Sic Catalog Syndrome: Title Page Transcription as a Barrier to Retrieval

ABSTRACT Examines the problem of errors in the chief source of information and their transcription into catalog records. A survey of 80 different OPACs was undertaken, looking at the occurrence of “sic” and “i.e.” in titles and the position of the errors within the titles. The various usages of “sic” and “i.e.” are categorized and described; these range from those where the error is obvious to some where there seems to be no error at all. Some seem to be clear misuses, particularly the common system of using additions in square brackets to spell out numerals, and in some cases the cataloger goes beyond what is required. Concludes with recommendations for improvement in retrieval.