Have you been given cataloging or metadata responsibilities in your library without formal training? Do you have experience cataloging one specific type of resource, and now you have been asked to catalog unfamiliar items? Or are you just beginning your library cataloging career and you aren't sure where to find the help that you need? The Sudden Position Guide to Cataloging and Metadata will be a good starting point to learn about the principles and standards of resource description in order to prepare you to tackle your new cataloging or metadata duties. Throughout this guide, many resources and tools are shared to help you have more success in your cataloging and metadata career.

So you're suddenly a cataloger --Theoretical principles of resource description -- Learning the standards: cataloging -- Learning the standards: metadata -- Things you might encounter -- Tools of the trade -- Conclusion.