An Integrated Approach to Retrieval Methods Combining Elementary School Subject Headings and Basic Subject Headings (BSH) using NDC and Reference Links

Abstract

Subject headings are assigned in library catalogs on the basis of a list of subject headings. The Basic Subject Headings (BSH) is the standard list of subject headings used for library cataloging in Japan. However, for elementary library catalogs, the Elementary School Subject Headings can also be used. Although the main MARC, created by private distributors, usually uses the BSH, if OPACs were equipped with a function that integrates the Elementary School Subject Headings and the BSH, elementary school students could choose subjects based on easy words while also having access to broader subject searches made possible by using the BSH. The present study examined methods of linking the Elementary School Subject Headings and the BSH by assigning NDC classification numbers and references, and focusing on the variability of terms and notation, which aim to integrate retrieval methods that combine the two lists of subject headings. The results of an experimental prototype system show that assigning NDC classification numbers and reference linking system worked effectively in most cases. However, the results also revealed a few cases with a dependency on the text-based search function.