This study intends to make a comprehensive inquiry about the appropriateness of library cataloging in Korea. Emphasis was on analyzing how both reasonable and systematic library cataloging process and method are as the central axis of library operations. To the end, this study examined U.S. libraries' cataloging principle and practice with the case of 2 research libraries and 2 public libraries in Washington state. The focus was on investigating their values and philosophies about library cataloging. The result of this study is expected to be useful in preparing the strategies to overcome the problems and limitations in cataloging practices of Korean libraries.