Area-studies cataloging workflow improvement with a temporary student assistant

Abstract

Herman B Wells Library, Indiana University Bloomington consists of the East Asian Collection, whose Korean collection size is the smallest among CJK. Due to the collection size, a student with Korean-language expertise has been assigned as a cataloging assistant these years. It is believed to be manageable for a student, who is properly trained and supervised, not only because of the collection size, but also because over half of it tends to have already been cataloged by the Library of Congress. This presentation covers stories about the experience of the supervisor, who was appointed for such a duty at Wells Library for the first time. It is focused on differences between training of those who did not have any prior library experience and training of those with experience, for instance, MLS students, library staff and librarians, based on the trainer’s experience. The presentation includes discussions on what to expect or what not to expect from a temporary student assistant, in terms of training and cataloging workflow, as well as what to focus on or how to set priorities when working with them. It provides insight into preparation for student supervision and cataloging workflow improvement, in addition to reconsideration of training methods.