Identifying Information Resources in Context

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Overview According to Ronald Hagler, the first of the six functions of bibliographic control, or information organization, is to identify the existence of all types of information resources as they are made available. The motive for identifying resources is obvious – one has to know a resource exists for it to be of any worth. This is true not only for libraries, but for all information providers. This paper will analyze how Hagler’s function is demonstrated by the St. Charles City-County Library District (http://youranswerplace.org/home), the Einstein Archives Online (http://www.alberteinstein.info/), and the domestic organization website, FlyLady.net (http://www.flylady.net/). St. Charles City-County Library District The St. Charles City-County Library District in St. Charles County, MO is organized similarly to most libraries; collections of cataloged books and media are housed in one of the district’s twelve branches or at its offsite collection facility. Each individual branch is arranged to help users identify materials and facilitate their use. Large signs steer users to the various collections, reference help is centrally located, OPACs are in plain sight for searching the catalog, and multiple displays are employed to highlight new or timely resources. Furthermore, by means of its website, the City-County Library furnishes additional access points to most of what each branch has to offer, and additionally, hosts supplementary resources as well as links to resources held by others. As stated, the City-County Library uses its website to keep patrons apprised of not only what it owns, but also what it can provide access to. Available via the web is access to the catalog and electronic resources, downloadable audio and e-... ... middle of paper ... ...ne system of search and organization that necessitates use of the folder list found in the finding aid. Lastly, FlyLady describes information resources neither individually nor in groups, but rather, each page is its own entity with information only retrievable through links or the rather narrow format of a keyword search. Conclusion Although these three sites serve different purposes, use different technologies, and do not appear comparable on the surface, each has knowingly or unknowingly applied Hagler’s first function in order to ensure its information resources will be discovered and utilized. Works Cited Einstein Archives Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.alberteinstein.info/ Fly Lady and Company, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.flylady.net/ St. Charles City-County Library District, (n.d.). Retrieved from http://youranswerplace.org/home

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