Description+Rules

= Anytown School Library = = Description Rules =

Table of Contents
A. Policy B. Procedure C. Organization of AACR2 D. Correct Terms for GMD and SMD E. Edition Statements F. Abbreviations for Place of Publication G. Examples of Completed Records H. Guidelines for Treatment of Different Types of Multi-Part Materials I. How to Catalog Books In a Series J. ISBN Tips K. CIP Key L. Annotated Bibliography

A. Policy
The Anytown School library will apply AACR2 rules to all catalog entries. Each entry will be created at a Level 2 description in order to ensure thorough search capabilities for all library patrons.

B. Procedure
1. Before cataloging, the cataloger will check to establish the medium of the material to be cataloged 2. The cataloger will then examine any copy cataloging resources or union catalog to determine if an original catalog entry will need to be created. a. If not, procure the copy catalog entry from source and add appropriate local elements. b. If yes, proceed to step 3. 3. The cataloger will then establish the eight areas of bibliographic elements: a. Title and statement(s) of responsibility b. Edition statement c. Material specific details (non-print only) d. Publication, distribution information e. Physical description f. Series statement g. Notes h. Standard numbers and terms of availability 4. Use the "Prescribed Sources" chart found below to locate AACR information for both print and non-print materials. 5. To locate cataloging information, the cataloger will first locate the title page and information printed on verso (the opposite page). 6. Other cataloging information can also be located within the CIP information, usually found on the page following the title page. 7. In the absence of CIP information, the ISBN number can be used to locate standard copy information. 8. Multiple copies of the same title in the same format (i.e. two print copies of //Jane Eyre//) should NOT be given separate catalog entries. Rather, a note hould be made in the catalog system as to number of available copies. 9. Publications of the same title by different companies (i.e. a copy of //Jane Eyre// published by Scholastic and a copy of //Jane Eyre// published by Random House) should be grouped together under the same catalog information. Multiple ISBN numbers should be listed per copy. 10. Multiple copies of the same title in different formats (i.e. a print copy of //Jane Eyre// and a DVD copy of //Jane Eyre//) SHOULD be given separate catalog entries.

C. Organization of AACR2
1. **Description:** AACR2, or the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules second edition, was last updated in 2005. The AACR2 was created to assist catalogers in libraries throughout the US and internationally establish rules that govern the information catalogers use in organizing information. There are two parts to AACR2. The first part explains how to describe any materials being cataloged. The second part of AACR2 identifies the terms patrons may use to search for materials. These subject headings could also be called access points, headings, or tracings.

2. 3.

G. Examples of Completed Records
1. 2. 3.

L. Annotated Bibliography


Page Created by L.Corcoran and J.Morgan April 2011