Library Science Cataloging and Classification 2

Question 1

Which authority file is maintained by the Library of Congress and used to standardize subject headings?

Accepted Answer

LCSH

Answer

The Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) is the authoritative thesaurus used by most US academic and public libraries for subject cataloging.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a call number in library cataloging?

Accepted Answer

To identify the physical location of an item on the shelf

Answer

A call number provides a unique address for each item in the collection, guiding patrons and staff to its physical location on the shelves.

Question 3

What does 'copy cataloging' mean in library practice?

Accepted Answer

Adapting an existing bibliographic record from a shared database

Answer

Copy cataloging involves finding and adapting an existing bibliographic record (e.g., from OCLC WorldCat) rather than creating one from scratch.

Question 4

In FRBR, which entity represents a specific physical item such as a single book on a shelf?

Accepted Answer

Item

Answer

In FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records), 'Item' is the single physical object you can hold, such as one specific copy of a book.

Question 5

Which Dewey Decimal number range is assigned to literature and rhetoric?

Accepted Answer

800–899

Answer

The 800s in the Dewey Decimal Classification are dedicated to literature and rhetoric, including fiction, poetry, and drama.

Library Science Practice Test