Cataloguer

A cataloguer is a professional responsible for creating, organizing, and maintaining records of library materials, museum artifacts, or other collections. This involves describing items, assigning subject headings and classifications, and creating accessible metadata to facilitate retrieval and use by patrons or researchers. Cataloguers work to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and standardization of these records, often adhering to specific cataloging rules and standards like RDA (Resource Description and Access) or AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules). Their meticulous work makes vast collections searchable and understandable, contributing significantly to the accessibility and preservation of information and cultural heritage.

Cataloguer meaning with examples

• The museum hired a skilled cataloguer to document the newly acquired collection of ancient pottery shards. The cataloguer painstakingly cleaned each piece, recorded its dimensions, photographed it, and researched its origins, assigning it a unique identifier and cataloging it according to museum protocols. This detailed work was vital for both exhibition and research purposes, allowing scholars to easily find and study the individual items.
• As part of a digitization project, the library employed a team of cataloguers to update their digital database. They meticulously compared the existing card catalog entries to the physical books, correcting errors, adding missing information, and ensuring that each item was searchable online. This massive effort greatly improved the accessibility of the library’s collection for remote users and modernized its catalog system.
• The rare books dealer relied on a team of experienced cataloguers to prepare descriptions for their online inventory. The cataloguers carefully examined each volume, noting its condition, provenance, and any unique features. Their detailed and accurate descriptions, complete with high-quality photographs, were crucial for attracting potential buyers and ensuring the authenticity and value of the books.
• The university’s special collections department hired a cataloguer to process a donation of archival materials from a renowned author. The cataloguer arranged and described the manuscripts, letters, and photographs, creating a finding aid that allowed researchers to explore the author's creative process and personal life. This effort ensured the long-term preservation and accessibility of the valuable collection.
• Before the library could move its extensive collection, the cataloguers had to reconcile the inventory against a database. They worked with a team of volunteers to verify each item and input updates into a spreadsheet. Then they updated all the card-catalogs and ensured that the computers system would properly maintain the records of the books once the books were placed in their new location.