Free Cataloging Resources: Home

Links to resources freely available from the Library of Congress. Includes Descriptive Cataloging Manual, Geographic Cutter Numbers Tables, Children's Subject Headings (CYAC) and Manual, Library of Congress Classification Schedules and Lists, Library of Congress Subject Headings and Subject Headings Manual, and more.

A comprehensive website of various cataloging resources.

The OLAC Unified Best Practices Guide provides catalogers with a “one-stop-shop” for many types of nonbook resources. This guide incorporates the following best practices guides: Best Practices for Cataloging DVD-Video and Blu-ray Discs Using RDA and MARC21, Best Practices for Cataloging Objects Using RDA and MARC 21, Best Practices for Cataloging Streaming Media Using RDA and MARC21, and Best Practices for Cataloging Video Games Using RDA and MARC21.

Almost 200 pages of full MARC examples. This document accompanies the Best Practices Guide listed above.

Video of a virtual presentation by Mary Huismann from St. Olaf College, which discusses sound recording cataloging, specifically concentrating on cataloging CDs. The objectives for this workshop included locating RDA instructions in the RDA toolkit and music cataloging resources, and identifying the MARC21 fields and subfields for sound recordings.

Video of a virtual presentation by Mary Huismann, St. Olaf College, which discusses specialized topics related to cataloging sound recordings, including non-musical recordings and a walkthrough of various audio carriers and media devices. The stated objectives of the workshop were to identify different sound formats, locate RDA instructions for relevant description, learn about music cataloging resources, and identify MARC 21 fields and subfields more accurately.

The recommendations contained in this document apply to descriptive and subject/access point cataloging of comic books, manga, graphic novels, and webcomics.

Resources to assist in the basics of map cataloging. Created by David J. Bertuca, Map Librarian, Emeritus, University at Buffalo. Last updated June 24, 2019.

This manual covers what to consider when cataloging continuing resources (serials).

The ISSN Manual describes how the International Centre and its network implement ISO 3297 International Standard Serial Number.

RDA Toolkit is an integrated, browser-based, online product that allows users to interact with a collection of cataloging-related documents and resources including RDA: Resource Description and Access. RDA Toolkit is published by the RDA Copyright Holders. RDA: Resource Description and Access is a package of data elements, guidelines, and instructions for creating library and cultural heritage resource metadata that are well-formed according to international models for user-focused linked data applications.