Transforming Cataloging Practices in University Libraries

Evaluating the Use of ChatGPT for Technical Processing at the PUCRS’ Main Library

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/biblios.2024.1168

Keywords:

Technical processing, Cataloging, ChatGPT, University library, Irmão José Otão Main Library, Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Abstract

Objective. Cataloging, one of the foundations of librarianship, is the action of representing an item through description. Through this activity, the librarian organizes knowledge through classification and establishes relationships through indexed subjects. In university libraries, this technical process has to be updated, as advances in technology directly influence the librarian's work. The aim of this study is to analyze the use of the ChatGPT tool version 3.5 for the technical processing (cataloguing, indexing and classification) of materials in the Information Processing Sector of the Irmão José Otão Central Library at PUCRS. The literature review deals with the representation of information, Artificial Intelligence (AI) modalities, the origin and characteristics of ChatGPT, the possibility of using a chatbot for technical processing and the ethical issues surrounding the tool.

Method. This is an exploratory study that presents a bibliographic survey of theoretical references on the themes of AI, cataloging and libraries and an experience report on the tests carried out by the Information Processing Sector of the PUCRS Library. The experience report of the tests carried out shows the analysis of the use of ChatGPT in cataloging, indexing and classification.

Results. The tests carried out show that ChatGPT can be used to support activities related to technical processing, such as indexing and classification. In data description, although the tool can be useful for libraries that use AACR2 as their cataloging code, description in RDA needs to be improved by training the chatbot with MARC21 fields for RDA.

Conclusions. With further development and improvement, ChatGPT has the potential to assist information professionals and facilitate the discovery of library collections. However, it is essential to be aware of the weaknesses and pitfalls that the tool can present. Critical evaluation by qualified professionals will be key to interpreting the information generated by the tool.

Author Biographies

Clarissa Jesinska Selbach, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul

Specialist in Business Management and Information Technology in Education. She has a degree in Librarianship from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2010), a specialization in Informatics in Education from PUCRS (2012) and a specialization in Business Management from PUCRS (2019). She is currently a librarian at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, responsible for the Information Processing Sector. She is proficient in RDA and AACR2 cataloging, CDD classification, indexing and other technical processing activities. She works with the acquisition of bibliographic materials and digital marketing through social networks. 

Ana Paula Medeiros Magnus, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Master in Information and Communication. She holds a master's degree in Information and Communication from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) (2018), a bachelor's degree in Library Science from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) (2009) and a specialization in Business Management from the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC) (2013). She has experience in Information Science, with an emphasis on Librarianship. Librarian at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, working in the Services Sector and currently in the Information Processing Sector of the Irmão José Otão Central Library.

Loiva Duarte Novak, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Specialist in Business Management. Specialist in Business Management from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Bachelor of Library Science from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). She is currently a librarian at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) working in the Information Processing Sector with technical processing of works in RDA, and also participates in personal and professional training and social communication working groups. 

Tamara da Rosa Silva, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Librarian at the Library of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), in the Information Processing Sector with technical processing of works in RDA. Student of the Specialization course in Cataloging at UNOCHAPECÓ. Special student (2024/1) in the Graduate Program in Education (PPGEDU-UFRGS). Special student (2023/2) in the Graduate Program in Information Science (PPGCIN-UFRGS). Graduated in Library Science (2023/2) from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Library Technician from the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS).

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Published

2025-02-07

How to Cite

Selbach, C. J., Medeiros Magnus, A. P., Duarte Novak, L., & Silva, T. da R. (2025). Transforming Cataloging Practices in University Libraries: Evaluating the Use of ChatGPT for Technical Processing at the PUCRS’ Main Library. Biblios Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, (87), e010. https://doi.org/10.5195/biblios.2024.1168

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No. 87 (2024): Production and Dissemination of Scientific Knowledge: Achievements, Opportunities and Challenges

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Copyright (c) 2025 Clarissa Jesinska Selbach, Ana Paula Medeiros Magnus, Loiva Duarte Novak, Tamara da Rosa Silva

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