Maxwell's Guide to Authority Work (Ala Editions) [Paperback]

Robert L. Maxwell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0838908225 | ISBN-13: 978-0838908228

In this text, authority work is broken down to its most basic components so that you can trace and follow the preparation of a complete authority record. Helpful illustrations identify the key characteristics of good authority records, common acronyms are defined, and cross-references throughout reinforce material. Step-by-step, you'll learn how to: form and record uniform access points; keep thorough and accurate records; share information in an environment of international databases and cooperative cataloguing.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Finally for catalogers, a new book on authority work to fill the gap that has existed since Doris Clack's 1990 Authority Control went out of print. Maxwell's new book covers Part 2 of AACR2 in much the same way that his Handbook for AACR2 covers Part 1. However, the Clack book has better coverage of the theory and principles behind authority control so don't weed it from your professional collection. Maxwell also includes two chapters on subject and genre heading lists. These chapters are preceded by one on thesaurus building. This makes for a well-rounded view of the subject, but if you plan to build a thesaurus, you're better off with Jean Aitcheson and others' Thesaurus Construction and Use (Fitzroy Dearborn, 2002; 4th ed.), which thoroughly deconstructs both the ANSI/ NISO and ISO standards for comparison and understanding. While Maxwell gives no clue as to the intended audience for this work, it reads like a textbook and will probably be used as such. If you're looking for an explanation of Part 2 of AACR2 or generally want to learn what authority work is and why we do it, then this should suit your needs.
April Bohannan, Virginia Beach P.L.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Robert Maxwell has written a very important book bringing the subject of authority control up to current standards and explaining the complexities in simple language. The writer of this review learned a few things from this book, despite having extensive experience in dealing with authority records. I highly recommend the book to anyone who needs to learn about authority work for the first time and those with some experience who would like to refine their skills. --Technical Services Quarterly

A step-by-step text for creating efficient, complete authority records. --Public Libraries

A step-by-step text for creating efficient, complete authority records. --Public Libraries

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Product Details

• Paperback: 275 pages
• Publisher: Amer Library Assn Editions (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0838908225
• ISBN-13: 978-0838908228
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #666,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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