Library of Congress Subject Headings

1. Library of Congress Subject Headings [Bring SCM:SH] [Put copy of LCSH at front of room] Let’s do a brief review of Library of Congress Subject Headings. [Bring SCM:SH] [Put copy of LCSH at front of room] Let’s do a brief review of Library of Congress Subject Headings.

2. We start by asking ourselves “What is the entire work about?” [click] Then we look in LCSH for a subject heading that expressed that concept. [click] When we find an appropriate heading, we look to see if there are any appropriate subdivisions under that heading that would be appropriate.. [click At this point, we ask whether our subject heading is sufficiently precise to express the concept of what this book is about. [click] If so, we go directly to our geographic subdivision if appropriate. [click] If not, we search the Subject Cataloging Manual for a floating subdivision that might be appropriate. [click] When we feel that our subject heading expresses the concept, we look to see if a geographic subdivision is appropriate. If so, we add it at the most specific point in our heading that geographic subdivision is allowed. We start by asking ourselves “What is the entire work about?” [click] Then we look in LCSH for a subject heading that expressed that concept. [click] When we find an appropriate heading, we look to see if there are any appropriate subdivisions under that heading that would be appropriate.. [click At this point, we ask whether our subject heading is sufficiently precise to express the concept of what this book is about. [click] If so, we go directly to our geographic subdivision if appropriate. [click] If not, we search the Subject Cataloging Manual for a floating subdivision that might be appropriate. [click] When we feel that our subject heading expresses the concept, we look to see if a geographic subdivision is appropriate. If so, we add it at the most specific point in our heading that geographic subdivision is allowed.

3. Providing specificity—Types of subdivisions Geographic Chronological (time period) Topical Form As you recall, LCSH offers a variety of types of subdivisions. These allow us to provide greater specificity in our subject headings. These subdivisions can specify a particular geographic area or a time period. They can restrict a subject to a particular subtopic within the area. Or they can designate the form of the item we’re cataloging. As you recall, LCSH offers a variety of types of subdivisions. These allow us to provide greater specificity in our subject headings. These subdivisions can specify a particular geographic area or a time period. They can restrict a subject to a particular subtopic within the area. Or they can designate the form of the item we’re cataloging.

4. Geographic subdivision permissions—two ways Church and state (May Subd Geog) — Austria We can only subdivide geographically when you have permission to do so. Permission can be given in two ways: Explicitly listed in LCSH The phrase “may subdivide geographically” We can only subdivide geographically when you have permission to do so. Permission can be given in two ways: Explicitly listed in LCSH The phrase “may subdivide geographically”

5. A subject heading with an established geographic subdivision is easy to see in the Big Red Books. But what does this look like in the online version? [click] Let’s search on “church and state” [click] Being careful to select Subject Authority Headings [click] We click on begin search [click] A subject heading with an established geographic subdivision is easy to see in the Big Red Books. But what does this look like in the online version? [click] Let’s search on “church and state” [click] Being careful to select Subject Authority Headings [click] We click on begin search [click]

6. [click] We find the established subject heading “Church and state.” We can see that by clicking on the button to the left of the heading. However, we want to find out if the Library of Congress has already established Austria as a geographic subdivision of Church and State. For that we don’t click on the button. We scan down the list of headings. [click] The heading “Church and State—Africa” has been constructed by a cataloger who was cataloging a book on the relationship between church and state in Africa. However, it hasn’t been established in LCSH. Meaning, you won’t find it in the Big Red Books. [click] We can see this because there is no button to the left of the heading that allows us to go to an authority record for “Church and state—Africa.” [click] We don’t see Austria yet so we scroll down the page. [click] We find the established subject heading “Church and state.” We can see that by clicking on the button to the left of the heading. However, we want to find out if the Library of Congress has already established Austria as a geographic subdivision of Church and State. For that we don’t click on the button. We scan down the list of headings. [click] The heading “Church and State—Africa” has been constructed by a cataloger who was cataloging a book on the relationship between church and state in Africa. However, it hasn’t been established in LCSH. Meaning, you won’t find it in the Big Red Books. [click] We can see this because there is no button to the left of the heading that allows us to go to an authority record for “Church and state—Africa.” [click] We don’t see Austria yet so we scroll down the page.

