metacataloging

Metacataloging refers to the practice of cataloging catalogs. Instead of describing individual resources like books or articles, metacataloging focuses on describing the collections or databases that contain those resources. The goal is to provide a higher-level overview of available information, helping users discover and access relevant catalogs or databases that might hold the specific items they are looking for.

This concept is particularly useful in large or distributed information environments where finding the right catalog or database can be a challenge. A metacatalog entry might include information such as the scope of the catalog (e.g., subject areas covered, types of materials included), its physical or digital location, access policies, and contact information. It acts as a directory of directories, enabling more efficient navigation of complex information landscapes.

Essentially, metacataloging aims to improve discoverability by making the catalogs themselves discoverable. It's a strategy for managing and organizing the metadata about metadata, thereby enhancing the overall usability and accessibility of information resources. This approach can be applied in libraries, archives, digital repositories, and other systems where vast amounts of information are organized into multiple discrete collections.