CIP stands for Cataloging in Publication. It is a program that provides cataloging data for books that are in the process of being published. This cataloging data is then used by libraries and other organizations to create catalog records for the books. CIP is a service provided by the Library of Congress (LOC) in the United States, and its goal is to make it easier for libraries to catalog and make books available to their patrons.
The CIP program collects bibliographic information and prepares a catalog record for a book before it is published. This information is then provided to the publisher, who can include it in the book’s front matter. This information includes the author, title, publisher, publication date, and other important details about the book. This helps the libraries to catalog the books as soon as they are published, making them available to patrons more quickly.
The CIP data is also available to other organizations, such as bookstores, distributors, and online retailers, allowing them to more easily identify and market the book. This service is especially useful for small publishers and self-publishers, who may not have the resources to create their own cataloging data.
CIP is a beneficial service for libraries and publishers, as it streamlines the cataloging process and makes new books available to patrons more quickly. It also helps the small publishers and self-publishers to have the cataloging data for their books.
CIP, or Cataloging in Publication, is a program that provides cataloging data for books that are in the process of being published. It has a long history of development, with several changes over the years.
- Origins: The CIP program was first established in the 1970s by the Library of Congress (LOC) in the United States. The goal of the program was to make it easier for libraries to catalog and make books available to their patrons.
- Expansion: As the program grew, the LOC began to provide CIP data to other organizations, such as bookstores, distributors, and online retailers. This allowed these organizations to more easily identify and market new books.
- Increase in small publishers: In the 1980s and 1990s, the number of small publishers and self-publishers increased, which made the CIP program more important as it helped these publishers to have the cataloging data for their books, which they might not have the resources to create.
- Online access: In the 2000s, the CIP program expanded to make the cataloging data available online through the Cataloging in Publication (CIP) Data Program website, which allows publishers and other organizations to access the data more easily.
- RDA: With the introduction of RDA (Resource Description and Access) in 2010, the CIP program began to adopt the new standard for cataloging, which allows for more flexibility and adaptability to the changing needs of libraries and the digital age.
- Current status: The CIP program is still active today, and it continues to provide cataloging data for books that are in the process of being published. It is considered as an important service for libraries and publishers, as it streamlines the cataloging process and makes new books available to patrons more quickly.
To create a CIP (Cataloging in Publication) record for a book, the publisher or author typically needs to follow these steps:
- Submit a request: The publisher or author should contact the Library of Congress (LOC) and submit a request for CIP data. This request should include information about the book, such as the title, author, publisher, and publication date.
- Provide information: The publisher or author should provide detailed information about the book, such as a copy of the manuscript, cover art, and any additional materials that will be included in the final publication.
- Review and approval: The LOC will review the information provided and create a CIP record for the book. Once the record is complete, it will be sent to the publisher or author for approval.
- Printing: Once the CIP record is approved, the publisher or author can include the CIP data in the front matter of the book, typically on the copyright page.
- Distribution: The publisher should distribute the books to the libraries or other organizations that have requested them.
It’s important to note that the process may vary depending on the country or the specific organization that is providing the CIP service, but generally, it follows the same steps, providing detailed information about the book, getting approval, and then including the CIP data in the front matter of the book.