7. [click] We continue scanning down the list. We get to the bottom of the page and we still haven’t seen Austria yet so we go to the continuation of the list. [click] [click] We continue scanning down the list. We get to the bottom of the page and we still haven’t seen Austria yet so we go to the continuation of the list. [click]

8. At last we find “Church and state—Austria” [click] We know this is an authorized heading because we see our button that says “Authorized heading.” [click] At this point we would click on the button and retrieve our authority record. At last we find “Church and state—Austria” [click] We know this is an authorized heading because we see our button that says “Authorized heading.” [click] At this point we would click on the button and retrieve our authority record.

9. How do we know that a heading can be subdivided geographically? In the printed version this is easy. [click] It says “May Subdivide Geographically.” But what about the online version? [click] For that we need to look at the actual authority record. [Click] How do we know that a heading can be subdivided geographically? In the printed version this is easy. [click] It says “May Subdivide Geographically.” But what about the online version? [click] For that we need to look at the actual authority record. [Click]

10. We click on the authority record for our term. [click] We click on the authority record for our term. [click]

11. And we click again. [click] And we click again. [click]

12. This is the top section of the authority record for Courts. Now, you may remember that when you entered a cataloging record online there were a series of “fixed fields” at the top of the screen. An authority record for a subject heading also has a set of fixed fields. Let’s look at the 008 field [click]. Let’s enlarge it a bit to make it easier to see. This is the top section of the authority record for Courts. Now, you may remember that when you entered a cataloging record online there were a series of “fixed fields” at the top of the screen. An authority record for a subject heading also has a set of fixed fields. Let’s look at the 008 field [click]. Let’s enlarge it a bit to make it easier to see.

13. Authority record 008 860211i| anannbabn |b ana This is the 008 field of the authority record for Courts. Notice the i in the character string? This i means that the subject heading can be subdivided geographically. An “i” in this position means “yes” you can geographically subdivide. If this position were blank, it would mean “no” you cannot geographically subdivide this heading. Remember how we mentioned that in the old days LCSH would say that a heading could be geographically subdivided either directly or indirectly but that now we only use always do it indirectly, going through the collection level? That’s why this is an i. This is the 008 field of the authority record for Courts. Notice the i in the character string? This i means that the subject heading can be subdivided geographically. An “i” in this position means “yes” you can geographically subdivide. If this position were blank, it would mean “no” you cannot geographically subdivide this heading. Remember how we mentioned that in the old days LCSH would say that a heading could be geographically subdivided either directly or indirectly but that now we only use always do it indirectly, going through the collection level? That’s why this is an i.

14. http://www.loc.gov/marc/ Now you’re probably wondering where would you find out that an “i” in that position of the 008 field of a subject authority record indicated whether the heading could be subdivided geographically. The answer takes us to the MARC standards page at the Library of Congress. For the first part of the class we concentrated on MARC bibliographic to find out how to encode a bibliographic record for our book. To find out what the fields mean in an authority record we need to consult MARC Authority. [click] Let’s enlarge the left-hand section of the MARC standards page. Now you’re probably wondering where would you find out that an “i” in that position of the 008 field of a subject authority record indicated whether the heading could be subdivided geographically. The answer takes us to the MARC standards page at the Library of Congress. For the first part of the class we concentrated on MARC bibliographic to find out how to encode a bibliographic record for our book. To find out what the fields mean in an authority record we need to consult MARC Authority. [click] Let’s enlarge the left-hand section of the MARC standards page.

