The Current State of Cataloging Education in U.S. LIS Programs

by Cunningham, V

This paper examines the current state of cataloging education in LIS programs throughout the United States. This paper finds that there has been a shift away from traditional library science courses in cataloging. There are many ramifications of this shift, most notably the dwindling interest of LIS students in working as professional catalogers, as well as, ill-equipped students entering professional cataloging positions. This paper also explores what can be done to regenerate interest among LIS students in this field, beginning with increased faculty support of this field and more incorporation of cataloging courses into the LIS curriculum.