Series Authority Control: Potential Effects of Library of Congress' Decision on Users at The Ohio State University

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Abstract

Following the decision of the Library of Congress (LC) to discontinue series authority control, many libraries were left with an important decision to make—should they continue creating series authority records, prepare to create more than ever, or abandon the practice altogether? Every library must make its own decision, and this study investigates how the Ohio State University Libraries (OSUL) tackled the question by asking the users what they need and use for work and research. The purpose of this study is to understand how the LC's decision affects users’ ability at the OSUL to search by series. A survey was sent to a random sample of students, faculty, staff, and librarians to determine whether the Cataloging Department should follow the LC’s decision or continue its current practice. This paper reports the results of the survey and OSUL’s decision.

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series authority control, series, authority control

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