Summary reaction to: An introduction to the Metadata Object Description Schema (MODS)

Citation:

McCallum, Sally H. (2004). "An introduction to the Metadata Object Description Schema (MODS)." Library Hi Tech 22(1): 82-88.

McCallum provides an excellent section defining terms commonly used while discussing metadata schemas and relates them to the terms used in traditional MARC cataloging. This is very helpful because many traditional catalogers are intimidated by the “tech talk” and acronyms of metadata. Unfortunately, the discussion on XML is not so clear.

A trained MARC cataloger will feel comfortable with the elements defined in MODS. Many are familiar with a few additions for handling electronic formats. As a MARC cataloger, I can understand the objection to a simpler metadata model. Many traditional catalogers fear that access points will not be provided and the catalog will cease to be a useful tool.

Some catalogers fear that their jobs will no longer be valued, and more importantly, will no longer be professional positions. McCallum states in this article, “An accompanying concern was that MODS should be simple enough for original description of a resource by non-professionals, with adequate guidance.” If MODS was designed with this in mind then I would say that the cataloger does have a legitimate concern. This statement indicates to me that the job duties of catalogers will begin to shift from creating records, to managing and overseeing those who create records. I would like to think that controlled access points and subject analysis will still be provided by professional catalogers and subject experts.

Although many catalogers wish to provide the most complete record possible and provide every possible access point for a resource, modern realities simply will not allow this to continue. Various groups have discussed ways to improve cataloging efficiency and many institutions currently outsource bibliographic records to various companies, like Serials Solutions and Marcive.

MODS provides a solution to the current explosion of online materials and shrinking budgets. Current MARC catalogers can be easily trained to provide MODS records for digital materials and other items. Libraries will need to decide which collections merit full MARC records and for which collections a MODS record would suffice. MARC and MODS records, due to their similarities, can be used in tandem to provide an interoperable solution to our current challenges in providing bibliographic access.