Purpose
The Cataloging Department creates, maintains, and enhances records and resource descriptions in the University Libraries' bibliographic database in support of the diverse academic programs at the University of Memphis. The department catalogs, classifies, and processes items in a variety of formats and languages, providing subject and other access points, to enable researchers to find, identify, select, obtain, and navigate materials in the library's collections through the University Libraries' online catalog.
University Libraries also hosts the catalogs of Jackson State Community College, LeMoyne-Owen College, and the University of Memphis Law School Library.
Standards & Systems
The department catalogs according to Resource Description & Access (RDA)/Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2nd edition and LC-PCC Policy Statements. Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) are used for all University Libraries resources. Some health sciences materials in the Health Sciences Library also receive Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).
University Libraries uses OCLC’s WorldCat database, a dynamic, global, and shared bibliographic database, and OCLC’s Connexion, a corresponding set of cataloging tools and services, to perform our cataloging work. University Libraries catalog is housed in Sierra, an integrated library system and platform, which can be searched as the Classic Catalog or via EBSCO’s Discovery Service.
Policies and Procedures
Select cataloging documentation may be accessed via the Libraries/Cataloging umWiki. If you are searching for specific documentation or have a question or other concern, please email us.