Training Module for Subject Verification at UM Libraries

Introduction

In this training module, the Authorities Coordinating Team (ACT) intends to teach: the definitions of a subject heading, a subject authority record (SAR), when to verify subjects in the LC/SACO Authority File, how to interpret and apply the information found in a subject authority record, and how to treat bibliographic records with subject heading problems.

When you encounter highlighted words or phrases in this module, they are links to the definition of that word or phrase in the glossary.

Links are also made to examples or to external web resources when appropriate. Due to problems with some of the links in newer versions of Netscape Navigator, we recommend that you use Microsoft Internet Explorer to view this module. We hope this will serve as a reference source to refer to as well as a training tool.

This Module is arranged in four sections with appendices.

• Section I
  • Contains a basic discussion of subject headings and subdivisions with examples of the different kinds.
  
  
• Section II
  • Contains examples of subject authority records, emphasizing key aspects.
  
  
• Section III
  • Is a step-by-step guide through College Park’s interim procedures for when to verify subject headings, when to fix subject headings, when to add call numbers bibliographic records based on information from the subject authority record, and when to refer subject heading problems.
  
  
• Section IV
  • Illustrates common mistakes in subject heading tagging and construction.
  
  
• Appendices
  • Include a glossary of terms, abbreviations, phrases, and acronyms useful for authority work at UM, a quick guide to Authority File subject authority record codes, a list of all pattern headings, and a discussion of cancelled and obsolete subject headings.

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