Page 96 - DLIS103_LIBRARY_CLASSIFICATION_AND_CATALOGUING_THEORY

Unit 13: Subject Cataloguing

necessarily expressed in natural language, many users may choose to search OPACs by keywords. Notes
Moreover, users unfamiliar with OPAC searching and LCSH, may incorrectly assume their
library has no items on their desired topic, if they chose to search by 'subject' field, and the terms
they entered do not strictly conform to a LCSH. For example 'body temperature regulation' is
used in place of 'thermoregulation'. Thus the easiest way to find and use LCSH is to start with a
'keyword' search and then look at the Subject Headings of a relevant item to locate other related
material

Self Assessment

State whether the following sentences are true or false:
4. The United States National Library of medicine developed medical subject headings to use
on its many health science databases and collection.
5. LCSH. INFO was set up by Ed Summers, a library of congress employee, circa December 18, 2009.
6. The easiest way to find and use LCSH is to start with a keyword search and then look at the
subject headings of a relevant item to locate other related material.

13.5 Summary
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.
There are different kinds of subject catalogue. Alphabetical subject catalogue, Classified
subject catalogue, and Alphabetic — classed subject catalogue.
Subject heading is that element which gives complete indication of the subject entry. The
headings of the subjects remain uniform, ordered and specific.
Selection of the subjects heading is very important in formation of the subject entry.

13.6 Keywords
Subject cataloguing : Form or portion of the library cataloguing process that not only
describes a title but classifies it and assigns subject headings.
Subject heading : Subject heading is that element which gives complete indication
of the subject entry.
Subject heading classification : Subject heading classification is a human and intellectual
endeavour, where trained professionals apply topic descriptions
to items in their collections.

13.7 Review Questions

1. Explain the concepts, purpose and problems of subject cataloguing.
2. Discuss Sears list of Subject headings.
3. Write the uses and limitations of subject heading list.
4. Elaborate policy issues of LCSH.
5. Write the uses of LCSH.
Answers: Self Assessment

1. Readers 2. Sears list 3. Haykin 4. True
5. False 6. True

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