Free MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Knowledge Organization and Cataloging Questions and Answers

Question 1

A cataloger is creating a bibliographic record for the German translation of the novel 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. According to the FRBR model, the specific German text represents which entity?

Accepted Answer

Expression

Answer

In the FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) model, an 'Expression' is the intellectual or artistic realization of a work. This includes translations, different musical performances, or abridged versions. The original novel 'Pride and Prejudice' is the 'Work.' The German translation is a specific 'Expression' of that work. A 'Manifestation' would be the physical embodiment (e.g., a specific paperback edition of the German translation), and an 'Item' would be a single copy of that paperback.

Question 2

Which of the following is a primary structural difference between the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system and the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system?

Accepted Answer

DDC uses a purely numeric notation, while LCC uses an alphanumeric notation.

Answer

The most fundamental notational difference is that the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) uses a purely numeric system organized into ten main classes (000-900). The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) uses an alphanumeric system, with 21 main classes represented by letters of the alphabet, followed by numbers for more specific subdivisions. LCC is primarily used in large academic and research libraries, while DDC is more common in public and school libraries.

Question 3

When cataloging a new resource using RDA (Resource Description and Access), a significant departure from the previous AACR2 rules is the handling of statements of responsibility. What is the key change in RDA regarding this?

Accepted Answer

RDA eliminates the 'rule of three' and encourages transcribing all responsible entities.

Answer

A major change from AACR2 to RDA is the elimination of the 'rule of three.' AACR2 limited the transcription of authors to the first three, followed by '... [et al.]'. RDA instructs the cataloger to transcribe all authors or creators listed on the resource, promoting a more complete representation of responsibility.

Question 4

A cataloger needs to add subject headings to a MARC 21 record for a book about the history of computers. Which block of MARC tags would be used for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

6XX (Subject Access)

Answer

The 6XX block of fields in the MARC 21 format is specifically designated for subject access fields. For example, a topical term like 'Computers--History' would be entered in a 650 field. The 1XX block is for the main entry (e.g., author), 245 is for the title, and the 5XX block is for various notes.

Question 5

S.R. Ranganathan's Colon Classification is the primary example of a faceted classification system. His theory identifies five fundamental categories, or facets, into which any subject can be analyzed. Which of the following correctly lists these five categories, often remembered by the acronym PMEST?

Accepted Answer

Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, Time

Answer

S.R. Ranganathan's five fundamental categories in his theory of faceted classification are Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, and Time (PMEST). 'Personality' is the core subject, 'Matter' is the material, 'Energy' represents processes or actions, and 'Space' and 'Time' are the geographic and chronological facets.

MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Practice Test

MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Practice Test

Free MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Knowledge Organization and Cataloging Questions and Answers