A Study of Romanization Practice for Japanese Language Titles in OCLC WorldCat Records

Consistent romanization practice is one of the biggest challenges in cataloging Japanese materials. This study provides a snapshot of how Japanese is inconsistently or incorrectly romanized in Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) WorldCat records, and analyzes factors that might be causing the romanization problems among the records. Particular focus is placed on the analysis of word division problems that might be affected by different interpretations and applications of the ALA-LC Romanization Tables rules. Results revealed major factors behind the inconsistencies that were associated with the ambiguity and complexity of the word division rules. Solutions and ideas for further studies are suggested