I learned how to do cataloging today using the OCLC (Online Computer Library Center). It reminded me of this film clip that I came across on The Polyglot Spot.

Maybe it’s naive, but I don’t see why both systems of organization can’t coexist for library catalogs. Imagine if users could tag materials in their university catalogs. In addition to searching for items in a standardized, hierarchal manner, you could also search laterally, rhizomatically. Imagine doing research on your topic where the material would have tags to help you trace its place in numerous discourses (e.g. tags like contra-Bazin, early third wave feminism, postwar Japan, May 68, queer, libertarian), local university courses (e.g. Prof X recommends, good for PSY100), student opinion (e.g. boring, concise, weak methodology, outdated, heavy) etc. Currently, articles on HeinOnline allow users to make digital comments on articles; this would be similar, but with the additional power of organization and navigation.

It reminds me a little of wordpress’ post about the difference between categories and tags. Lorelle weighs in with a more detailed explanation and related links.