Page 84 - DLIS103_LIBRARY_CLASSIFICATION_AND_CATALOGUING_THEORY

Unit 13: Subject Cataloguing

That the first theme which Taine mentions pertains to a definition of the function of subject Notes
headings is particularly significant. Many writings begin or end on the note that the development
of theoretical principles to govern subject cataloguing techniques is our most compelling need. On
the surface, the plea for a theory of subject headings appears not so much a request for principles,
rather as an expression of hope that someone will work out a manual to guide subject cataloguers
in the techniques of their art.

13.2 Sears List of Subject Headings

Subject Cataloguing is that specific procedure of cataloguing by which the cataloguer chooses the
appropriate subject heading for the subject discussed in the catalogued books. Thereafter, he
presents a subject-wise list of the books on the basis of the alphabetical order of these headings.
Main objective of the subject cataloguing is to fulfill the subject-related needs of the readers.

Notes According to M.E. Sears, “The subject catalogue tries to list less than one form of
heading of all books on a given subject that the library possesses.”
Following are the different kinds of subject catalogue:
(i) Alphabetical subject catalogue,
(ii) Classified subject catalogue, and
(iii) Alphabetic—classed subject catalogue.

Subject Heading
Subject heading is that element which gives complete indication of the subject entry. The
headings of the subjects remain uniform, ordered and specific by it.
Selection of the subjects heading is very important in formation of the subject entry.
Need for the formation of subject heading arises for providing information of a specific
subject and all its aspects, for complete reading material available in the library under the
subject catalogue.

Method of Deriving Subject Heading

Following are the two main methods of deriving a subject heading:
1. Printed list of subject headings, and
2. Chain procedure.

List of subject headings
The meaning of the list of subject headings is to present a prior list of indicative headings of cross-
references of subject-wise lists by which these can be prepared.
The cataloguer determines the subject headings on the basis of these lists of subject headings only.
Subject heading lists are required for determining the cross references and to maintain uniformity
and standardization in the subject headings.
Following are the standard subject heading lists used for determining the subject headings in
English language:
(i) Sears list of subject headings,
(ii) A.L.A. List of Subject Headings for Use in Dictionary Catalogues.
(iii) Library of congress subject headings.

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