This request has been cross-posted to AUTOCAT, OCLC-CAT, OLAC, and
SERIALST.
Please excuse the duplication.

Dear Colleagues,

You are invited to participate in a research study related to how the
evolving role of the professional cataloging librarian is reflected in
the organizational structure of library technical services units. This
survey is intended for librarians currently employed as professional
catalogers. For this survey, a professional is defined as a position
requiring an MLS or equivalent. A paraprofessional is defined as a
position not requiring an MLS or equivalent even if held by an
individual with the degree.

Recently, library literature has discussed the differences between
professional and paraprofessional catalogers, primarily in terms of
which type of staff perform traditional cataloging tasks such as
original cataloging, classification, subject analysis, and authority
control. We are interested in how the shifting/evolving roles of
catalogers have been reflected in the organizational structure of
technical services units. Technical services units may be organized in a
traditional hierarchical model, in a self-directed team-based model, or
in a hybrid model incorporating aspects of both traditional and
team-based models.

Responding to this survey constitutes informed consent to participate in
the research. The survey is voluntary, and you may withdraw from it at
any time. All responses will be kept confidential. Demographic
information is being collected for data management purposes.

The survey will remain open until December 31, 2008 at midnight. It
should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Any questions may
be directed to Greg Matthews, Cataloging Librarian, email: gmat@wsu.edu;
Debra Spidal, Cataloging Librarian, email: dspidal@wsu.edu; or Lihong
Zhu, Head of Technical Services, email: zhu2@wsu.edu. Please take a few
moments to assist us in our research.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Hd89LP4U0okLM9ZsS_2bDAsg_3d_3d

Sincerely,

Greg Matthews, Cataloging Librarian
Debra Spidal, Cataloging Librarian,
Lihong Zhu, Head, Technical Services,

Washington State University Libraries
P.O. Box 645610,
Pullman, WA 99164-5610