5th ed. (2013) of ANSI/NISO Z39.7 Data Dictionary now available

The National Information Standards Organization (NISO) recently published the 5th edition of the standard ANSI/NISO Z39.7, Information Services and Use: Metrics and Statistics for Libraries and Information Providers – Data Dictionary. The purpose of the Z39.7 Data Dictionary is to assist the information community in the identification, definition, collection, and interpretation of statistical data used to describe the current status and condition of libraries in the United States. 

Originally published in 1968 with the title Library Statistics, the standard has evolved through its subsequent editions, culminating in an online data dictionary and new title in the 2004 edition. In 2008, NISO moved the standard from periodic to continuous maintenance and established the Z39.7 Standing Committee to maintain the standard.

The Z39.7 Data Dictionary is available in open access on the NISO website at http://z39-7.niso.org/. A downloadable PDF version of the standard is also available. Users of the standard are encouraged to submit suggestions to the Z39.7 Standing Committee at any time. Information on the continuous maintenance process is available from the Committees’ webpage at www.niso.org/workrooms/z39-7.

See the full press release here: http://www.niso.org/news/pr/view?item_key=4bab6c0503ed5d9f392f862e9d32ce346eef6c69

Textbooks in Google Play Store

Google recently announced that they will be offering textbooks through their Google Play store. http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/07/textbooks-coming-to-the-google-play-store/

Users will be allowed to rent them for six months and for up to 80% off of their purchase price. This is a variation on Apples "Textbooks for iPad" program. http://www.apple.com/education/ibooks-textbooks/

Library of Congress Transitions to Free, Online-Only Cataloging Publications

The Library of Congress has announced a transition to online-only publication of its cataloging documentation. As titles that are in production are released, the Library’s Cataloging Distribution Service (CDS) will no longer print new editions of its subject headings, classification schedules and other cataloging publications. The Library will instead provide free downloadable PDF versions of these titles.
For users desiring enhanced functionality, the Library’s two web-based subscription services, Cataloger’s Desktop and Classification Web, will continue as products from CDS.

From American Libraries Direct, 6/26/2013

LC's report from ALA Annual 2013 available online

For those who missed it, LC's report on cataloging-related activities presented to CC:DA at the recent ALA annual meeting in Chicago is available online at http://alcts.ala.org/ccdablog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/lc201306.pdf. A significant portion of the four-page document relays important information about the impact of RDA on the name authority file, LCSH, headings for fictitious and legendary characters and animals with proper names, the Subject Headings Manual, and the Classification and Shelflisting Manual. RDA-related changes made to LCSH center largely around subject headings having to do with the Bible and the Qurʼan; for example, "Water in the Koran" has become "Water in the Qurʼan." The complete list of changed subject headings can be found at http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/subjects-RDA-changes.pdf. The LC report also includes a brief update on the BIBFRAME initiative, and information about LC's transition to online-only publication of its cataloging documentation.