DEFINING YOUR TOPIC

Library of Congress Subject Headings:

Subject Headings are the very specific terms or phrases used by libraries to describe what a given book or article is about.  In order to have these terms/phrases be consistent across the nation, most libraries use the subject headings defined by the Library of Congress.  These Library of Congress Subject Headings (referred to as LCSH) are listed in a four-volume set which can be found behind the Reference Desk.  When experiencing trouble finding a book about a particular subject or topic in the Voyager catalog, look in the official LCSH books because most libraries, vertical files, and electronic databases use either the LCSH or some variation of them.  If you use the LCSH to define your search terms, you will generally find  relevant materials.

Located near the reference desk, the LCSH books provide alternative terms and phrases that assist library patrons in locating books, periodicals, AV software, and vertical file information on the desired subjects.  Library personnel have selected these terms and phrases because they represent keywords and search strategies frequently used by the majority of researchers at either the Library of Congress or other libraries.  They are included in the Voyager catalog so that a common, controlled vocabulary with correct definitions, spellings, and applications can be referred to by all library patrons when trying to find information.  Ideally, the use of the subject headings will increase a patron’s chances of finding relevant titles.

Some helpful facts about the LCSH books include:

1.      All valid subject headings found within the books are listed in boldface type.

2.      “Scope notes” are sometimes found just below a subject heading.  These notes are definitions and clarifications of the respective subject heading.

3.      Six cross-reference symbols are used throughout each book.  They are:

• UF -- (Used For)
  
  

• BT -- (Broader Terms)
  
  

• NT -- (Narrower Terms)
  
  

• RT -- (Related Terms)
  
  

• USE -- (Refers to the appropriate subject heading being sought.)
  
  

•  SA -- (See Also) (Is applied when it is not feasible to show all individual headings.  For example, Automobiles, Racing has SA -- names of specific racing automobiles, e.g. Austin-Healey automobile.)
  

4.      Terms and phrases that are preceded by a “dash: (--) represent subdivisions of a subject heading.  These subdivisions help clarify a book’s relevancy to the main subject heading and narrowly define a search strategy.

Learning to use the subject headings effectively takes patience and practice.  If you need further explanation about the symbols and/or organization of the books, refer to the front of the first volume of the LCSH.  A detailed guide for using the LCSH is provided. 

For additional information about the Library of Congress or to access some of its online information, search the library's catalog, browse some of the library's online subjects, or refer to the following links: