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Application of MeSH
for Medical Catalogers

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Contents

1. Overview

With 1999 MESH and the implementation of the Voyager Integrated Library System, the Cataloging Section moved to harmonize its practices for subject heading content and structure with NLM's indexing practices. These changes are intended to facilitate cross-file searching and enhance retrieval by assuring that the same terms produce like results for articles, books, non-print materials, electronic resources, etc.

In NLM LocatorPlus, NLM's web-based catalog, main headings or main heading and topical subheading combinations no longer are qualified by geographic, form, or language subheadings (see 2.1 Main Heading and Subheading Order). Instead geographic descriptors and publication types (PTs), formerly known as form divisions, are carried in separate fields and are used in retrieval in coordination with main headings or main heading and topical subheading combinations.The NLM LocatorPlus record does not contain language subfields for the PTs DICTIONARY, ENCYCLOPEDIAS, PHRASES or TERMINOLOGY since the information is encoded in the MARC language field (041).

Based on advice received from a number of medical libraries, NLM will recombine subject headings, geographic descriptors and PTs to form the conventional subject heading string in MARC records distributed to licensees. The instructions below provide guidance to medical catalogers for understanding the changes to subject headings in NLM's OPAC and distributed records and for constructing like headings for materials cataloged at their own institutions.

Note: These instructions apply only to Medical Subject Headings -- Annotated Alphabetic List, 1999. The Annotated Alphabetic List, 2000 will have instructions for medical catalogers that reflect changes in that edition.

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2. CONSTRUCTING THE SUBJECT HEADING STRING

2.1. Main Heading and Subheading Order

In NLM LocatorPlus* main headings or main heading and topical subheading combinations in bibliographic records no longer are qualified by geographic or publication types (PTs) (formerly known as form divisions) or language subheading. Geographic descriptors and PTs are carried in separate fields and are used in retrieval in coordination with main headings or main heading and topical subheading combinations.

However, in NLM's MARC distribution, subject headings continue to be distributed in NLM's established order, and medical catalogers should construct them in the same manner when they are cataloging at their own institutions. The order of the main headings and subheadings is:

650 _2 ‡a Main heading / ‡x topical subheading / ‡z geographic / ‡v publication

type/genre [formerly form subheading*] / ‡x language
*Note: The form subheadings are limited to Genre/Publication Type. Information about the physical format of an item will not be part of the subject string. The descriptive and coded portions of a bibliographic record contain physical format information.

Although the sequence of the subfields follows established NLM practice, the content of the new heading string may differ slightly from that used in the past. For example, the PT Dictionary will be followed by a language subfield, even when the title is in English (see example 2) below).

Examples:

