University Libraries Cataloging and Metadata Services

To assist in meeting the mission of the Pennsylvania State University Libraries, The Mission of Cataloging and Metadata Services is to provide timely and accurate access to Materials of the University Park, CCL campuses, Behrend, and Great Valley library locations. On a broader scale, we provide leadership in descriptive and subject cataloging, and consider it vital to maintain holdings and bibliographic information in The CAT and shared databases to support international resource sharing. We provide friendly and quality service to the faculty, staff, and students of the University; the citizens of the Commonwealth; and other libraries, nationally and internationally.

We accomplish our mission by:

• creating and maintaining quality bibliographic records and authority control according to local and national standards for The CAT and other shared bibliographic databases;
• contributing to the ongoing development of The CAT;
• maintaining and providing physical access to the Libraries' collections through accurate inventory control, labelling of materials, and preservation of collections for present and future generations;
• cooperating with other cataloging institutions to enrich shared databases;
• maintaining in-depth knowledge of the principles of bibliographic description and access, and of national and international standards and their local applications, in order to serve the user community in problem-solving and advisory capacities;
• creating a challenging, rewarding and positive work environment to attract a diverse, high-quality work force;
• fully utilizing the rich and diverse contributions, skills, and abilities of staff by providing and supporting opportunities for personal and professional growth and accomplishments;
• enhancing the work environment by fostering leadership, team-work, empowerment, open communication, respect, trust, and fairness to all employees, and by maintaining a flexible attitude in expecting and accepting changing rules, technologies, and work assignments;
• committing to Continuous Quality Improvement