Use the Library of Congress Subject Headings to do a subject search? Subject headings are words or phrases that are established to represent a subject covered in library resources and are referred to as a “controlled vocabulary.” The Library of Congress, our national library, has created a list of the subject terms that are used in most library catalog records in the United States. The Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCHS) is a set of 5 large red volumes that are located on the counter shelves in the Reference Area on the Main floor, next to the computer lab. The subject headings listed in LCHS are used in subject searching in the library catalog.

Below is an explanation of an entry in the LCSH: Drug Abuse (May Subd Geog) [HV5800-HV5840] Subject Heading is in boldface type. (May Subd Geog) = may subdivide geographically [HV5800-HV5840] = call number area for subject Here are entered works on the abuse and misuse of drugs in a broad sense, such as aspirin, bromides, caffeine, sedatives, alcohol, LSD, marihuana, and narcotics. Works on abuse or misuse of therapeutic drugs are entered under Medication abuse. Works limited to addition to narcotics such as opium, morphine, codeine and heroin, are entered under Narcotic habit. May include a definition of the types of works that are described by this subject heading. Subject Heading Explanation

UF Addiction to drugs Drug addiction Drug habit Drug use UF = Used For. These are not valid subject headings. Instead of one of these terms, use Drug abuse. BT Crimes without victims Substance abuse BT = Broader Term. More general terms. If not finding enough resources, may use these terms to find more. RT Drugs – Overdosage Drugs of abuse RT = Related Term. Valid subject headings that are related to the main subject heading. SA subdivision Drug use under name of individual persons, and under classes of persons and ethnic groups SA = See Also. Suggested headings to use that cover similar topics.

NT Amphetamine abuse Drugs and mass media Drugs and sex Intravenous drug abuse Marijuana abuse Medication abuse Narcotic habit Narcotics dealers Phencyclidine abuse NT = Narrower Term. More specific terms. Use these for ideas to limit you topic or to look for more specific information. -- Forecasting UF Drug abuse, Prediction of -- Hyphens indicate a subdivision of the main subject heading, Drug Abuse. Different concepts are combined into one subject heading. -- Paraphernalia Use Drug paraphernalia -- Hyphens indicate another subdivision. USE = Refers to valid subject heading. This subdivision is not a valid subject heading.

How do you use these subject headings? See the following search examples in the Library Catalog. This is a search using the valid subject heading: Drug Abuse.

In this search one of the UF headings, Drug use, is used:

This is a search using the subject heading, Drug abuse, and the subheading, Prevention:

A helpful tip: General or Free-floating Subdivisions In the LCSH there is a long list of general or free-floating subdivisions that can help in combining topics and in searching for a special focus of a topic. These subdivisions are added after a valid subject heading. A list of these general subdivisions is in the front of the first volume of the LCSH A few examples of these headings are: --Health aspects--Moral and ethical aspects --Psychological aspects--Physiological aspects --Social aspects--History --Statistics --Public opinion --Description and travel --Social life and customs This is how they are used: Abortion – Political aspects

An example search using a subdivision:

Use the LCSH to help you: Find the established subject term to do a subject search in the library catalog. Brainstorm for other terms or concepts related to your topic so you can narrow your topic. Develop a list of key terms and concepts for you to use in searching databases and the World Wide Web. Need assistance? Ask a librarian!