Some of the library bloggers out there writing about cataloging and metadata are library school students. It's interesting to get their take on the future of cataloging coming into the field with a fresh look at the library landscape. Here's a post from one student, "It's all over but the shouting-and the hard work".
A snippet on metadata:
"What impressed me most about nearly all the metadata schemas presented in the last three weeks is the apparent indispensibility of librarians, or persons with library training and/or librarians’ sensibilities, for optimally handling their implementation and utilization. Even something as simple and straightforward as Dublin Core requires a familiarity with authority control, procedures for standardization of data entry, the ability to follow at times complicated data-entry rules, etc.–the relevant point being that Dublin Core is surely among the simplest of the schemas we were exposed to this term."
The student goes on to bemoan the fact that there are no courses that offer a more in-depth, hands-on approach to metadata:
"Just wish there had been more time–or that the program would consider adding an in-depth, hands-on follow-up course concentrating on two or three of the most important and/or widely used schemas. In any case, and anyway–here’s to mining the rich future of metadata development and management. I’m looking forward to it."
I had the same feeling finish library school years ago (circa 1988-1989). I started doing continuation education right out of Rutgers MLS program and haven't stopped yet!
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