Reports a computer assisted index emphasizing expanded subject access to the reference collection of the Iowa State University Library. The index displays abbreviated length records and complements existing catalogs. Limitations of subject access and a system for assigning subject descriptors are discussed. (Author/RAA)

The complexity explosion has led to ever-increasing difficulties in subject specification, especially in the use of notation in classified arrangement. Two recent developments, the use of Dewey Classification 18 and the Preserved Context Indexing System (PRECIS) in the British National Bibliography, form a substantial contribution towards a…

Discussion of indexing and cataloging procedures for ethnic and other minorities highlights practices regarding American Indian art. Topics include stereotypes and biases; integrating materials with the rest of the collection versus gathering them in a separate location; and questioning Library of Congress and other institutional authority. (33…

Explores how theories of Afrocentricity can affect the arrangement of knowledge and the dissemination of information in libraries. Various aspects of cataloging are discussed, including controlled vocabularies, computer applications, and classification schemes; historical collections are reviewed; and examples of problems with Library of Congress…

This paper describes a computer-assisted printed index which provides expanded subject access to the more than 6000 titles in the Iowa State University Library reference collection. Designed to complement existing catalogs with a minimum of duplication of information, the index displays abbreviated length records. The limitations of subject access…

The goal of this project was to develop a high quality and low cost system for indexing historical collections of newspapers. The method used was based on two guides to newspaper indexing by Harry A. Friedman. After initial planning and experimentation, a single indexer worked from microfilm to compile a subject and name index to the "Arizona…

Procedures for indexing local history pictures, both individual and in books, are explained in this manual, based on practices of the Newark, New Jersey Public Library. Details are provided about format of catalog cards; rationale for various pieces of information on the cards; the use of locality, with subheadings, as main entry; use of added…

Argues that catalogers must exercise new skills to effectively and efficiently create bibliographic records to be used in online catalogs. Subtle changes in the approaches to subject and descriptive cataloging are suggested, and catalogers are encouraged to rely on both cataloging rules and their own judgment. The National Coordinated Cataloging…

This manual is designed to assist the indexers and inputters of the Oregon Index, which is an online index to Oregon's major newspapers and journals. The Index provides dial-up access to a database of citations and is available at hundreds of points around Oregon, including libraries, schools, newspapers, and government offices. The database has…

This document comprises four reports related to the Midwest State Archives Guide Project. The first report, "Producing In-House Finding Aids and Administrative Reports: An Expanded Data Base Design," details an expanded SPINDEX database design that could be used to produce a variety of administrative reports. Specific examples are given…

Describes and evaluates several fiction classification systems from the perspective of how well they answer likely reader queries regarding subjects of novels, and their utility for browsing. The usefulness of subject headings for card catalogs and print and online indexes to enhance topical access to fiction is discussed. (Author/MBR)

This paper reports on a study in which a select bibliography of gay fiction was compiled and checked against the catalogs of the public libraries in Franklin County, Ohio, in order to determine the collection extent and whether catalog subject access is provided for these works. Results show that the percentage of checklist titles held by each…