Out of the nest: the cataloger in a public services role

In today’s libraries, catalogers must often assume other roles. Because of outsourcing, shrinking staffs, expanded services, and shifting priorities, specialization in cataloging is frequently no longer an option. Taking on other types of responsibility can be quite daunting to those who have been in technical services for an entire career. This paper examines the benefits and challenges for a cataloger who is working in public services. It discusses what qualities a cataloger can bring to public services work along with the advantages for the cataloger in working with the public. Some survival strategies will be offered for the cataloger making the transition to public services work or working with multiple departmental assignments. The overall approach is positive, but realistic in the acknowledgment that this role change can be very demanding for catalogers.