The concept of subject cataloguing appeared on the scene in the mid-nineteenth century. Before then, descriptive cataloging was the only library cataloging that was practiced. Libraries were much smaller than they are today, and scholarly librarians then were able, with the aid of printed bibliographies, to be familiar with everything available on a given subject and guide the users to it.
With the rapid growth of knowledge in many fields in the course of the nineteenth century and the consequential increase in the volume of books and other library materials, it became desirable to do a preliminary subject analysis of such works and then to represent them in the catalogue in such a way that they would be retrievable by subject. This is subject cataloguing.
The choice of subject headings is based on some key principles. In this paper, I look at the concept of subject cataloguing in relation to the principles that govern the choice of the descriptive terms or subject headings.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Principles of subject cataloguing
- Objectivity
- Specificity
- The reader as a focus principle
- Usage principle
- The principle of unity
- Uniformity principle
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text explores the principles of subject cataloging, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the criteria used in selecting subject headings for library materials. It emphasizes the importance of these principles in ensuring accurate, consistent, and user-friendly cataloguing practices.
- Objectivity in subject heading assignment
- Specificity and appropriate level of detail in subject headings
- Importance of considering user needs in subject heading selection
- Use of common and current terminology in subject headings
- Ensuring consistency and uniformity in the application of subject headings
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction provides a historical overview of subject cataloging, highlighting its emergence as a response to the increasing volume of library materials in the 19th century. It defines subject cataloging as the process of analyzing the subject content of materials and assigning appropriate headings for retrieval. The introduction also emphasizes the goal of subject cataloging to ensure easy access to relevant information by subject.
The "Principles of subject cataloguing" section delves into the key criteria that guide the selection and assignment of subject headings. It explores principles such as objectivity, specificity, reader focus, usage, unity, and uniformity, providing examples and guidelines for their application in cataloging practice.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Subject cataloging, subject headings, cataloging principles, objectivity, specificity, user needs, usage, unity, uniformity, Sears List of Subject Headings, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).
- Quote paper
- Mr. Daniel Kinyanjui (Author), 2016, Subject cataloguing and the principles on which the choice of subject headings should be based, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/345065
