Cataloging Skills of the 21st Century: A Mapping of Cataloging Education in LIS Departments Across India

Cataloging is a core skill taught and practiced by Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals. This study was done with a purpose of gauging the cataloging skills required to be incorporated for cataloging education in India. This article presents a content analysis of select syllabi of cataloging courses taught in the Library and Information Departments of India. The syllabi were analyzed to identify and note the core cataloging components taught in the LIS departments and schools in India. Core components viz. Cataloging Codes, Standard Subject Headings, MARC 21 Formats, and Metadata Standard Dublin Core were selected based on topics in the cataloging paper taught in theory and practice. A mapping of the skills required for cataloging work is presented. The study findings indicate that updated components need to be introduced in practice and theory. Indian cataloging syllabi studied show disparity with the essential skills needed to prepare 21st century catalogers.