ABSTRACT
The cataloging department of a library always has special projects to anticipate. Because of automation, practices and procedures have changed and copy cataloging has become the primary responsibility of the library technician. A library may decide to follow the new changes of the cataloging rules or to switch to a different classification system. The library technician may be involved in these projects and participate in special assignments. As the cataloging rules continually change, library catalogs, either online or card, need to be changed. Also, classification numbers and subject headings are updated constantly. Closing the card catalog saves valuable staff time and money, eliminating filing and buying cards. Outsourcing the whole cataloging operation or even the whole technical services department, and thus eliminating those departments completely, could be advantageous economically. However, high quality remains a concern. Automation in libraries began in the cataloging department and has had its biggest impact there.
