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)…

Discussion of indexing consistency and its possible effect on information retrieval focuses on a study that compared indexing (or cataloging) consistency between Library of Congress catalogers and British Library catalogers assigning Library of Congress Subject Headings. The average indexing consistency value is calculated for 82 titles in library…

A proposed cataloging and information access tool for children's media would combine the most useful aspects of library subject-heading lists and thesauri to meet American Library Association recommendations for subject cataloging of juvenile material. Computer-based production of a preliminary edition is planned for 1983. Fifteen references are…

Reviews some research on the use of library catalogs in the light of four functions (finding list, gathering, collocating, and evaluative); suggests that access points for each work be increased and that problems involved in entry choice be analyzed further. A list of references is included. (FM)

This overview of the current capabilities of subject access in online public catalogs discusses keyword searching versus subject cataloging, users' views of the online catalog, and user-friendly versus user-hostile systems. Existing online catalogs in public and academic libraries are cited as examples. (EJS)

Reviews the literature on enhancement of catalog records using table of contents information and reports on a study at San Diego State University that examined the proportion of catalog records in the collection that could be enhanced, the extent of enhancements, and the nature of the information that could be added to notes. (24 references) (EA)

This paper analyzes proposals for augmenting library bibliographic records for improved subject searching in online catalogs by providing access to parts of books. Arguments for and against adding book content indexing, possible fields for enrichment, and feasibility of 11 alternatives for providing such information are presented. Twenty-two…

Considers the impact of technological advancement upon the role and function of the library catalog in the future. The state of the art in library catalogs, the information environment in 2006, future information services, and subject access systems are among the topics addressed. A 31-item reference list is attached. (JL)

Discusses future of online information retrieval systems in terms of types of computer hardware expected (noting size, memory, cost, microcomputers, peripherals); software expected; "user friendly" interfaces designed to enable users to search without special training; and new approaches to subject analysis and online searching.…

Review of the 1991 literature on subject access in online systems discusses users and subject searching; subject access in online catalogs, including improvement of the database, search processing, the user interface, and user understanding; subject cataloging and indexing; information retrieval; thesaurus and indexing approaches; classification;…

Presents the results of a study undertaken to determine the bibliographic control requirements of a small- to medium-sized public library as these are expressed through library patrons' telephone and catalog reference. Data are presented in five tables, and a 17-item reference list is included. (Author/JL)