Knowledge Organization and Cataloging Flashcards
21 cards from real MLS - Master of Library and Information Science practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
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Which MARC field is used to record a work's subject headings from the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)?
Answer: 650
MARC field 650 is the Topical Term field used for LCSH subject headings assigned to a work.
In FRBR, which entity represents a distinct intellectual or artistic realization of a work?
Answer: Expression
An Expression in FRBR is the specific intellectual or artistic realization of a Work, such as a particular translation or edition.
What is the primary purpose of a syndetic structure in a subject heading list?
Answer: To show relationships among terms via cross-references
A syndetic structure uses cross-references (BT, NT, RT, USE, UF) to show hierarchical and associative relationships among terms.
RDA instruction 2.3.2 directs catalogers to transcribe the title proper from which source?
Answer: The chief source of information / preferred source
RDA requires transcribing the title proper from the preferred source of information, typically the title page for printed resources.
Which notation system does the Dewey Decimal Classification use?
Answer: Pure numeric notation with decimals
DDC uses a pure numeric notation, with the decimal point allowing unlimited expansion of the base 10-digit classes.
In Library of Congress Classification, what does the Cutter number primarily represent?
Answer: An alphabetic arrangement device for authors or titles within a class
A Cutter number is an alphanumeric code that arranges items alphabetically by author, title, or other element within an LCC class.
Which concept describes assigning multiple classification numbers to a work that covers several subjects?
Answer: Multiple classification
Multiple classification refers to assigning more than one classification number to a work that spans several distinct subjects.
Which ISBD area records information about the publisher, distributor, or manufacturer of an item?
Answer: Area 4 – Publication, Distribution, Manufacture
ISBD Area 4 captures the place of publication, publisher name, and date of publication or distribution.
In a thesaurus constructed according to ISO 25964, what does the abbreviation 'UF' signify?
Answer: Used For (non-preferred synonym pointing to preferred term)
'UF' stands for 'Used For' and lists non-preferred terms (entry terms) that redirect users to the authorized preferred term.
Which element in Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) is most analogous to MARC's 650 subject field?
Answer: dc:subject
dc:subject is used to record the topic of the resource, corresponding to subject headings in MARC cataloging.
What distinguishes a 'heading' from a 'cross-reference' in a catalog authority file?
Answer: A heading is an authorized form used on bibliographic records; a cross-reference directs users to or from that heading
An authorized heading is the established form used in bibliographic records, while cross-references (USE, UF, BT, NT, RT) guide users to related or preferred terms.
What is the function of the MARC 21 field 020?
Answer: ISBN for the item
MARC field 020 records the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) associated with the item being cataloged.
In faceted classification theory, what is a 'focus'?
Answer: A single elementary concept within a facet
A focus (also called an isolate) is a single, undivided concept that belongs to one facet of a faceted classification scheme.
Which cataloging principle holds that a catalog record should reflect the item in hand rather than an idealized or standard form?
Answer: Principle of representation
The principle of representation (also called the 'take what you see' principle in RDA) requires that catalog data accurately reflect the item being described.
When cataloging a map under RDA, which element corresponds to the ISBD Area 3 'mathematical data'?
Answer: Scale and projection
For cartographic materials, RDA records scale and projection as material-specific details, corresponding to ISBD Area 3.
Which Library of Congress authority file is the standard source for name headings in US cataloging practice?
Answer: NACO Authority File (LC/NACO)
The LC/NACO Authority File maintained through the Name Authority Cooperative Program provides authorized name headings for persons, families, and corporate bodies.
In MARC 21, what does the second indicator value '0' in field 245 signify?
Answer: No nonfiling characters (no article at the start)
A second indicator of '0' in MARC 245 means there are no nonfiling characters to skip when filing, i.e., the title does not begin with an article.
Which RDA relationship designator would be recorded for a person who wrote the words of a song (but not the music)?
Answer: Lyricist
The RDA relationship designator 'Lyricist' identifies a person responsible for writing the words (lyrics) of a musical work.
What is the purpose of a 'scope note' in a subject heading or thesaurus entry?
Answer: To define the boundaries of the term's usage and distinguish it from related terms
A scope note clarifies the intended meaning and range of application of a heading, helping indexers use terms consistently.
In LCC, what does the letter 'Z' at the beginning of a call number indicate?
Answer: Bibliography, library science, and information resources
LCC class Z covers Bibliography, Library Science, and General Information Resources, making it the home for works about librarianship itself.
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