15. To find information about our authority record, we click on the link to MARC Authority. [click] To find information about our authority record, we click on the link to MARC Authority. [click]

16. To get to the information about the 008 field we click on 00X. [click] To get to the information about the 008 field we click on 00X. [click]

17. Then we click on the 008 field. Then we click on the 008 field.

18. This is the information about the 008 field. I’ve edited out some of the information in order to make it easier to read. [click] The 008 field contains forty character positions (00-39) (note that the numbering starts with 0), that contain positionally-defined data elements. In other words, you look at each position in the character string to determine what the character means. You’ll see this in a moment. [click] The character at position number 06 tells us whether or not a subject heading can be subdivided geographically. [click] If position 06 is left blank, we cannot subdivide the heading geographically. [click] An “i” in position number 06 tells us that we can subdivide something geographically. Let’s see what this looks like in an authority record. This is the information about the 008 field. I’ve edited out some of the information in order to make it easier to read. [click] The 008 field contains forty character positions (00-39) (note that the numbering starts with 0), that contain positionally-defined data elements. In other words, you look at each position in the character string to determine what the character means. You’ll see this in a moment. [click] The character at position number 06 tells us whether or not a subject heading can be subdivided geographically. [click] If position 06 is left blank, we cannot subdivide the heading geographically. [click] An “i” in position number 06 tells us that we can subdivide something geographically. Let’s see what this looks like in an authority record.

19. Authority record 008 860211i| anannbabn |b ana [click The 008 is our MARC tag. [click] Within the field the position numbers start with 0. Our “i” in the authority record for Courts is in the 6th position, telling us that the heading can be subdivided geographically. Now you see why I focus on the Big Red Books in the beginning-level class. [click The 008 is our MARC tag. [click] Within the field the position numbers start with 0. Our “i” in the authority record for Courts is in the 6th position, telling us that the heading can be subdivided geographically. Now you see why I focus on the Big Red Books in the beginning-level class.

20. For contrast, let’s take a look at a heading that may not be subdivided geographically. [click] Let’s take a look at the 008 field of the authority record. [click] Again, let’s enlarge it. For contrast, let’s take a look at a heading that may not be subdivided geographically. [click] Let’s take a look at the 008 field of the authority record. [click] Again, let’s enlarge it.

21. Notice that the 6th position is blank? [click] This indicates that the heading cannot be subdivided geographically. [click] Notice that the 6th position is blank? [click] This indicates that the heading cannot be subdivided geographically. [click]

22. Let’s look at the two together. [click] Courts can be subdivided so it has an “i” [click] Corless family cannot be subdivided so it has a blank. Let’s look at the two together. [click] Courts can be subdivided so it has an “i” [click] Corless family cannot be subdivided so it has a blank.

23. Geographic subdivision collecting levels Perfumes (May Subd Geog) If you are adding a geographic subdivision for a city, county, or town, with a few exceptions (Washington, D.C.; Jerusalem; New York metropolitan area) you must go through a collecting level. If you are adding a geographic subdivision for a city, county, or town, with a few exceptions (Washington, D.C.; Jerusalem; New York metropolitan area) you must go through a collecting level.

24. Geographic subdivisions - collecting levels United States, Canada, Great Britain First-level political subdivisions (states, constituent countries, republics) assigned directly Posies — Idaho — Pocatello Celts — Alberta — Calgary Kilts — Scotland — Kirkcaldy Other countries Collecting level is the country Tulips — Italy — Turin For a city outside of the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, the collecting level is the country. For the United States the collecting level is the state. For Canada it’s the province. Gardens—Québec (Province)—Montréal For Great Britain it’s the constituent country, such as Scotland. Gardens—Scotland—Dumfriesshire For a city outside of the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, the collecting level is the country. For the United States the collecting level is the state. For Canada it’s the province. Gardens—Québec (Province)—Montréal For Great Britain it’s the constituent country, such as Scotland. Gardens—Scotland—Dumfriesshire

25. Geographic subdivisions - collecting levels (2) Exceptions to the rule: Washington Metropolitan Area, New York Metropolitan Area, and Jerusalem Metropolitan Area are cited directly Ferns — Washington (D.C.) Ferns — Jerusalem The exceptions to the previous rule are: Washington Metropolitan Area New York Metropolitan Area Jerusalem Metropolitan Area These are cited directly. [Next slide for New York]The exceptions to the previous rule are: Washington Metropolitan Area New York Metropolitan Area Jerusalem Metropolitan Area These are cited directly. [Next slide for New York]

26. Geographic subdivisions - collecting levels (3) New York Metropolitan Area Ferns — New York Metropolitan Area New York City Ferns — New York (State) — New York The New York Metropolitan area evidently includes parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. New York City is entirely within New York State The New York Metropolitan area evidently includes parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. New York City is entirely within New York State

