Practical Guide to Library of Congress Subject Headings

The Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) is the most widely used controlled vocabulary system worldwide, yet many librarians and paraprofessional staff lack formal education or training in its application. This resource aims to address this gap, providing a comprehensive guide that uses language non-catalogers can understand and offers hands-on, user-friendly training in LCSH.

Authored by Karen Snow, this book is a collection of her popular LCSH workshops and continuing education courses, now available in book form for those unable to attend her courses. The book covers the basics of subject analysis, the importance of controlled vocabularies, and the main features and principles of LCSH. It provides guidance on the application of LCSH, with a detailed discussion of the Library of Congress' Subject Headings Manual.

Several chapters focus on assigning LCSH to specific types of resources, including fiction works, biographical works, and resources emphasizing a geographic location. A separate chapter on encoding subject information in the Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) standard will be particularly valuable for library staff.

Throughout the book, readers will find exercises (with answers provided) that test their understanding of the chapter material and offer opportunities to practice applying LCSH and subdivisions. This hands-on approach ensures that readers can immediately put the concepts they've learned into practice.

The comprehensive nature of this resource makes it an indispensable tool for librarians and paraprofessional staff who need to navigate the complexities of LCSH. By providing a user-friendly and accessible guide, the author empowers readers to confidently decipher and construct LCSH strings, enabling them to effectively organize and access information resources.

This book is a valuable addition to the library and information science field, bridging the gap between the widespread use of LCSH and the lack of formal training available to those responsible for its application. Whether you are a librarian, a paraprofessional, or a student in the field, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to master the nuances of LCSH and enhance your ability to provide high-quality information services.

product information: