National bibliographies are cherished within information science. They are also a rich but remarkably undervalued data resource for historical research, providing comprehensive quantitative insights to the large-scale temporal and spatial dynamics of the evolving publishing landscape. At the same time, a bias in terms of data collection processes or quality may hinder productive use of the bibliographies as a research resource. Obtaining valid conclusions depends on efficient and reliable harmonization and augmentation of the raw entries. In our study based on the Swedish National Bibliography and the Finnish National Bibliography and focusing on publication patterns in Sweden and Finland during the period 1640-1910, we have encountered specific and largely overlooked challenges in using bibliographic catalogues for historical research. This paper demonstrates how such challenges can be overcome by specifically tailored data analytical ecosystems that provide scalable tools for data processing and analysis. Furthermore, we show how external sources of metadata, for instance, on authors, publishers, or geographical places, can be used to enrich and verify bibliographic information. This type of ecosystem has potential for wider implementation in related studies and other bibliographies. In particular, our systematic approach provides a starting point and guidelines for more extensive integration of national catalogues. National bibliographies are essentially about mapping the national canon of publishing, but integrating data across borders should be managed in a way that takes into account specific local circumstances while also helping to overcome the national view in analyzing the past. We are now expanding our pilot study on the Finnish and Swedish bibliographies towards large-scale integration of national bibliographies in the CERL Heritage of the Printed Book Database. Such integration can help scholarship to reach a more precise view of print culture beyond the confines of national bibliographies.
References
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Instructions
Cataloging & Classification Quarterly emphasizes full-length research and review articles, descriptions of new programs and technology relevant to cataloging and classification, considered speculative articles on improved methods of bibliographic control for the future, and solicited book reviews. Topics include: cataloging and preservation; cataloging for digital resources; cataloging for special collections and archives; classification and subject analysis and access, descriptive cataloging; education and training for cataloging and classification; the internationalization of cataloging; management of cataloging and related functions; maps and other cartographic and spatial materials; online retrieval; usability issues related to the catalog; use of catalog records.
Provides an effective international forum for information and discussion in the field of bibliographic organization. This highly respected journal considers the full spectrum of creation, content, management, use, and usability of bibliographic records, including the principles, functions, and techniques of descriptive cataloging; the wide range of methods of subject analysis and classification; provision of access for all formats of materials; and policies, planning, and issues connected to the effective use of bibliographic data in modern society.
Deals with the historic setting as well as with the contemporary, and with theory and scholarly research as well as with practical applications. In a rapidly changing field, it seeks out and fosters new developments in the transition to new forms of bibliographic control and encourages the innovative and the nontraditional. Computer applications and network systems are considered from the point of view of creators and users of bibliographic records rather than from that of technicians.
Formatting
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This work was supported by the <Funding Agency> under Grant <number xxxx>.
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