What it is, when to do it, how to do it, and most of all, how not to be afraid of it.

Original cataloging can best be done when you have the item in hand. If it is a newly released item or locally published item you may have a hard time finding additional information, but with todays internet a quick trip to Amazon.com, ebay.com, an authors personal website, or pulishers website can help you locate more information about the author, publisher and content. The more information you have the better your record will be.

Basic information you should gather before you start making a new record.
1. Call number/location.
2. Author.
3. Title.
4. Publication information.
5. Description.
6. Series (if applicable).
7. Summary.
8. Subjects - (at least three is good).