Cataloging CD-ROMs at the Ohio State University

Abstract

Wang is serials cataloger at the Ohio State University Libraries in Columbus, Ohio. The new information storage and distribution medium CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) has changed the Ohio State University Libraries in a visible way. Since October 1986, seven departmental libraries have provided CD-ROM workstations for public access to various CD-ROM databases to which the libraries subscribe. The bibliographic information for these databases is also accessible in the online public access catalog, the Library Control System (LCS). It is a challenge :to catalog this versatile medium, CD-ROM, for it requires an ongoing effort to keep abreast of the product's technical characteristics and specifications. The technology is developing so rapidly that some producers provide a new version of software with each quarterly cumulative disk. The system requirements are constantly changing because of system enhancements, and so are the cataloging rules. In October 1986, we cataloged according to Chapter 9 of the second edition of the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2), the Guidelines for Using AACR2 Chapter 9 for Cataloging Microcomputer Software, and the first edition of the Machine-Readable Data Files Format. Presently, we catalog according to the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Second Edition. Chapter 9, Computer Files (Draft Revision) and the second edition of Machine-Readable Data Files Format (MRDF). The changes prescribed by Chapter 9 (draft revision) are not included, however, in the revision pages of the second edition of the MRDF format, which were issued in March 1987. The multiple variations of hardware and software of this volatile medium present problems for bibliographic control. Much has been written on the