LTA Cataloging and Classification 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which standard is used to encode bibliographic data for exchange between library systems and is the basis for most integrated library system catalogs?
- MARC 21 (Correct answer)
- Dublin Core
- EAD
- MODS
Correct answer: MARC 21
MARC 21 (Machine-Readable Cataloging) remains the dominant standard for encoding bibliographic data in ILS environments.
Question 2: The DDC number 782.42166 would most likely classify a work about which subject?
- Rock music songs (Correct answer)
- Opera scores
- Ballet music
- Symphonies
Correct answer: Rock music songs
782.42 covers secular songs for solo voice, and 166 is a facet indicator for rock music within that class.
Question 3: What is meant by 'literary warrant' in classification theory?
- Class numbers are created only when literature exists on a topic (Correct answer)
- Authors must approve the classification of their works
- A warrant requires a legal document for special collections
- Classification schedules are updated based on judicial decisions
Correct answer: Class numbers are created only when literature exists on a topic
Literary warrant means that a classification category is justified and created only when actual published literature on that topic exists.
Question 4: In LCSH, a 'BT' relationship stands for:
- Broader term (Correct answer)
- Better term
- Bibliographic type
- Base terminology
Correct answer: Broader term
BT (Broader Term) in thesaurus structure links a specific heading to a more general concept above it in the hierarchy.
Question 5: Under RDA, which term replaces the AACR2 concept of 'General Material Designation' (GMD)?
- Content type, media type, and carrier type (Correct answer)
- Material specification
- Resource description
- Physical description area
Correct answer: Content type, media type, and carrier type
RDA replaces the single GMD with three separate elements—content type, media type, and carrier type—recorded in MARC fields 336, 337, and 338.
Question 6: A 'see also' reference in a card or online catalog serves which purpose?
- It directs users from one valid heading to related valid headings (Correct answer)
- It redirects users from an invalid form to the correct authorized heading
- It marks a heading as obsolete
- It links to an external database
Correct answer: It directs users from one valid heading to related valid headings
A 'see also' (or 'related term') reference connects two valid authorized headings that are related but not synonymous.
Question 7: In a MARC record, fixed-length fields such as 007 and 008 serve what primary function?
- Encode coded information about the material type, date, language, and other fixed data elements (Correct answer)
- Store the full text of the item
- Record circulation transaction data
- Contain the item's barcode and call number
Correct answer: Encode coded information about the material type, date, language, and other fixed data elements
Fields 007 and 008 are fixed-length fields containing coded character positions that describe material type, publication date, country, language, and other key attributes.
LTA Cataloging and Classification 4
Which standard is used to encode bibliographic data for exchange between library systems and is the basis for most integrated library system catalogs?