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1989•Cataloging & Classification QuarterlyRequires access

A Reference Librarian's View of the Online Subject Catalog

Constance McCarthy

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Abstract

This paper suggests that the cataloging community may be setting its goals too low in its approach to online subject access. Truly effective subject retrieval for online catalog users will not be possible until the Library of Congress gives a higher priority to consistency in the assignment of subject headings. In recognition of the intellectual complexity of LCSH, the paper proposes the appointment of subject specialists to monitor the assignment of subject headings at the Library of Congress.

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What this paper is about

This paper suggests that the cataloging community may be setting its goals too low in its approach to online subject access. Truly effective subject retrieval for online catalog users will not be possible until the Library of Congress gives a higher priority to consistency in the assignment of subject headings. In recognition of the intellectual complexity of LCSH, the paper proposes the appointment of subject specialists to monitor the assignment of subject headings at the Library of Congress.

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Available abstract

This paper suggests that the cataloging community may be setting its goals too low in its approach to online subject access. Truly effective subject retrieval for online catalog users will not be possible until the Library of Congress gives a higher priority to consistency in the assignment of subject headings. In recognition of the intellectual complexity of LCSH, the paper proposes the appointment of subject specialists to monitor the assignment of subject headings at the Library of Congress.

Key concepts: Cataloging, Subject (documents), Subject access, Library of congress, Computer science, Information retrieval, Consistency (knowledge bases), World Wide Web

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