University Libraries Cataloging and Metadata Services

Cataloging and Metadata Services processes several thousand items in many different formats and languages each month. Every item receives a cataloging record in The CAT, Penn State's on-line bibliographic database, that accurately describes the items and reflects its subject content. With over 3.5 million volumes in the Libraries' collections, the electronic entries ensure that patrons can quickly find what they are seeking, whether it be the most recent ground-water data on CD-ROM issued by the U.S. Geological Survey, a video-cassette on child care, or a first edition of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia.

Cataloging and Metadata Services enjoys the skills and expertise of a diverse group of people committed to processing materials efficiently while maintaining the highest possible standards of cataloging excellence.

Given leadership and direction by the Head of Cataloging and Metadata Services and the Assistant to the Head, Cataloging and Metadata Services consists of six teams:

Cataloging and Metadata Services provides bibliographic and physical processing not only for materials housed in the Pattee and Paterno Libraries, but also for those held by the Special Collections Library (Historical Collections and Labor Archives, Rare Books and Manuscripts, and University Archives); the seven University Park campus branch libraries; the three Annex locations; Audio-Visual Services; the seventeen campus Libraries; Penn State Erie, The Behrend College; Penn State Great Valley; and the Associate Libraries.