Dynamic materials force dynamic cataloguing: accessible materials in a new digital age

Abstract

Purpose

A major advantage of storing accessible materials in a digital archive is that it facilitates large‐scale updates. Unfortunately, cataloguing these materials involves manual work and updates of the cataloguing records will not be made easily and quickly enough in the future. This paper aims to tackle these cataloguing problems and to inform about the latest developments and accomplishments in the field of accessible materials. The paper also stresses the importance of profiling cataloguing issues for libraries for the visually‐impaired within the cataloguing community.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with an overview of the field of accessible materials and gives an account of certain cataloguing problems. Then follows a detailed description of these cataloguing issues before the paper concludes with a suggested method and a description of a practical workflow to counter the listed problems. The paper is, in a sense, a case study of a trend in the field of librarianship regarding technologies for the visually‐impaired.

Findings

The paper shows that a dynamic cataloguing solution is necessary to meet the growing number of dynamic digital materials for libraries that produce accessible materials.

Practical implications

Implementation of the suggested dynamic cataloguing solution results in less manual work while allowing large scale updates of a digital archive.

Originality/value

This paper provides some original perspectives on practical cataloguing challenges for libraries for the visually‐impaired.

Citation

Westlind, M. (2008), "Dynamic materials force dynamic cataloguing: accessible materials in a new digital age", Library Review, Vol. 57 No. 6, pp. 424-429. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530810886698