 |
(LCSH)
|
5 Benefits of Subject Searching |
|
| 1. | Provides cross references to other materials on similar/related topics that may be beneficial |
| 2. | Consistency in the use of terms. Materials about Latinos, Latinas, Chicas, Spanish Americans in the United States will be found under the subject heading Hispanic Americans |
| 3. | If you walk between the bookshelves of the library, materials are arranged by subject using call numbers. |
| 4. | Specificity. Specify items by format: (book, dvd, video, encyclopedia, periodical); geography (United States, Mexico, or France); etc |
| 5. | "Red Books" suggest broader, narrower, and related terms. |
Our Library Catalog uses assigned subject heading terms for
consistency when
describing the content of books or other items.
These
terms are listed in a giant
five volume set of red books titled
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
These "Red Books" are available at the General Reference Desk .
- Using the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
- Using Standard Subdivisions (Subheadings)
- Searching with Subject Headings in Library Catalog
- Sample Searches in Library Catalog
- Search Tips
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) are arranged alphabetically in boldface and show other useful headings.
LCSH uses subdivisions, or subheadings, to make a subject heading
more precise.
In the Library Catalog, subdivisions require a double
dash (--) to separate terms.
There
are four types of subdivisions:
- Topical - limit the concept expressed by the heading
to a special topic.
Mormons--missionary experiences Copper ores--analysis - Form - Format of item--feature films, maps, periodicals, etc.
Sociology--Periodicals - Geographical - Region of the world or specific place.
- Chronological - Time period
Art, American--20th century Art, Chinese--to 221 B.C.
Education--South Africa Mining claims--Utah
Read the "Introduction" in the LCSH or ask for assistance from a librarian.
Mining claims--Utah--Alta--Maps Mormons--Arizona--BiographyCommonly used subject subheadings used in Library Catalog--What We Own (not necessarily shown in LCSH):
| --abstracts | --dictionaries |
--maps |
| --atlases | --encyclopedias |
--moral and ethical aspects |
| --bibliography | --gazetteers |
--periodicals |
| --biography | --history |
--social aspects |
| --criticism and interpretation | --indexes |
Hint: To find an encyclopedia for your subject area, also try the "--dictionaries" subheading.
III. Searching with Subject Headings
in the Library
Catalog
- Find subject search terms in the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) books.
- Write down a couple of subject headings. Include all dashes.
- Go to the Library homepage and select the Library Catalog
- Select the "
search tab. - Enter search terms exactly as they appear in LCSH.
Example: Skiing.
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Subject Heading searched for... |
Library Catalog response... |
| Skiing | Is not an official subject heading. Term to use is: skis and skiing Over 200 times on this topic |
| Hispanic Americans--Health and Hygiene | over 10 records retrieved. Tip: Use double dashes (--) in search |
| Snowboarding Snowboarding--psychological aspects |
Retrieves 19 items The subheading more precisely refines the subject snowboarding. Retrieves 2 items that discuss the psychology of snowboarding |
| Malcolm X, See: X, Malcolm, 1925-1965 |
Malcolm X is not a valid subject heading. Use X, Malcolm as subject heading. |
| Mormons See also: Mormon Church |
"See also:" provides an alternative subject heading that may be useful to library users. |
Check typing or spelling for errors.
If necessary, make sure two dashes appear in subject search (--).
Find another subject heading in the Library of Congress Subject Headings
To browse subject headings online, use WorldCat .
1. Click on Advanced Search
2. Click on Subjects
Try a keyword search.
Ask, call or e-mail the General
Reference Desk (2nd Floor, 581-6273 or "Ask
Us").