1)
Distributed Subject Heading Structure
650 12 ‡a Skin Diseases ‡x diagnosis ‡v Atlases
650 22 ‡a Skin Diseases ‡x therapy ‡v Atlases
NLM LocatorPlus Structure
650 12 ‡a Skin Diseases ‡x diagnosis
650 22 ‡a Skin Diseases ‡x therapy
655 _7 ‡a Atlases ‡2 mesh
2)
Distributed Subject Heading Structure
650 12 ‡a Medicine ‡v Dictionary ‡x French
650 22 ‡a Medicine ‡v Dictionary ‡x English
NLM LocatorPlus Structure
041 _9 ‡a eng ‡a fre
650 12 ‡a Medicine
655 _7 ‡a Dictionary ‡2 mesh
Note: The 041 format is a NLM application used for retrieving publications by language and for appending a language to a limited number of Publication Types (PTs), see 2.5. Language Subheadings.
3)
Distributed Subject Heading Structure
650 12 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡v Bibliography
650 22 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡v Directory
NLM LocatorPlus Structure
650 12 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
655 _7 ‡a Bibliography ‡2 mesh
655 _7 ‡a Congresses ‡2 mesh
655 _7 ‡a Directory ‡2 mesh
4)
Distributed Subject Heading Structure
650 12 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x epidemiology ‡z Texas
650 22 ‡a Prisoners ‡x psychology ‡z Texas
NLM LocatorPlus Structure
650 12 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x epidemiology
650 22 ‡a Prisoners ‡x psychology
651 _2 ‡a Texas ‡x epidemiology
5)
Distributed Subject Heading Structure
650 12 ‡a Child Development
650 22 ‡a Communication ‡x Infant, Newborn
650 22 ‡a Communication ‡x Infant
650 22 ‡a Communication ‡x Child, Preschool
650 22 ‡a Communication ‡x Child
650 22 ‡a Learning ‡x Infant, Newborn
650 22 ‡a Learning ‡x Infant
650 22 ‡a Learning ‡x Child, Preschool
650 22 ‡a Learning ‡x Child
650 22 ‡a Thinking ‡x Infant, Newborn
650 22 ‡a Thinking ‡x Infant
650 22 ‡a Thinking ‡x Child, Preschool
650 22 ‡a Thinking ‡x Child
NLM LocatorPlus Structure
650 12 ‡a Child Development
650 22 ‡a Communication [‡9 a]
650 22 ‡a Learning [‡9 a]
650 22 ‡a Thinking [‡9 a]
650 22 ‡a Infant, Newborn
650 22 ‡a Infant
650 22 ‡a Child, Preschool
650 22 ‡a Child
Note: Subfield ‡9 a is an internal subfield to be used with the MARCout conversion program to append an age group to a main heading.
6)
Distributed Subject Heading Structure
650 12 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x epidemiology ‡z United States
650 22 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x Adolescence ‡z United States
650 22 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x prevention & control ‡z United States
650 22 ‡a Adolescent Health Services ‡x organization & administration ‡z United States
NLM LocatorPlus Structure
650 12 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x epidemiology
650 22 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome [‡9 a]
650 22 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x prevention & control
650 22 ‡a Adolescent Health Services ‡x organization & administration
650 22 ‡a Adolescence
651 _2 ‡a United States ‡x epidemiology
Note: Subfield ‡9 a is an internal subfield to be used with the MARCout conversion program to append an age group to a main heading.
7)
Distributed Subject Heading Structure
650 12 ‡a Vision Disorders ‡x diagnosis ‡x Child
NLM LocatorPlus Structure
650 12 ‡a Vision Disorders ‡ diagnosis [‡9 a]
650 22 ‡a Child
Note: Subfield ‡9 a is an internal subfield to be used with the MARCout conversion program to append an age group to a main heading.
8)
Distributed Subject Heading Structure
650 12 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x ethnology ‡z Africa ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x ethnology ‡z Caribbean Region ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Cross-Cultural Comparison ‡z Africa ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Cross-Cultural Comparison ‡z Caribbean Region ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Health Policy ‡z Africa ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Health Policy ‡z Caribbean Region ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Socioeconomic Factors ‡z Africa ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Socioeconomic Factors ‡z Caribbean Region ‡v Congresses
NLM LocatorPlus Structure
650 12 ‡a Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ‡x ethnology
650 22 ‡a Cross-Cultural Comparison
650 22 ‡a Health Policy
650 22 ‡a Socioeconomic Factors
651 _2 ‡a Africa ‡x ethnology
651 _2 ‡a Caribbean Region ‡x ethnology
655 _7 ‡a Congresses ‡2 mesh

2.2. Age Groups and PREGNANCY Subheadings

Age groups and PREGNANCY are used as main headings. Cataloging also uses them as topical subheadings and as such these terms replace the "in ..." topical subheadings. For more details, see the section on 5. Age Groups and PREGNANCY Replace "in ...." Topical Subheadings ".

2.3. Geographic Subheadings

Geographic subheadings can be added to any main heading or main heading and topical subheading combination when appropriate. A geographic subheading can be added even if the annotation does not specify it, i.e., "specify geog" or "specify geog if pertinent" are not present.

2.3.1. Medicare and Medicaid Related Terms

Medicare or related terms are not qualified by the Z category term UNITED STATES since they are U.S. specific programs; however, when appropriate qualify these headings by the applicable state. The annotation "CATALOG: geog by state" applies.

2.4. Publication Types (PTs)

Publication types (PTs) from the 4.3 List of PTs Used as Form Divisions (see 4. Applying Publication Types/Genres for details) are applied freely whenever appropriate. The annotations "CATALOG: form qualif permitted," etc. or "Catalog: geog /form," etc. no longer apply.

2.5. Language Subheadings

Language subheadings are added only when the following publication types (PTs) are present: DICTIONARY, ENCYCLOPEDIAS, PHRASES or TERMINOLOGY.

2.6. CATALOG: Annotations

Most "CATALOG:" annotations no longer apply when constructing a subject headings string and are not applied by NLM catalogers. The following "CATALOG:" instructions in an annotation still apply and will appear also in 2000 MeSH.

  1. CATALOG: use NAF entry (e.g., National Institututes of Health (U.S.), etc.)
  2. CATALOG: use for 4 or more states (e.g., Northwestern United States, etc.)
  3. CATALOG: do not use (e.g., "Food and Beverages," etc.) Until 1998 this main heading and others like it were Non MeSH headings. Although these terms are now valid MeSH headings, they are not used in bibliographic records. There are nearly always specific individual headings available, e.g., "FOOD" and "BEVERAGES." The cataloger annotation is also generally preceded by "not used for indexing."
  4. CATALOG: do not use; for indexers only (examples: Male, Female, etc.) These are check tags used by indexers only.
    Note: CASE REPORT is an exception, see 4.2 Main Headings with Publication Type Characteristics.
  5. CATALOG: geog by state. These instructions apply only to Medicare, Medicaid and related terms.

