Cataloging Standing Group Documents

• You can see the status of current and past CSG projects on the group’s Trello board.
• Homosaurus Training Resources and FAQs (May 2023)
• Homosaurus Implementation Project
• Use of Faceted Terms in Cataloging (December 2020)
  • This web page includes:
    • The updated “Use of Faceted Terms in Cataloging” ready-reference guide,
    • Examples of records with faceted terms,
    • A list of format-specific best practices and suggested faceted terms to add.
• Recommendation to Implement an Alliance-wide Alternative to the LCSH “Illegal Aliens” Subject Terminology (June 2020)
• Discussion Paper: Providing Alternative Subject Headings for Controversial Subject Headings in the Alliance Shared ILS (December 2019)
• Report on Faceted Terms in Bibliographic Records (October 2018)
• Survey on Faceted Terms in Bibliographic Records (June 2018)

Technical Services Working Group Documents

• TSWG: Authority Control (protected folder on Shared Drive)
• TSWG: Alliance Policy: Cataloging at the WorldCat Level

Makeup and Charge

The Cataloging Standing Group (CSG) works under the auspices of the Alliance Shared Content and Technical Services (SCTS) Team. CSG is composed of staff from Alliance member libraries with expertise and interest in cataloging and metadata management. The group also includes the Program Manager for Technical Services.  

Critical and ethical cataloging is an ongoing priority of the CSG. We commit to upholding the values embodied in the Cataloging Code of Ethics and maintaining transparency regarding our policies & procedures. We acknowledge that some language used in resource description may be offensive or harmful and we will work with the broader Alliance community to identify ways our practices and policies can be more inclusive. 

Pursuant to these guiding principles, the CSG:

• Monitors national and regional trends in cataloging and metadata theory and practice; emerging cataloging and metadata issues; and requests and problems identified by the Alliance cataloging community.  Reviews and makes recommendations to address those issues within the Alliance.
• Pursues the use of inclusive metadata within the Alliance. We will continue to adapt our approach as cultural norms and language evolve.
• Advises on and responds to cataloging and metadata technical training needs and recommends solutions and/or plans. Creates and maintains training outlines, documentation, policies, and best practices.
• Provides resources to help Alliance members advocate for quality cataloging/metadata as an integral part of user service.
• Collaborates with other Alliance groups to achieve the strategic goals of the Alliance.