Fwd: Request for Feedback: Proposal to OCLC – "Transliterate All Fields" Option for Arabic and Persian Cataloging

[Evyn Kropf]

 Many thanks, Hassan --- passing along to mideastcat as well 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Hassan Mortada <hmor...@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Subject: [MELANET-L] Request for Feedback: Proposal to OCLC – "Transliterate All Fields" Option for Arabic and Persian Cataloging
To: <mela...@googlegroups.com>

Dear colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well.

I’m writing to kindly ask for your feedback on a proposal I'm preparing to submit to OCLC, titled “Feature Request: Transliterate All Fields Option for Arabic and Persian Cataloging.” The document is attached for your review.

This proposal suggests the addition of a cataloger-initiated function in Connexion Client (or future platforms) that would allow users to transliterate multiple selected MARC fields (e.g., 100, 245, 250, 264, 490, 830) in a single action—on command, not automatically. The aim is to enhance efficiency while maintaining cataloger control and data integrity.

As part of this proposal, I would like to ask you:

Do you currently use the automated transliteration tool in Connexion (found under Tools > Options > International)?

I would truly appreciate any feedback, suggestions, or concerns you might have. Your input will be invaluable in refining the proposal before I submit it to OCLC. If you’d prefer to respond off-list, you’re welcome to email me directly at hm0...@princeton.edu.

Thank you so much for your time and for all the work you do to support Arabic and Persian language cataloging.

Warm regards,
Hassan Mortada
Arabic Language Cataloging Librarian
Princeton University Library
PhD Candidate, Information Science
University at Buffalo