27. Geographic subdivisions versus geographic heading Geographic subdivision: Gardens — France — Paris We talked the difference between geographically subdividing a topic and topically subdividing a place. In the top box we have a topical subject heading (Gardens) subdivided by a place, Paris. In subdividing by place we record the collecting level (France) first, then record the city. Note that when the geographic entity is the subject heading rather than the subdivision it is represented differently. We start with the specific entity and add a geographic qualifier. We talked the difference between geographically subdividing a topic and topically subdividing a place. In the top box we have a topical subject heading (Gardens) subdivided by a place, Paris. In subdividing by place we record the collecting level (France) first, then record the city. Note that when the geographic entity is the subject heading rather than the subdivision it is represented differently. We start with the specific entity and add a geographic qualifier.

28. Chronological subdivisions in LCSH American poetry (May Subd Geog) — Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 — Revolutionary period, 1775-1783 — 1783-1850 — 19th century — 20th century

29. Subdivisions Listed in LCSH Free-floating subdivisions to be added by cataloger We can find our subdivisions in a couple of ways. Subdivisions can be listed in LCSH itself, already established for us Or we can consult our lists of free-floating subdivisions. If we find a subdivision that is appropriate, we can add it where allowed. We can find our subdivisions in a couple of ways. Subdivisions can be listed in LCSH itself, already established for us Or we can consult our lists of free-floating subdivisions. If we find a subdivision that is appropriate, we can add it where allowed.

30. Subdivisions listed in LCSH American poetry (May Subd Geog) — Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 — Revolutionary period, 1775-1783 — 1783-1850 — 19th century — 20th century — — Readings with music Many subdivisions are listed in LCSH. Here, for example, the heading “American poetry” has been subdivided—broken down into periods of American history. And the subdivision 20th century has itself been further subdivided by –Readings with music. You cannot move the subdivision –Readings with music to an earlier period. Many subdivisions are listed in LCSH. Here, for example, the heading “American poetry” has been subdivided—broken down into periods of American history. And the subdivision 20th century has itself been further subdivided by –Readings with music. You cannot move the subdivision –Readings with music to an earlier period.

31. Transfer subdivisions listed? American poetry (May Subd Geog) — Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 — Revolutionary period, 1775-1783 — 1783-1850 — 19th century — 20th century — — Readings with music For example, you can’t add –Readings with music to the subdivision for the colonial period. You can only use a subdivision listed in LCSH where it has been established, except… For example, you can’t add –Readings with music to the subdivision for the colonial period. You can only use a subdivision listed in LCSH where it has been established, except…

32. Free-floating subdivisions General free-floating subdivisions Subdivisions under classes of persons and ethnic groups Subdivisions under names of individual corporate bodies, persons, and families Subdivisions used under place names Subdivisions controlled by pattern headings Sometimes you go as far as you can in LCSH and you find your subject heading is still a bit too broad. In order to build a subject heading with greater specificity there are listings of subdivisions that can be added to subject headings found in LCSH. Some of these subdivisions can be added to pretty much any subject heading where it makes sense. These are referred to as general free-floating subdivisions. Other free-floating subdivisions are authorized only under certain types of headings. We have subdivisions that can be used under classes of persons and ethnic groups… Let’s look at some examples. Sometimes you go as far as you can in LCSH and you find your subject heading is still a bit too broad. In order to build a subject heading with greater specificity there are listings of subdivisions that can be added to subject headings found in LCSH. Some of these subdivisions can be added to pretty much any subject heading where it makes sense. These are referred to as general free-floating subdivisions. Other free-floating subdivisions are authorized only under certain types of headings. We have subdivisions that can be used under classes of persons and ethnic groups… Let’s look at some examples.

