Enhancing the Subject Headings Minting Capacity of the Sears List of Subject Headings: Some Suggestions
MOHINDER PARTAP SATIJA · KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION · 2012
Sears List of Subject Headings (Miller and McCarthy 2010), first published in 1923, is now in its 20 th edition. Like most subject headings lists, apart from being a list of preferred (and non-preferred) headings, it also provides patterns, clear instructions, and examples for coining new subject headings not explicitly listed. Key headings form a vital part of the system of coining new headings. It is proposed that more key headings should be designated. Some candidate headings are described. One far-reaching provision seems to be the use of a subdivision of a preferred heading with all of its NTs. Thus, every preferred heading is a potential key heading for all of its NTs. This proposal works on the principle that what is true of a class is true of its narrower classes of all types. Applying this principle will enormously enhance the capacity of the List without adding even an iota to its text and size.