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We usually begin searching the library catalog by entering keywords in the search box.
But keyword searches are often imprecise, bringing up irrelevant results as well as
great ones. One way you can refine your keyword searches is to use subject headings. Subject
headings in the library catalog come from a predetermined list of terms established
by the Library of Congress. When a book is cataloged in our library, the cataloger examines
the subjects covered in the book and selects several subject headings that best describe
the book. This means that knowing the subject headings of a relevant book can lead you to
more sources on the same subject. Let's see how this might work.
Here are the search results for our hip hop and poetry search. If I click on a title,
I am led to the record for the book.
Notice that under Subject I find three subject headings. Notice, too, that these headings
have hierarchies in which elements of the heading are separated by dashes. Although
the first two both begin with Rap (Music), the second element is distinct: If I wanted
to find books with lyrics I would need the first one (Texts). If I was interested in
books about lyrics, I would choose the second (History and criticism). Of course, you might
need both texts and criticism and should be aware that more than one subject heading may
be useful for your topic.
Subject headings in the catalog are hyperlinked, so let's see what happens when you click on
one.
Now I have a list of subject headings beginning with Rap (Music). The subject heading from
the book is highlighted and I see under "entries" that there are 14 items in the library having
the same subject heading. To see these items, I just click on the subject heading.
Of all books in the library, these are the most similar in terms of this particular subject.
You can also search by subject by choosing "Subject" in the drop-down menu, but you need
to put in something pretty close to the actual subject heading to find it, and subject headings
are not always intuitive. The one exception is with proper names. With people, for example,
you can enter the last name followed by first and middle names. If I'm looking for books
about Bob Dylan, I'd enter his name this way:
I first see a list of subject headings for Bob Dylan. The most general is first, which
usually includes most biographies. The others show narrower aspects of the topic. Simply
click on a link to see the books!
Subject headings are a powerful way to refine your keyword searches or a great way to search
for certain kinds of information. With a little practice, they will become second nature in
your search process.
If you have questions about using subject headings, please,
Ask a Librarian!