Integrating Non-MARC Metadata Duties into the Workflow of Traditional Catalogers: A Survey of Trends and Perceptions among Catalogers in Four Discussion Lists

While a growing body of literature addresses the integration of non-MARC metadata duties into the workflow of traditional catalogers, most of it consists of isolated case studies that describe the integration experience at the local level. No study yet has covered the trends of non-MARC metadata integration in catalogers' workflows on a large scale, much less the impact this integration has had on catalogers. To address this gap in the literature, the authors performed a survey in four cataloging discussion lists to determine trends in the integration of non-MARC metadata duties into the workflow of traditional catalogers in U.S. academic libraries, the impact this implementation has had on them, plus catalogers' perceptions towards non-MARC metadata. The survey, which was administered in August 2008, addresses aspects of non-MARC metadata production such as local procedures, workflows, schemas, tools, training, preconceptions, and the impact new responsibilities have had on the job performance and workload of catalogers. Results of the survey are summarized and presented in this article.