Copy cataloguing is exactly what the name implies: copying a catalogue entry from another source. This process is deemed acceptable because it saves time and energy in creating a record where one already exists in another location.
There are multiple sources from which to copy catalogue entries. On the one hand, some sources are free, but require more effort on your part to obtain and copy. MARC records can be viewed in the Library of Congress catalogue, or AMICUS (Canadian National Catalogue). Additionally, often CIP (Cataloguing in Publication) data is printed on the verso of the resource. (Although, as a result of the fact that the CIP is created before the final product is completed and published, the accuracy of this information is sometimes questionable). On the other hand, some sources cost money, but they provide services, such as delivering specific catalogue records (including MARC format) into your library catalogue. An example of one such source is: Worldcat.
Ultimately, when copy cataloguing, one must consider that just because a record already exists, it does not mean that it is a complete and superior catalogue entry; it just merely exists. Thus, the quality, depth, and accuracy of a catalogue entry must be assessed when "copying" the data from an existing record. Overall, I think that it would be considered "best practice" to enhance each copied record to meet the specific needs of your patrons and the library.
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