Revisiting Subdivisions for Databases

Abstract

The CONSER Ad Hoc Webinar, April 23, 2021, included a topic on “Problematic subdivisions that need attention and clarity.” These Library of Congress form subdivisions were: Databases, Periodicals, and Research, presented by Beth Guay, John Hostage, and Kevin Randall. Regarding Databases, Beth looked at the Library of Congress Subject Headings Manual, SHM H 1520, and related cataloging documents, that, according to her, caused confusion leading to inconsistent cataloging practice. Can a new look at Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) records for online databases tell us which of these guidance documents are being followed, and which are not? Are discovery services and the prevailing adoption of Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms (LCGFT) informing our practice when cataloging databases? The presenter offers findings and recommendations based on an examination of PCC catalog records for online databases.