Methodical decision card file as an auxiliary service apparatus for a cataloguer

Abstract

The paper explores the peculiarities of the creation of auxiliary service apparatus for a cataloguer, that is formed at cataloguing and document processing departments. It was found out that the full use of library holdings is not possible without reference aids. Reference aids (hereinafter referred to as RA) is a system of library catalogues and card files that presents a library stock. It is proved that the efficiency and purposefulness of the library reference and information service depend largely on how well RA is organised, in particular, it concerns the system of catalogues and card files. It was outlined that the library RA is used as an additional methodological base for developing general and special methods of document processing, introducing changes to state standards, classification tables, lists of subject headings, etc. It was stated that the main aims of methodical decision card file regarding the bibliographic document description and systematsation are as follows: to establish the methodological unity in classifying and presenting the literature of the same type, to ensure the implementation of the adopted methodological decisions, to assist cataloguers in processing complex documents, and improve their job performance. The paper characterises the essence, functions and technology of working with a methodical decision card file, in particular, the attention is paid to document systematisation. The main aim of card file is considered, and the process of making methodical decisions is described. Problem issues are highlighted and methodological solutions regarding the systematisation of complex documents are given. It is proved that the presence of RA, which is constantly developing and improving, is an important condition for the qualitative functioning of the system of catalogues and card files.