La conversione retrospettiva dei cataloghi cartacei

The successful implementation of library automation projects and the growing user access to online library services has actually blotted out the documents not yet described in online catalogues, hastening the need for retrospective conversion projects. The aim of retrospective conversion is not only to merge the card and the electronic catalogues, which are separate entities in most automated libraries, but also to make bibliographic records available within the integrated library management system procedures, a prerequisite for true library automation. This paper analyzes the grounds for retrospective conversion projects, describes the most used techniques as well as the experiences of the libraries involved, and stresses the need for a coordinated national policy supporting, financing and steering the retrospective conversion of bibliographic records within the integrated library management systems in Italy.