33. Subject Cataloging Manual We find our free-floating subdivisions in the Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings. This consists of four loose-leaf binders. They’re loose-leaf so that they can be updated—which they are frequently. The first volume includes the table of contents for the entire four volumes and information—largely for the staff of the Library of Congress—on how to create a new subject heading. The second volume is the one you’ll use the most. It contains the free-floating subdivisions and subdivisions governed by pattern headings, which you’ll see in a moment. We find our free-floating subdivisions in the Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings. This consists of four loose-leaf binders. They’re loose-leaf so that they can be updated—which they are frequently. The first volume includes the table of contents for the entire four volumes and information—largely for the staff of the Library of Congress—on how to create a new subject heading. The second volume is the one you’ll use the most. It contains the free-floating subdivisions and subdivisions governed by pattern headings, which you’ll see in a moment.

34. Contents of Volume Two This is one section of the table of contents for Volume 2, giving lists of subdivisions. First we have lists of free-floating subdivisions that can be added to certain types of headings, such as headings for particular ethnic groups. Then there are our pattern headings. Pattern headings: Animals Chemicals Colonies Diseases Educational institutions Industries Languages … Plants and crops Religions This is one section of the table of contents for Volume 2, giving lists of subdivisions. First we have lists of free-floating subdivisions that can be added to certain types of headings, such as headings for particular ethnic groups. Then there are our pattern headings. Pattern headings: Animals Chemicals Colonies Diseases Educational institutions Industries Languages … Plants and crops Religions

35. General free-floating subdivisions Form or topical Form : what the work is Environmental education— Bibliography Topical : what the work is about Environmental education — Political aspects Our free-floating subdivisions can be either form or topical. By form, we mean what the work is rather than what it is about. For example, the general free-floating subdivision “Bibliography” can be used to indicate that the item is a bibliography about a particular subject. Topical refers to what the work is about. Our free-floating subdivisions can be either form or topical. By form, we mean what the work is rather than what it is about. For example, the general free-floating subdivision “Bibliography” can be used to indicate that the item is a bibliography about a particular subject. Topical refers to what the work is about.

36. Free-Floating Subdivisions H 1095 ? ?Designs and plans (H 1532) Use under architectural headings, including types of buildings and rooms, and under landscape headings, including types of gardens and parks, for works containing architectural drawings. ?Deterioration Use under types of substances, materials, products, etc. ? ?Dictionaries (H 1540) Use under subjects. See also –Encyclopedias In the older editions of the SCM:SH the subdivisions that cold be used as form subdivisions were marked with diamonds. A diamond meant that the subdivision cold be used as a form subdivision and, in most cases, could also be used as a topical subdivision. [click] A heading without a diamond could only be used as a topical subdivision. In the older editions of the SCM:SH the subdivisions that cold be used as form subdivisions were marked with diamonds. A diamond meant that the subdivision cold be used as a form subdivision and, in most cases, could also be used as a topical subdivision. [click] A heading without a diamond could only be used as a topical subdivision.

37. Free-Floating Subdivisions H 1095 $v Designs and plans (H 1532) Use under architectural headings, including types of buildings and rooms, and under landscape headings, including types of gardens and parks, for works containing architectural drawings. $x Deterioration Use under types of substances, materials, products, etc. $v Dictionaries (H 1540) Use under subjects. See also –Encyclopedias Now the subdivisions that can be used as form subdivisions are morked as subfield v, as subfield v is used for a form subdivision in the latest MARC standard. (However, not all systems can accommodate the subfield v at present.) Now the subdivisions that can be used as form subdivisions are morked as subfield v, as subfield v is used for a form subdivision in the latest MARC standard. (However, not all systems can accommodate the subfield v at present.)

38. General free-floating subdivisions—form Personal Name: Penrice, John, 1818-1892. Main Title: A dictionary and glossary of the Koran / John Penrice. Published/Created: Mineola, N.Y. : Dover Publications, 2004. Description: viii, 166 p. ; 28 cm.ISBN:0486434397 (pbk.) Subjects: Koran—Language, style—Dictionaries—English. Arabic language—Dictionaries—English. Here we had an example of a subdivision indicating form. The work is a dictionary. Here we had an example of a subdivision indicating form. The work is a dictionary.

39. Subdivisions used under classes of persons (H1100) Political prisoners — Abuse of The subject cataloging manual includes a listing of subdivisions that can be used with a heading for a class of persons. The manual tells you what constitutes a “class of persons” and then gives examples. The subject cataloging manual includes a listing of subdivisions that can be used with a heading for a class of persons. The manual tells you what constitutes a “class of persons” and then gives examples.

