Shelia S. Intner, Joanna F. Fountain, and Jane E. Gilchrist, eds.

With digital collections that are hundreds of times larger than print collections, and with the easy availability of cataloging records, some library schools no longer require teacher-librarians to take a cataloging course. Yet, there is still a need for the teacher-librarian and the public librarian to understand how physical materials should be organized and the principles that govern storage and retrieval of information. For example, in today’s world, subject retrieval is the main access point and classified arrangement of physical items is less important. In this fourth edition, the authors provide brief but concise essays on a wide range of essential elements in cataloging. The chapter titles help to determine whether you need to learn the latest: “Guidelines for Standardized Cataloging for Kids”; “How Children Search”; “Cataloging Correctly Using AACR2 and MARC”; Copy Cataloging Correctly”; “Authorities”; “Using LC’s Childrens’ Headings for Original  MARC Cataloging”; “Sears List of Subject Headings”; Sources for Dewey  Numbers”; Cataloging Nonprint Materials”; “How the CIP Program Helps Children’s Librarians”; “Cataloging for Kids in the Academic Library”; “Automating the Children’s Catalog”; and “Vendors of Cataloging for Children’s Materials.” Each of the essays is written by an expert. This book can be used as a text in a cataloging class aimed at  teacher-librarians or public librarians who are cataloging children’s  collections, or it can be used as a refresher course for those who want to stay current. (American Library Association, 2005. 128 pp. $32.00. 0-8389-3559-1.)

Bottom line: Highly recommended for those interested in keeping current. David Loertscher