LCSH Insights | Sumble

What is LCSH?

LCSH stands for Library of Congress Subject Headings. It is a controlled vocabulary of subject terms used by libraries to provide a consistent way to index and retrieve resources by topic. Librarians use LCSH to assign subject headings to books, articles, and other materials, and users can then search the library catalog using these headings to find relevant resources. It facilitates efficient resource discovery, ensuring materials on the same topic are grouped together.

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What other technologies are related to LCSH?

LCSH Competitor Technologies

AACR2

AACR2 is an older cataloging standard that has been superseded by RDA. Therefore, it is a competitor.

mentioned alongside LCSH in 51% (312) of relevant job posts

RDA

RDA (Resource Description and Access) is a newer cataloging standard meant to replace AACR2; therefore, it is a competitor.

mentioned alongside LCSH in 25% (569) of relevant job posts

BIBFRAME

BIBFRAME is a data model intended to replace MARC, therefore is a competitor.

mentioned alongside LCSH in 28% (72) of relevant job posts

LCSH Complementary Technologies

MARC21

MARC21 is a data format standard used to encode bibliographic data, and LCSH is often contained within the MARC record. Therefore, it is complementary.

mentioned alongside LCSH in 38% (237) of relevant job posts

OCLC Connexion

OCLC Connexion is a tool used by catalogers and can include LCSH within bibliographic records. Therefore, it is complementary.

mentioned alongside LCSH in 37% (220) of relevant job posts

LCC

Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is a classification system that is related to, but distinct from, LCSH. Both are used to describe library materials; however LCC describes the topic of the item itself and LCSH is more for subject access.

mentioned alongside LCSH in 27% (206) of relevant job posts