Navigating the Challenges of Cataloguing Theses and Dissertations

 Supervisor interview

Student: Austen Esch

Supervisor: Shelley Barba

 

March 17, 2025

While I have not specialized in any particular field for my master’s degree, during my practicum internship, I have engaged in cataloging for my supervisor, Shelley Barba. As a result, I have had the opportunity to explore metadata cleaning and management. The metadata I have worked with comes from theses and dissertations from Texas Tech University, which Mrs. Barba curates. Cataloging theses and dissertations requires strict standards, with components like subject headings, my primary focus in my internship is deriving their standards from the Library of Congress Subject Headings. Through this interview with Mrs. Barba, I wanted to learn more about her position as the curator of Texas Tech University’s theses and dissertations, specifically focusing on the best cataloging and management practices.

              Over the course of the interview, Shelley Barba shared details about her role in curating the theses and dissertations collection at the Texas Tech Library. My first question centered around the standards utilized by the university library in cataloging theses and dissertations. Mrs. Barba shared that the metadata standards used for cataloging theses and dissertations at Texas Tech University include the Texas Digital Library Descriptive Metadata Guidelines for Electronic Theses and Dissertations, v.2, which is structured on a Qualified Dublin Core schema. Adopting these standards helps to maintain consistency in the information being used for cataloging, such as with authors’ names and subject headings. There are continuous pushes to standardize and introduce controlled vocabulary to all aspects of cataloging. I asked Mrs. Barba to share with me the challenges that come with managing an electronic theses and dissertations repository. She explained that it comes with constantly evolving challenges, with AI bots attempting to harvest collections being a newer development she has had to contend with. I inquired about how Mrs. Barba collaborates with other library departments, faculty, and students and what effect these relationships have on cataloging theses and dissertations. She explained that these relationships are critical to the cataloging process, in helping to ensure metadata accuracy. Next, I questioned her about the process of providing the long-term preservation of the theses and dissertations that she has cataloged for Texas Tech. Mrs. Barba informed me that a multi-layer backup system was utilized by the library, with a LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff  Safe) approach being adopted to geographically distribute backups. I also wanted to know how digitalization has specifically transformed the cataloging process for someone in her position. Mrs. Barba expressed gratitude for digitalization, explaining that it has totally transformed the availability of sources but has required some adapting of cataloging processes to accommodate online searching. I then asked her about the critical issue of copyright, embargos, and open-access policies regarding these cataloged theses and dissertations. Mrs. Barbra indicated that she is passionate about respecting the wishes of student authors and considers this topic a critical component of curating something like theses and dissertations. She informed me that students grant non-exclusive distribution rights to Texas Tech, and most works become available within six years. However, some works remain restricted due to things like intellectual property agreements, NDAs, or due to concerns about future publications.

In conclusion, this interview provided me with valuable insight into the complex world of cataloging and managing. I came to better understand the importance of standardization and accuracy in the cataloging process. I also gained insight into the evolving world of digital cataloging and the increased availability of material to the public due to digitalization. I also gained a glimpse into the ethical complexities of having open access while honoring authors' wishes. Mrs. Barba indicated to me that the cataloging field is rapidly advancing as we continue to develop newer technologies. Overall, I now have a deeper understanding of the effort and precision involved in cataloging and maintaining a library collection, especially in regard to theses and dissertations. 

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