The following CATALOG: annotations no longer apply and will not be printed in 2000 MeSH.

  1. CATALOG: /form/language
  2. CATALOG: /geog/form
  3. CATALOG: do not use /in inf

2.7. MeSH Browser at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/MBrowser.html

The MeSH Browser may be used to find descriptors of interest and to see these in relationship to other descriptors. This vocabulary look-up aid is designed to locate quickly descriptors of possible interest and to show the hierarchy in which these descriptors appear. The Browser displays virtually complete MeSH records, including the scope notes, annotations, entry vocabulary, history notes, allowable qualifiers, etc. It also provides links to relevant sections of the NLM Indexing Manual.

When a single descriptor has been selected, the complete record can then be displayed. Fields or elements within the descriptor are linked to additional sources such as related Indexing Manual sections, definitions and other similar information.

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3. NLM's Form Subdivisions Change to Publication Types (PT)/Genre

3.1. Form Subdivisions Become Publication Types (PT)

With the 1999 production year, the Cataloging Section of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) no longer uses form or double form subdivisions. Double form subdivisions are dropped as are those form subdivisions that identified the physical carrier (e.g., audiocassettes, CD-ROMs, filmstrips, interactive multimedia, etc.).

From 1999 forward, the NLM Cataloging Section uses the publication types (PT) listed in NLM's Medical Subject Headings - Annotated Alphabetic List to identify the format of an item or its genre. When the format of a title requires more than one publication type, multiple PTs are added to a record.

The following former form subdivisions /audiovisual aids, /societies, and /case studies are not on the PT list and special instructions apply (See 4.2 Main Headings with Publication Type Characteristics). When an item lists either audiovisual aids or societies, use the respective MeSH heading in the 650 subject field ‡a and add subfield ‡v with the appropriate PT from the 4.3 List of PTs Used as Form Divisions. When an item contains case reports, use the MeSH check tag Case Report in subfield v (‡v) of the 650 subject field.

Example: Audiovisual Aids
650 12 ‡a Motion Pictures ‡v Catalogs
650 22 ‡a Audiovisual Aids ‡v Catalogs
Example: Societies
650 12 ‡a Psychiatry ‡v Directory
650 22 ‡a Societies ‡v Directory
Example: Case Report
650 12 ‡a Psychotherapy ‡v Case Report
650 22 ‡a Psychotic Disorders ‡x therapy ‡v Case Report
Publication Types (PT) that replace former form divisions are entered in the subfield v (‡v) of the 650 subject heading field (see Table of Obsolete Form Subdivisions & Their Corresponding Publication Types). All other PTs found in the Medical Subject Headings -- Annotated Alphabetic List 1999, p. I-11, are input in the 655 (PT/Genre) field, e.g., 655 _7 ‡a Caricatures ‡2 mesh.

3.2. Table of Obsolete Form Subdivisions & Their Corresponding Publication Types

This table lists previously used single form subdivisions and their publication type/genre (PT) equivalents. There are no equivalents to double form divisons which are no longer used. The table also contains dropped form subdivisions which represent the physical carrier of the information; the 'X' in the DROPPED column identifies these.

Table of Obsolete Form Subdivisions & Their Corresponding Publication Types

OLD NEW DROPPED
abbreviations Abbreviations
abstracts Abstracts
acronyms see Abbreviations
anecdotes Anecdotes
atlases Atlases
audiocassettes X
audiotape catalogs X
audiovisual aids Use MH AUDIOVISUAL AIDS
(650 ‡a -- post coordination)		 X
 
bibliography Bibliography
biobibliography Biobibliography
biography Biography
cartoons Cartoons
case studies Use check tag CASE REPORT
(Used as PT in 650 ‡v subfield)		 X
 
cases Legal Cases
catalogs Catalogs
CD-I
X
CD-ROM X
charts Charts
chronology Chronology
collected works Collected Works
collections Collections
congresses Congresses
correspondence see Collected Correspondence
data tapes X
dictionaries Dictionary
directories Directory
drawings Drawings
electronic journals Electronic Journals X
encyclopedias Encyclopedias
essays Essays
examination questions Examination Questions
exhibitions Exhibitions
experiments see Laboratory Manuals
film catalogs X
filmstrips X
forms Forms
guidebooks Guidebooks
handbooks Handbooks
humor Humor
indexes Indexes
interactive multimedia X
interviews Interview
juvenile literature Juvenile Literature
laboratory manuals Laboratory Manuals
legends (titles recataloged) X
legislation Legislation
manuscripts Manuscripts
maps Maps
microfiche X
microfilm
X
models (titles recataloged) X
motion pictures X
multimedia kits X
nomenclature see Terminology
notations (titles recataloged) X
nurses' instruction Nurses' Instruction
outlines Outlines
patents Patents
periodicals Periodicals
personal narratives Personal Narratives
phrases Phrases
pictorial works Pictorial Works
popular works Popular Works
portraits Portraits
problems Problems and Exercises
programmed instruction Programmed Instruction
radiographs (titles recataloged) X
registers see Directory
slides X
societies Use MH Societies
(650 ‡a -- post coordination)		 X
 
software X
spectra (titles recataloged) X
statistics Statistics
symbols (titles recataloged) X
tables Tables
terminology Terminology X
transparencies X
union lists Union Lists
videocassettes X
videodiscs X
videotapes X
yearbooks see Periodicals X

