Library Research Skills
Subject Headings
The Dewey classification system allows libraries to organize books by subject on library shelves. However, most books and magazine articles contain information on a number of different subjects. As a result library users need more comprehensive subject access to information than can be provided by a Dewey classification number. The way libraries provide more comprehensive access to information in books and magazine articles is by assigning subject headings. Subject headings are assigned to a book or magazine article by a librarian -these headings describe what the book or magazine article is about. Library users can also search for information in library databases, such as the library catalogue, using subject headings. Subject heading searching can be a very effective way to locate specific information.
When assigning subject headings to a book or magazine article it is important that the librarian be consistent. Librarians cannot simply make up subject headings as they go along, and they must always use a subject heading the same way for every item on a given topic.
Adapted and Modified (5th December 2005) from a tutorial, originally created and written by Thomas W. Eland, Librarian/Instructor at Minneapolis Community & Technical College. Original document available at http://www.pals.msus.edu Last updated: December 14, 2000.
