Subject Headings

In this course, when looking at subject headings, we will be using examples from the Library of Congress Subject Headings list.  Many libraries use this authority for their subject headings because it is the one most commonly used in creating the MARC records that are shared through cataloging databases such as OCLC.  Sometimes when items are cataloged by the Library of Congress they will also be given subject headings from the Sears List of Subject Headings.  However, the most commonly used subject headings list in the United States is currently the one from the Library of Congress.  This section will be a short review of the use of subject headings, looking particularly at the ones that might be of use when cataloging music sound recordings.  For more in-depth use of subject headings, refer to the ABLE Technical Services course about subject headings.

The purpose of using a subject heading in a cataloging record is to give the person searching for items in the library a way to find information by the topics that are covered in those items.  Subject heading lists are used to provide consistency in the terms used to describe the subjects or topics covered by the materials in the library.  Having an already established listing of subject heading terms means that the cataloger does not need to think of what word to use to describe the topic of the item being cataloged—the correct word or phrase is chosen from the list being used, and consistency is provided for all items on the same topic in the library.  As a reminder, traditionally when cataloging items for a card catalog, a limit of 1-3 subject headings was imposed to limit the number of card sets and cards that would need to be typed and filed into the catalog.  With the option of entering information into computer catalogs, these restrictions no longer apply, and catalogers are free to use the number and variety of headings that seem appropriate to their collections and patrons needs.

The most commonly used type of subject heading is a topical heading.  These are headings created to describe the topic of the item being cataloged—the content in that item.  For books, this may be terms such as POTTERY or UNITED STATES—HISTORY.  For sound recordings, there are still many topical headings that can be used.   When using a subject heading list, the starting point is to look up a term that the cataloger believes is an accurate reflection of the content of the item being cataloged.  For sound recordings, often times the cataloger can start with the term MUSIC.  One of the useful features of the subject heading list is the information in the scope notes given with many of the subject headings.  For MUSIC, the scope note indicates that a subdivision of SONGS AND MUSIC can be used under many types of subject headings, including the names of persons, place, and topical headings.  This gives the cataloger very broad options for creating subject headings to cover any type of music.  Any topical heading in the subject heading list can be turned into a heading for a sound recording using this option of a subdivision.  This option can be very useful when dealing with music intended for children, as it allows the cataloger to use subjects that may be frequently requested in library and expand them to include an element of the non-print collection.  For example, a collection of songs about animals can have the subject heading of ANIMALS—SONGS AND MUSIC.

Also included in the first part of the entry for MUSIC is a lengthy list of narrower terms related to music.  This includes subject headings such as CHRISTMAS MUSIC, DANCE MUSIC, JAZZ, MARCHES, POPULAR MUSIC, TELEVISION AND MUSIC, VOCAL MUSIC, WEDDING MUSIC, and many others.  Many of these narrower headings are what are called genre headings.  They describe the type or style of the music on the recording, rather than the content or subject of that music.  Library of Congress subject headings have many options for these genre headings in the category of music, so libraries have many from which to choose for their cataloging.  In the two examples shown below, the subject headings used are genre headings that describe the type of music recorded on these CD’s. 

In the example above, from the VeggieTales movie, if the cataloger felt it was a useful option, there could also be a subject heading of VEGETABLES—SONGS AND MUSIC, using both the topical and genre headings in the same cataloging record.

Another helpful part of the subject heading list under the heading MUSIC is the listing of various subdivisions that can be used with this subject heading.  In addition to the options given above, of the subdivision SONGS AND MUSIC under any topical heading, and the narrower genre headings listed under MUSIC, there are many subdivisions designed specifically for this particular heading.  These subdivisions cover the history of music and different aspects of the study and use of music.  Many of them may be too narrow or specialized for most sound recordings, but knowing they are listed there to remind the cataloger of options available is helpful.  There are also several phrase headings beginning with the word MUSIC listed in this section of the subject heading list.  Again, many of these may be too specialized for most sound recordings, but the options include headings such as MUSIC AND MAGIC, MUSIC FESTIVALS, MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS, and many other specific ways to look at the topic of music.  It is important for the cataloger to be aware of the many options available, so that the cataloging record can be tailored to the needs of the patrons of his or her library.

While much of the cataloging done currently involves purchasing or copying cataloging from other sources, it is important to remember that the cataloger has quite a lot of freedom in the use of subject headings, for sound recordings as well as for other items in the library.  The intent of subject headings is to provide access to the collection for the patrons and staff of the library, so the headings used should be helpful to those patrons and staff.  As long as a standardized subject heading list is used and good cataloging practice is followed, the cataloger has the freedom to add as many or as few headings as desired.  Smaller libraries may find more headings to be useful, to expand access to a smaller collection.  Larger libraries often find that more subdivisions are helpful to divide up larger subject collections.  Following the guidelines given in the scope notes and examples shown in the subject heading lists will give the cataloger an accurate idea of the possibilities that exist in various subject areas and genres of materials.  These options can then be used, keeping the patrons in mind, to create the access points most useful for each individual library.

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