1. Controlled Vocabulary & Genres
Cataloging in RDA

2. What does “Controlled Vocabulary” mean?
Organized lists of words and phrases, or notation systems, that are used to initially tag content, then find it through navigation or search (Amy Warner, 2002)
An agreed-upon list that solves problems of homographs, synonyms, and polysemes
Homograph - a word with the same spelling but different meanings. For example, the word “pool” could refer to the game played on a table with balls and sticks or a place for swimming
Synonyms - different words that have the same (or nearly the same) meaning. For example, to purchase vs to buy.
Polyseme - a word or phrase with different but related meanings. For example, “man” can mean:
The human species (i.e., man vs. other organisms)
Males of the human species (i.e., man vs. woman)
Adult males of the human species (i.e., man vs. boy)

3. Controlled vocabulary - list of terms
Confusing Terms : Controlled vocabulary vs authority files vs thesaurus vs taxonomy vs….
Controlled vocabulary - list of terms
Authority file - a collection of authorized terms (aka controlled vocab), which also details their accepted usage and some relationship information.
Taxonomy - a list of controlled vocabulary terms organized into hierarchies.
Thesaurus - list of controlled vocabulary that includes relationship information, especially “use for” relationships, and can often include relationships between terms in different vocabularies. The RBMS Controlled vocabularies page, the LCSH, LCGFT, and others are considered thesauri.
Sources and other librarians (myself included) use these terms interchangeably sometimes. They are all controlled vocab, what differs is the amount of information about relationships between terms. As far as I know, there is no standard definition when it comes to these terms and cataloging/metadata, but there are agreed upon characteristics and working definitions.

4. Why do we use it? Clarity Consistency Access
Clarity - using a controlled vocabulary such as LCSH, we can guarantee our patrons know that this book is about moles the animal, not spies.
Consistency - if someone searches for books on camels, we want to make sure that all of our holdings show up every time. When we get a new item, and we label it differently, without using the author’s authorized heading, for example, or labeling DVDs and CDs differently, our catalogs won’t return the right search results.
As you can see, we face many pitfalls in describing materials - how can we make sure our patrons know exactly what the item in question is about, or what it is, or usage considerations?
Users don’t always know what a place is called or who wrote what. Controlled vocabularies allow us to apply a preferred term consistently while gathering related terms under the preferred term to improve access.

5. How we use it - RDA
RDA’s controlled vocabulary helps us identify and describe our materials.
3xx fields (content, media, and carrier types) are consistently applied
Machine readability - preparing for linked data
-Include a link to the RDA Content, Media, and Carrier types handout
- for 3xx - and

6. How we use it - RBMS (Rare Books and Manuscripts Section)
RBMS - “These thesauri provide standardized vocabulary for retrieving special collections materials by form, genre, or by various physical characteristics that are typically of interest to researchers and special collections librarians, and for relating materials to individuals or corporate bodies.”
Different lists - Binding terms, Genre terms, Paper terms, Printing and Publishing evidence, Provenance evidence, Type evidence.
Rare books and Manuscripts, collected by the Association of College and Research Libraries. With increased activity from the Digital Public Library of America, increased interest in genealogical/local history research, and the future (however distant it may be) of linked data, I thought it might be of interest to discuss the various lists available. This image is from a record I created at the Newberry for a broadside from However, these controlled vocabulary terms can be used for our existing local history collections -

7. Examples of RBMS terms applicable to public libraries

9. How we use it - FAST
FAST (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology) is an enumerative, faceted subject heading schema derived from the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). The purpose of adapting the LCSH with a simplified syntax to create FAST is to retain the very rich vocabulary of LCSH while making the schema easier to understand, control, apply, and use. The schema maintains upward compatibility with LCSH, and any valid set of LC subject headings can be converted to FAST headings. The FAST Authority file contains links to LCSH Authorities as will as other authoritative sources such as VIAF, GeoNames, and Wikipedia. We will continue to add other links where possible. -- from the FAST homepage
In layman’s terms, FAST is basically breaking down LCSH headings to make them more machine-readable. More prepwork for the indefinite “linked data future” !

10. Example of a FAST search
Note that you can simply copy and paste the 650 and put it into your record if you’re using OCLC. You can even choose the delimiter. You can also see that the search function takes into account the different meanings of the word.
Example of a FAST search

11. How we use it - AAT
The Getty’s Art and Architecture Thesaurus is another one that isn’t common in public library works, but if you have local history or other special collections, it could be useful!
It was developed as a tool to improve access to information about art architecture and other material culture.

13. How we use it - LCSH (Online)
Everyone is familiar with LCSH - we use it every day. I’ll let Laura tell you more about it, but here’s a screenshot of a LCSH subject heading search.

14. In OCLC Connexion

15. Sample of a record using LCSH, FAST, and RBMS controlled vocabulary

16. Genres - LCGFT and Beyond
655 _ 7 $a Detective and mystery fiction. $2 LCGFT
Somewhat common in fiction cataloging, emphasizes genre of item or form - Fight Songs, for example.
If you’re subscribed to Classification Web, you can search these much as you would any other subject heading.

17. Defining Genres Fiction Mystery Romance Sci Fi Fantasy
These are the genres and definitions we came up with at JPL after many meetings.
Fiction - – includes horror, inspirational fiction, women’s fiction, chick-lit, historical fiction, gentle reads, and literary fiction. Any title that is a blend of multiple genres with no dominant genre (Outlander) would go in Fiction. Amish/Inspirational fiction will go as here unless they are clearly defined as other romance or mystery.
Mystery - plot should include a crime. Includes mystery, suspense, thriller, psychological suspense, action/adventure, and cozy.
Romance is NOT women’s fiction, chick-lit, inspirational fiction, religious romance, or gentle reads. Romance and erotic fiction. If there are abs on the cover, it’s probably going in Romance.
SciFi - science and tech, even if that science does not or never will actually exist.
Fantasy - look at book and subject headings. Fantasy usually incorporates magic or mythology.

18. Why Genre-fy your collection?
Pros
For larger collections, it’s easier to browse if it’s broken up a little
Bookstore model - for those used to bookstores or retail organization, this is a familiar layout.
More accurate to author’s intent and marketing, making it easier to find.

19. Why Genre-fy your collection?
Cons
-Can be subjective
-Big process for all areas, not just Tech Serv
-Some popular genres - Romantic Suspense - are hard to classify.
-Patrons don’t always know what genre they like if they’re not exposed to it

20. Librarian Cataloger - Joliet Public Library
Questions?
Sarah Furger
Librarian Cataloger - Joliet Public Library
Make sure this is correct!