August.

Please contact the editors with your proposal.

For more information please see our guidance for contributors:

https://www.cilip.org.uk/cataloguing-indexing-group/catalogue-index/guidance-contributors

Karen Pierce

PierceKF@Cardiff.ac.uk

Deborah Lee

Deborah.Lee@courtauld.ac.uk