LIS 417: Subject Cataloging and Classification

This course addresses the theories, principles, and practices of subject cataloging and classification. It covers the application of national standards to the creation of bibliographic records and to the construction of catalogs in libraries and other information environments. It teaches the concepts of subject cataloging including: understanding the various approaches to and pitfalls in determining aboutness; the theoretical foundations, structure, and the application of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) in subject cataloging; the application of the policies in the LC Subject Headings Manual; and complex number building in Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification (LCC). The course also includes examinations of the history and theoretical foundations of subject cataloging and classification and explores other subject access systems from around the world. May include readings, discussions, presentations, exams, and written exercises.

Pre-requisite: LIS 415 Information Organization

Audience: Advanced; all kinds of libraries, archives, and other information institutions; those interested in working in cataloging, metadata services, library automation, technical services, and companies providing bibliographic services.

Assessed in the course:

1. Apply professional standards, tools, and best practices in the information field and across specialized areas.

2. Communicate effectively across different audiences.

5. Demonstrate the technological skills required to help information professionals and organizations achieve their goals.

Students are also exposed to:

7. Be guided by professional ethics and values.

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

A. Use key standards and tools in subject cataloging.

B. Apply the core concepts, principles, and objectives of subject cataloging.

C. Demonstrate basic skills in determining aboutness.

D. Demonstrate basic skills in applying controlled vocabulary.

E. Demonstrate basic skills in applying classification schemes.

F. Understand the relationship between subject cataloging and information discovery.

G. Understand the role of subject cataloging in library and information science (LIS).

H. Use the vocabulary commonly associated with subject cataloging.

• lectures
• readings
• in-class and take-home exercises
• discussions
• discussion board postings
• homework assignments

For some assignments, letter grades will be used and for others you will receive grades based on percentages.

• Module 1: Subject Access and Aboutness
• Module 2: Library of Congress Subject Headings
• Module 3: Dewey Decimal Classification
• Module 4: Library of Congress Classification