Clear explanations of common cataloging terms used throughout the PCIP process and the wider library cataloging system.
Key abbreviations at a glance
These are the terms you are most likely to encounter when preparing a book for PCIP and library cataloging.
Professionally prepared cataloging information that independent publishers can place on a book’s copyright page.
Official prepublication cataloging data prepared through the Library of Congress CIP Program for qualifying publishers.
The Library of Congress program through which eligible publishers request an LCCN before publication.
A unique number connected to a bibliographic record in the Library of Congress cataloging system.
A commercial identifier assigned to a specific book format or edition, such as hardcover, paperback, or ebook.
Cataloging terms in simple language
Open any term below for a short, practical explanation.
01 What is cataloging?
Cataloging is the process of creating a structured description of a book so libraries can identify, organize, search for, and retrieve it.
02 What is a bibliographic record?
A bibliographic record is a structured description of a book, including its title, author, publisher, identifiers, subjects, and classification details.
03 What are access points?
Access points are searchable entries, such as an author name, title, subject, or series, that help users find a record in a library catalog.
04 What is OPAC?
OPAC stands for Online Public Access Catalog. It is the online catalog that library users search to find books and other resources.
05 What rules do catalogers follow?
Catalogers follow standards and rules such as RDA and, in older records, AACR2. These help libraries create consistent and understandable catalog records.
06 What is MARC?
MARC is a machine-readable format for storing and exchanging bibliographic data. Libraries use MARC records to share, import, and load cataloging information into their systems.
07 What is a monograph?
A monograph is a non-serial publication that is complete in one volume or intended to be completed in a planned number of volumes. Most standalone books are monographs.
08 What is a series?
A series is a group of related books or resources issued under a shared collective title, often with individual volume titles or volume numbers.
09 What is a serial?
A serial is a publication released in parts, usually numbered or dated, and intended to continue indefinitely. Examples include magazines, newspapers, and annual publications.
10 What is a periodical?
A periodical is a type of serial issued at a regular frequency, such as weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.
11 What does ISSN identify?
ISSN identifies serials and continuing resources, such as periodicals or monographic series titles. It is different from both ISBN and LCCN.
Cataloging turns book information into searchable library data
Titles, names, subjects, identifiers, and classification details work together to help libraries organize books and help readers discover them.