Developing a Library and Information Science Cataloging Course with an Interactive Authoring Tool

Abstract

Library and Information Science (LIS) students, librarians or library staff may not fully understand cataloging and classification in a library setting. As a result, many of these individuals may not be able to perform important cataloging duties when needed. To address this need, instruction was developed to introduce the basics of cataloging and classification. The instruction included an introduction and three modules covering data standardization, cataloging tools, and classification structures. The goal of the instruction was to provide training to LIS graduate students, librarians and library staff to help them grasp basic cataloging and classification knowledge and skills applicable in a library setting. To foster learning, this instruction was designed to create an interactive learning environment, and followed Mayer’s (2009) multimedia learning principles. The instruction was assessed for its usability and learning effectiveness by 19 adult participants (n = 19). To evaluate the instruction’s usability, one in-person and two online semi-conducted interviews were conducted. To evaluate the instruction’s learning effectiveness, Google Forms were used to administer a demographic survey, a pretest, a posttest, and a post-instruction survey. The post-instruction survey asked about the participants’ learning experiences with the instruction. The results of the evaluation revealed some discrepancies between the views of the course designer and those of the participants. Through the usability and learning effectiveness testing, participants identified possible future enhancements regarding the instruction’s content, delivery, and software development.

Keywords Libraries, Cataloging, Classification, Metadata, Multimedia learning, Online learning, Interactive authoring tool, Self-directed learning