An Analysis of the Oriented-ness in Cataloging Rules

Abstract

This paper proposes an approach to the analysis of cataloging rules as bibliographic description rules in terms of the 'oriented-ness', which refers to the directiveness to a given objective or function. Firstly, some categories of the oriented-ness are extracted from the general objectives and functions of bibliographic description indicated in cataloging rules and other documents, and also other categories of the oriented-ness are extracted from other parts of the cataloging rules. Secondly, relationships among those categories of the oriented-ness are examined. Thirdly, the principles of description and the bibliographic elements consisting of description established in current cataloging rules are assessed in terms of the above oriented-ness. Lastly, it is investigated to what extent each individual rule which mainly prescribes the methods to transcribe a bibliographic element can be explained in terms of the oriented-ness by examining, for example, each of the rules contained in Nippon Cataloging Rules, 1987 Edition, 1994 Revision. This paper assesses the validity and usefulness of the proposed approach and also considers its problems and issues.