Frequently Asked Questions
Search Techniques
What are subject headings?
Subject headings are a set of controlled vocabulary used to classify materials. Most library catalogs and databases include subject headings (sometimes called descriptors). You can use subject headings to improve the accuracy and efficiency of your searching.
A controlled vocabulary is a restricted set of words used to describe things. The yellow pages, for example, uses a controlled vocabulary to help you find listings (i.e., doctors, physicians, and medical practitioners are all listed under the same heading, allowing you to more easily find all of them together).
Likewise, book records in the library catalog have subject headings that describe the key topics of the books. Real subject headings include:
- World War, 1914-1918
- Polymers Optical properties
- Indians of North America Alaska
- Apollo Theatre (New York, N.Y.)
- Sadat, Anwar, 1918- Assassination
Finding subject headings that match your topic is a good way of locating library materials. See the library guide Using Subject Headings in PantherCat for an introduction to finding and searching with subject headings in the library catalog.