Sample interview questions: Can you provide an example of a difficult cataloging problem you encountered and how you resolved it?
Sample answer:
Certainly! Here’s an example of a challenging cataloging problem I encountered and how I resolved it:
Cataloging a Rare Book with Limited Information
Problem:
I was tasked with cataloging a rare book from the 18th century. The book had no title page, no author information, and no publication details. The only clues I had were a few handwritten notes inside the book and some fragments of the text.
Resolution:
To resolve this problem, I embarked on a comprehensive research journey:
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Physical Examination: I meticulously examined the book for any clues, such as watermarks, printing techniques, or binding styles, that could provide hints about its origin.
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Bibliographic Research: I consulted various bibliographic databases and rare book catalogs to search for any mention of the book or its contents. I also reached out to rare book experts and antiquarian booksellers for their insights.
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Textual Analysis: I carefully analyzed the text, paying attention to the language, style, and subject matter. This analysis helped me narrow down the possible time period and genre of the book.
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Comparative Analysis: I compared the text with other similar works from the same period and genre. This allowed me to identify common el… Read full answer
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