1. MathSciNet – using the Mathematics Subject Classification (MSC)
University of Southampton Libraries

2. The Basics
Each article has one or more Mathematics Subject Classification (MSC) codes added by the indexers.
These are useful to ..
Making search results more relevant and specific
Suggest alternative terms to search
To see what major areas of research exist

3. Classification numbers are marked (83C57, etc.)
By clicking on the terms you can see what they mean …

4. The Primary MSC is the main subject of the article
Click on this icon to run a search on that term …

5. … Does a search on that code Often too broad to be helpful.

6. The MSC can also be accessed via ‘free tools’

7. Search for a key word or phrase …

8. MathSciNet will show you relevant term(s)
Codes have changed over time – the code for black holes (82C57) was added in 1991
So if we use it we won’t find any pre 1991 articles about black holes

9. You can also use the code in your search
83C57 searches for black holes very well

10. We now have less results – but hopefully more relevant ones

11. For further help
Contact Michael Whitton (Mathematics Academic Liaison Librarian) by
by telephone:
or check the maths subject page
If you need further help with this topic please contact the Library. For general enquiries use this address and telephone number.