The present book deals with computer software of various kinds, and is comprised largely of examples (p. 23-123). There is a general chapter which takes the reader step by step through the components of the catalog record, using AACR2's sequence of rule areas. Examples are provided for each rule or topic, and some commentary. There is a brief subject access section (one page) and a section on MARC coding and tagging for OCLC.
Examples given are primarily Apple/Mac, but are varied in the type of bibliographic problem presented. The majority of examples are of computer disks, but there are also some compact disks and interactive disks, as well as examples of remote access. Examples also vary in that some include multi-format items, e.g., a book accompanied by disk, disk accompanied by a book, and one with no predominant medium.
Examples show some source data, attractive and crisply presented, a catalog record, MARC tagging and a brief commentary (usually a few sentences) indicating the rationale behind decisions, and major rules used. In most instances, the reader does not have the complete sources of information used in cataloging. All told, there are about 45 different examples, of which 17 give title screen information only, 17 give information from the container or label, and 11 which give information from both title screen and label or container. In the examples for compact disk, all sources are from the container. Thus, for the most part, the source data can only account for part of the record, and decisions on what and how to record other information are not available. It would have been helpful to have had a representation or at least a description of other sources of information. For example, in example 14, the record reflects a distributor in the publication area, but the source of this information is not included in the title screen, which is the sole source listed. Without this, the reader is left to guess as to the cataloger's decision-making on aspects of the record which are not taken from the title screen, such as the physical description area and note areas.
The commentary is illuminating and instructive, but brief. The novice cataloger or those with modest subject expertise will need supplementary material to explain in more detail and substance how the AACR2 rules are structured and the particular challenges and decision areas posed by cataloging computer software. For further reading, the reader must turn to Olson's more detailed Cataloging Microcomputer Software or the like. A brief bibliography would also have been useful. The comments are helpful and interesting-more would be even better.
For example, in example 21B, the title screen shows an edition statement which is not reflected in the record. Since the commentary gives only rule numbers, there is no explanation for the omission. In contrast, example 28 explains a decision on how to handle ambiguous title information.
A similar lack of explanation occurs in example 26, where there is a subtitle which is given in a note rather than given as other title information, as the cataloger did in example 30. Examples 20A and B show title screens with a statement of responsibility, yet this is not reflected in the record, and no explanation is given in the brief commentary. If there is a rationale for this decision, the reader is not informed, in contrast to example 3 which explains a decision to place a title screen statement of responsibility in the note area. A few discrepancies were noted (example 40A does not contain a source of title note, and in example 11, the date recorded is not a copyright date, although the only dates on the title screen are copyright dates), but these are relatively rare exceptions to otherwise soundly constructed records.
The book has many strengths, chiefly in the variety of examples and extensive selection of cataloging problems. The crisply presented source data, while not complete, is nevertheless useful and illustrative. Another major area of strength is the inclusion of MARC tagging and catalog records for each example. Ms. Olson's expertise in the area of cataloging nonbook materials is highly regarded by her colleagues, and with good reason. Because of this expertise, it would be all the more valuable for readers to have more of her experience and judgement in the discussion of cataloging decisions.
The book is recommended, and will be useful to library school instructors, trainers, and for professional development for those who do not work extensively with this format.
Published in 1992 by: Soldier Creek Press, P.O. Box 734, 642 S. Hunt St., Lake Crystal, Minn. 56055-0734. ISBN 0-936996-47-1. (123 p.) $25.00
Reviewed by:
Carolyn O. Frost
Professor, School of Information and Library Studies
University of Michigan