Friday, August 28, 2009

About this blog

Hi. I'm a copy cataloger at a mid-sized public library system. One of the things that keeps me sane (I hope) during the day is noting strange language in the Library of Congress Subject Headings that I see.

Have you ever searched for “cookbooks” in a public library system's catalog, and not found anything? That's because the Library of Congress Subject heading for cookbooks is actually “cookery.” “Brazilian cookery,” “Vegan cookery,” “Quick and easy cookery” - whatever variation is needed. Problem being, of course – who says that? Who's going to search for that? No wonder library patrons can't find what they're looking for.

“Cookery” is one of the most classic examples, but I see new ones all the time. This blog is a place to collect them.

(To be clear - I'm not criticizing the LCSH, or advocating some sort of change. Unless I should be? I don't know. Really, I'm just noting some of the strange things that I see in a day's work...)

1 comment:

  1. Excellent. Title. Love the layout, the topics. I expect a lot from this blog~ LCSH killed me in my cataloging classes!

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