To Catch a Thief: Cataloging and the Security of Special Collections

Abstract

How can libraries fulfill the need to provide access to their collections while simultaneously protecting them? Can full catalog records deter theft? How have they been instrumental in identifying and reclaiming stolen materials? Recognizing ongoing pressures on technical service staff and library administrators due to budget cutbacks and competing priorities, this program will explore how balancing faster and cheaper cataloging with sufficiently robust descriptions benefits the security of special collections in libraries.