Cataloging and Metadata Council

About the council

The Cataloging and Metadata Council (CMC) is one of five functional councils within the Library. 

Mission

The Cataloging and Metadata Council is charged by and advises the Associate University Librarians for Digital Initiatives and Information Technology and Scholarly Resources. The Council is charged with ensuring alignment of shared cataloging and discovery standards, policies and procedures for Alma and Primo VE, as well as addressing emerging workflows and standards arising in the new UC systemwide integrated library system (SILS) environment. The Council serves as a communication venue within the Library and with Affiliated Libraries. Although primarily an advisory body, issues arising in CMC may be decided within the Council if appropriate. The Council advises and provides recommendations to the Head of the Collection Services Division, Head of Metadata Services (MdS) and AUL sponsors. Upon occasion and depending on the nature of the issue and its impact on the Library, recommendations may be directed to the Library Cabinet.

Charge

Cataloging and Metadata Council is advisory to the Associate University Librarians for Digital Initiatives and Information Technology and Scholarly Resources in the following areas:

  1. Ensure the alignment of shared cataloging and metadata standards, policies, and procedures affecting our SILS environment, discovery platforms, and other appropriate finding aids maintained by the Library.
  2. Raise issues and problems with existing cataloging and metadata standards, policies, and procedures and recommend solutions.
  3. Review, evaluate, and implement new national, system-wide and local cataloging and metadata standards, policies, and procedures.
  4. Comment on local, regional, or national cataloging initiatives.
  5. Monitor national trends in cataloging and metadata theory and practice.
  6. Respond to requests and problems identified by internal and external stakeholders, such as cataloging units, SILS groups, NRLF, Library administration, Library councils, Subject Specialty Libraries, Affiliated Libraries, BTECH, patrons, and staff.
  7. Communicate with all staff about cataloging and metadata issues.
  8. Advise on cataloging and metadata training needs and recommend solutions and/or plans.
  9. Validate, maintain, and make available cataloging and metadata related documentation written by the Council or from other sources.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion statement

The UC Berkeley Library stands firmly in opposition to discrimination and systemic oppression. Social justice, equal rights, and equal treatment for all are bedrock principles for the Library as we fulfill our public mission. It is clear that we must do more to address racism and other forms of prejudice or bias in the workplace and in the campus community. Cataloging and Metadata Council strives to advance the Library’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the context of our work, as it relates to diversifying how we describe our collections for discovery and access, with respect and sensitivity to all.

Membership

Members to include representatives from: each of the Subject Councils, each self-cataloging unit and Affiliated Library, Chair of BTECH, NRLF, Library IT, Acquisitions, Head of MdS, Head of Collection Services Division, AUL for Digital Initiatives and Information Technology, and AUL for Scholarly Resources. Guests may include PCC Program Liaisons and SILS group members.

Term

Two-year term

Chair

Adam Baron, Head of Metadata Services

Roster

  • Imad Abuelgasim, Metadata Services, 2023-25
  • Adam Baron, Head of Metadata Services, SILS Resource Management (ex officio)
  • Randal Brandt, Head of Cataloging, Bancroft Library (ex officio)
  • Anita Brown, Sciences Council, 2022-24
  • Miriam Campos-Quinn, Pacific Film Archive (ex officio)
  • Tim Converse, NRLF (ex officio)
  • Jackie Gosselar, Library IT (ex officio)
  • Mark Hemhauser, Acquisitions (ex officio)
  • Dori Hsiao, Social Sciences Division, 2022-24
  • Salwa Ismail, Associate University Librarian for Digital Initiatives and Information Technology (sponsor, ex officio)
  • Kris Kasianovitz, Institute of Governmental Studies (ex officio)
  • Haiqing Lin, Head Technical Services, East Asian Library (ex officio)
  • Lara Michels, Bancroft Library, 2023-25
  • Heiko Muhr, Earth Sciences and Map Library (ex officio)
  • Jo Anne Newyear Ramirez, Associate University Librarian for Scholarly Resources (sponsor, ex officio)
  • Kate Peck, Law Library (ex officio)
  • Jane Rosario, Division Head, Collection Services (ex officio)
  • Naomi Shiraishi, East Asian Library, Arts and Humanities Council, BIBCO liaison, 2022-24 (ex officio)
  • Robert Toyama, Ethnic Studies Library (ex officio)

Meeting schedule

First Monday of every month, 3-4 p.m., via Zoom

Email list

cmcouncil@lists.berkeley.edu