40. Subdivisions used under ethnic groups (H1103) French-Canadians — Job stress We also have a list of subdivisions that can be used under the name of an ethnic group. Again, the manual describes what the Library Congress means by “ethnic group.” We also have a list of subdivisions that can be used under the name of an ethnic group. Again, the manual describes what the Library Congress means by “ethnic group.”

41. Subdivisions used under names of individual corporate bodies, persons, and families Subdivisions under names of persons (H 1110) Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 — Birthplace Subdivisions under family names Smith family — Homes and haunts In addition, we lists of subdivisions to be used under names of persons, families… In addition, we lists of subdivisions to be used under names of persons, families…

42. Subdivisions used under place names Subdivisions under names of places (H 1140) Italy — Social life and customs Places, and so forth.Places, and so forth.

43. Free-floating subdivisions Use to provide greater specificity Use only one per heading If two free-floating subdivisions apply, create two headings We use subdivisions to provide greater specificity. We may only apply one floating subdivision per heading. If two floating subdivisions appear applicable, then build and record two subject headings. We use subdivisions to provide greater specificity. We may only apply one floating subdivision per heading. If two floating subdivisions appear applicable, then build and record two subject headings.

44. Free-floating subdivisions Place at end of heading from LCSH Table tennis — Coaching— Bibliography The free-floating subdivision is paced at the end of your heading, although some subdivisions allow you to further divide them geographically. The free-floating subdivision is paced at the end of your heading, although some subdivisions allow you to further divide them geographically.

45. Subdivisions controlled by pattern headings Standardized sets of topical and form subdivisions for use under particular categories of subject headings or name headings used as subjects In some cases there are a substantial number of subdivisions that can logically be applied to any number of a particular category of headings. For example, there are many subdivisions that are appropriate for any type of land vehicle—car, truck, suv, etc. Instead of listing these under every type of land vehicle, LC lists them all under one type—in this case automobilies. We are then instructed to use any of these subdivisions under trucks, suvs, etc. These are called pattern headings. This saves a lot of room in the manual. In some cases there are a substantial number of subdivisions that can logically be applied to any number of a particular category of headings. For example, there are many subdivisions that are appropriate for any type of land vehicle—car, truck, suv, etc. Instead of listing these under every type of land vehicle, LC lists them all under one type—in this case automobilies. We are then instructed to use any of these subdivisions under trucks, suvs, etc. These are called pattern headings. This saves a lot of room in the manual.

46. Pattern heading examples Category Pattern(s) Chemicals Copper; Insulin Diseases Cancer; Tuberculosis Musical Comps. Operas Organs of body Foot; Heart Plants & crops Corn Land vehicles Automobiles Here are some examples of pattern headings. If you a subject heading for a chemical, you may add any subdivision listed under copper or insulin in LCSH, as long as it makes sense. The subdivisions are listed in LCSH under copper and insulin. They are also listed in the Subject Cataloging Manual. If you have a subject heading for a type of land vehicle you may use an subdivision listed in LCSH under automobiles. Here are some examples of pattern headings. If you a subject heading for a chemical, you may add any subdivision listed under copper or insulin in LCSH, as long as it makes sense. The subdivisions are listed in LCSH under copper and insulin. They are also listed in the Subject Cataloging Manual. If you have a subject heading for a type of land vehicle you may use an subdivision listed in LCSH under automobiles.

47. Pattern headings: Chemicals Patterns: Copper; Insulin [show listing in subject cataloging manual] [show listings in LCSH under copper][show listing in subject cataloging manual] [show listings in LCSH under copper]

48. Pattern headings: Plants and crops Pattern: Corn [show listing in subject cataloging manual] [show listings in LCSH under copper][show listing in subject cataloging manual] [show listings in LCSH under copper]

49. Subject heading with floating subdivision must make sense And, of course, the subdivision from our pattern heading must make sense under the subject heading. Husking may be fine under “corn” but doesn’t work too well under “Blueberries.” And, of course, the subdivision from our pattern heading must make sense under the subject heading. Husking may be fine under “corn” but doesn’t work too well under “Blueberries.”