الملخص الإنجليزي
The study has aimed to investigate the status of authority control of Omani authors' names in Omani library catalogs. To reach these goals the researcher followed the analytical descriptive methodology in the Libraries field, using a check list as well a model list. The historical methodology was also used to cover the retrospective literature. The research community consisted of eight libraries and a sample of los authority records selected from the authority list prepared by the researcher.
The following results were reached: - Most of the libraries use the electronic system in creating authority control files. - Libraries use different rules in creating authority files. - The study has revealed that Vo% apply the rule of using the most popular name when there are many names are used for the same author and 11,0% do not use maden names as main entries. - The average of using qualifiers to names has reached TV%-1.7, and AV,0% only use cross references in their catalogs. - The study has revealed that catalogers are facing some problems like authors with the same names, and different forms of old names, and difficulty in assigning date of birth and death. The research showed that there is a lack of authority control list, and the catalogers are in great need for cataloging training.
The study has recommended that:
- Union National Authority Control Project is a must.
- Training for catalogers is essential.
- Strategic planning for authority control is needed.
- Regular maintenance of authority files should be taken in consideration.
Some Future studies was suggested :
- The effect of Authority control on information retrieval.
- Forms of Omani names on title page.
- Authority control of transliterated foreign names in Arabic catalogs.
- Is Omani libraries ready to establish the Union National Authority Control Files.
