Presents a methodology for studying indexing consistency in MARC records and describes a project that examined such consistency in subject cataloging practice between non-LC libraries and the Library of Congress. Patterns of indexing inconsistency are identified and suggestions are made for improving inter-indexer consistency. (seven references)…

Investigates methods of compressing headings identified by MARC subfield codes to reduce the size of browsable displays. An argument is made for sorting subdivisions by a conceptual, rather than an alphabetical, approach to present efficient browsable displays and relieve the user of the burden of data organization. (14 references) (Author/CLB)

Reports results of a study that examined Library of Congress topical subject headings and subdivisions in a large bibliographic database. Creation of a new machine-readable authority file of topical subdivisions and enhancements to the existing subject authority file are recommended to assist in assignment and validation of subdivided headings.…

Describes a study that examined the ability of the dBase database management system to perform secondary key retrieval on multivalued data items. The results are presented as time cost relative to the number of matching records, and situations in which a different management system might be appropriate are identified. (CLB)

Describes how Murray State University Library, a medium sized academic library in Kentucky, made use of an IBM mainframe and SCRIPT, a text formatting program to index two local newspapers. The entire procedure is described, including indexing, authority lists, input techniques, editing, and production and distribution of the index. (CLB)

Describes surveys of catalogers, geo-science faculty, and graduate students that explored the provision and use of subject access through geologic or geographic names. Strategies for improving such access through cataloging techniques, user education, and the use of advanced technologies are discussed. (21 references) (CLB)

The first of three articles describes fluctuations in subject searching on online catalogs over time; the second describes the level of agreement between a research library's use of subject headings and the Library of Congress subject headings; and the third discusses the advantages of incorporating Library of Congress subject headings into online…

Review of the literature on international computerized indexing systems for visual materials also describes technologies available for reproducing images, highlighting videotex, videodisk, and digital storage. Advances in the ability to interface these technologies with each other and with online retrieval systems are discussed. (76 notes with…

Describes a survey of reference librarians in libraries with online public access catalogs that was conducted to determine what types of searches patrons would use to look for names of fictional characters. Name, subject, and author indexes are discussed, and implications for cataloging using the MARC format are suggested. (10 references) (LRW)

A survey at the University of Houston examined factors related to subject searching success in online catalogs, including: extent of subject searching; response to unsuccessful searches; reasons subject search is not used; users' awareness of sources of subject terms; and suggestions from users for improving subject searching capabilities. (CLB)

This article studies the performance of online catalog user queries involving personal names and recommends system improvements based on the results. It examines various personal name queries, the construction of bibliographic data, and subject headings. Testing done on an experimental online catalog found search tree designs to reduce system…

Discusses the process of creating bibliographic and cataloging standards, after the implementation of the VTLS (Virginia Tech Library System) integrated library system, in major Polish academic libraries. Examines the adoption of the USMARC bibliographic data exchange format; authority control; subject cataloging; topical and name heading…