REVISIONS IN CATALOGING OF ART MATERIALS
As part of the continuing effort to simplify cataloging and as part of the ongoing changes associated with the recommendations of the Airlie House conference on subject subdivisions, the Library of Congress is considering several revisions in cataloging practice for works in the field of art. The Library invites comments on the following changes that are being considered.
Change in assignment of headings for time period.
Current instructions in the Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings, H 1250, sec.1.c require that a heading with period qualifier and/or chronological subdivision be assigned even when other types of headings assigned to the work imply particular centuries. For example, Drawing--20th century is currently assigned even when the heading Drawing, Cubist is already assigned. The revised instruction would eliminate the requirement for the chronological subject heading if the other headings assigned already imply a specific time period. The revised practice would correspond to general subject cataloging instructions relating to specificity of headings.
Change in formulation of headings with chronological subdivisions.
Currently art subject headings with chronological subdivision are constructed with subdivisions in the order [art form]--[chronological subdivision]--[geographic subdivision(s)], e.g. Drawing--20th century--France; Sculpture, Modern--19th century--Italy--Rome. This order is contrary to the recommended order resulting from the recommendations of the Airlie House conference and differs from the order of subdivisions in other disciplines. Art subject headings with national or ethnic qualifiers, e.g. Painting, German, do not currently have chronological subdivisions. The Library is proposing the following changes in the formulation of art subject headings with chronological subdivision.
The Library of Congress recognizes that the above changes will have a major impact on users of Library of Congress subject headings. We invite comments on this proposal from the user community. Please address your comments to:
Thompson A. Yee
Acting Chief, Cataloging Policy and Support Office
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. S.E.
Washington, DC 20540-4305
EMAIL: [email protected]
FAX: (202) 707-6629
Comments should reach the Cataloging Policy and Support Office no later than December 31, 1999.