Six uses of classification in online retrieval systems are envisioned--to improve recall and precision; to conceptualize meaning of vague search terms; to provide structure for browsing; to provide framework for retrieval of nonbibliographic information; to collocate citations; and to achieve compatibility of retrieval languages. Seven sources are…

Describes various ways in which software systems for online catalogs can be designed to enhance subject access. Highlights include what to search (subject headings, titles, notes, authority-file records, classification numbers, and associated text); truncation and stemming; spelling correction; search strategies (headings, keywords, Boolean…

After an historical and theoretical introduction, options for exploring an alternative LC class number for bibliographies, and problems that may arise are explored. LC now provides a general works number for most bibliographies it catalogs. The alternative number suggests a more representative classification which may increase retrieval.…

A mechanized current awareness service based on an in-house created bibliographic data base which is provided to Congress and to researchers at the Library of Congress is described. (Author)

An analysis of the punctuation of the eighth edition Library of Congress Subject Headings reveals that the hyphen, coma and parentheses are most often used. Examples of these and the use of the apostrophe, dash, and period are discussed. (Author/MBR)

The problem of the direct and inverted forms of adjective-noun subject headings which contain national adjectives is reexamined. A pattern based on subject categories is discovered which is different from the pattern based on work-frequency discussed in Harris' Subject Analysis. (11 references) (Author)

Designed for use with a computer-produced subject index, PRECIS assigns clerical procedures in subject heading work to computer programs. The subject headings represent a unique combination of several different characteristics, permitting several coextensive forms of a subject name for each work. Final choice amongst alternatives is made by the…

Review of the 1987 subject access literature covers: (1) general works; (2) organization, history, theory, and method of classification; (3) classification systems; (4) subject headings and the Library of Congress; (5) subject authority control through the Library of Congress Subject Headings; (6) subject searching in online catalogs; and (7)…

Separation of catalogs by script, and, within non-Roman scripts, by language, is discussed as an alternative to Romanization. Difficulties are considered and a solution is suggested--the establishment of separate machine readable data bases for each script and a National Union Catalog in microform for the separate "registers." (Author/MBR)

After a brief description of the Micrographic Catalog Retrieval System (MCRS) and its use in card production, searching procedures are outlined along with statistical data. The experience has demonstrated that the use of MCRS can mean a saving of staff time and more rapid retrieval of LC cataloging copy for current books. (6 references) (Author/NH)

The recently accepted practice by LC of systematic duplication of entries at specific and generic levels is discussed. The new practice is justified but its goals are not accomplished--it does not reveal more of the LC collection, causes inconveniences, and a pointless enlargement of catalogs. It should be abandoned. (Author)

Findings of this study indicate that the degree of adequacy varies and identify three major needs: (1) prescriptive measures to ensure adequate subject analysis; (2) new subject heads to provide greater topic and race specificity; and (3) more research as the basis for improvement of present practices or the design of a new system. (Author/MBR)

Six retrieval systems have been identified which attempt to analyze materials with respect to their instructional uses. However, a comprehensive cataloging system for adaptive education will not be developed until the expertise of library catalogers is applied to the task. (Author)

The problems of indexing, filing, and retrieving nonbook items become more difficult as the proliferation continues. This article presents a set of guidelines intended to provide cataloging consistency for nonbook materials. (Author)

Reports on study conducted at the James J. Hill Reference Library in St. Paul, Minnesota, which explored the extent to which duplicate records in the OCLC database are affecting usefulness of system. Search keys and 'search enhancements' recently introduced by OCLC are discussed with examples. Thirteen references are cited. (EJS)