3.3. Publication Types (PTs) Replace Pre-coordinated Main Headings

As in Indexing, Cataloging now uses the pre-coordinated Main Headings listed below only to identify works in which dictionaries, catalogs and nomenclature are the topic of the title, that is its subject matter (e.g., DICTIONARIES, CHEMICAL is used for a title about chemical dictionaries).

With 1999 MeSH, Cataloging assigns the appropriate topical main heading and publication type to dictionaries, that is a dictionary of chemical terms. The main heading is input in subfield ‡a of 650 and a PT from the 4.3 List of PTs Used as Form Divisions is entered in subfield ‡v.

Pre-coordinated Main Headings New Practice
Dictionaries, Chemical 650 12 ‡a Chemistry ‡v Dictionary
Dictionaries, Dental 650 12 ‡a Dentistry ‡v Dictionary
Dictionaries, Medical 650 12 ‡a Medicine ‡v Dictionary
Dictionaries, Pharmaceutic 650 12 ‡a Pharmaceutical Preparations ‡v Dictionary
Bibliography of Medicine 650 12 ‡a Medicine ‡v Bibliography
Catalogs, Drug 650 12 ‡a Pharmaceutical Preparations ‡v Catalogs
Nomenclature 650 12 ‡a Medicine ‡v Terminology

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4. Applying Publication Types/Genres

4.1. Overview of Publication Types (PT) Used as Forms or Genres

The Medical Subject Headings -- Alphabetic Annotated List section "Publication Types" specifically enumerates publication types (PTs) used in cataloging. This list is divided into two groups, the 4.3 List of PTs Used as Form Divisions and 4.4 List of PTs Used as Genres. This differentiation between like terms is made so that medical catalogers can add a PT found in the first list as a form division to a subject heading string (650 ‡v form subfield). PTs found in the second list are treated as genres and are not added to any subject heading string, they are used independently in a record (655 Genre/Form field).

When appropriate, PTs from the 4.3 List of PTs Used as Form Divisions can be added to any subject heading string since the restrictions in the annotation "CATALOG: form qualif permitted" no longer applies. The 4.4 List of PTs Used as Genres contains the independent PTs, those that do not append to any MeSH descriptors. For Publication Type (PT) definitions consult the MeSH Browser or the current MeSH Alphabetic Annotated List .

4.2. Main Headings with Publication Type Characteristics

MeSH contains some main heading descriptors that have publication type characteristics. Since no corresponding PT exists, these terms are used as main headings in the 650 subject heading field and are identified as secondary subjects (i.e., first indicator '2'). Some examples are: BIBLIOGRAPHY, NATIONAL; CATALOGS, LIBRARY; CATALOGS, PUBLISHERS; CATALOGS, BOOKSELLERS; etc. Items that contain this type of data are retrieved by post coordinating the terms with the appropriate main heading.

Note: The check tag CASE REPORT is used as a form division and carried in ‡v of the 650 subject field. In NLM's LocatorPlus records CASE REPORT is treated as a secondary subject heading and retrieval is coordinated with Main Headings.

4.3. List of PTs Used as Form Divisions

Abbreviations Handbooks
Abstracts Humor
Anecdotes Indexes
Annual Reports Interview
Atlases Juvenile Literature
Bibliography Laboratory Manuals
Biobibliography Legal Cases
Biography Manuscripts
Cartoons Maps
Catalogs Nurses' Instruction
Charts Outlines
Chronology Patents
Collected Correspondence Periodical Index
Collected Works Periodicals
Collections Personal Narratives
Congresses Phrases
Dictionary Pictorial Works
Directory Popular Works
Drawings Portraits
Encyclopedias Problems and Exercises
Essays Programmed Instruction
Examination Questions Resource Guides
Exhibitions Tables
Forms Terminology
Guidebooks Union Lists

4.4. List of PTs Used as Genres

*Academic Dissertations *Instruction
Account Books Lecture Notes
*Addresses Lectures
Advertisements Legislation
Almanacs Letter
*Animation Meta-Analysis
Architectural Drawings Newspaper Article
Book Illustrations Patient Information Handout
Bookplates Pharmacopoeias
Broadsides Posters
Caricatures Practice Guideline
Consensus Development Conference Price Lists
Consensus Development Conference, NIH Programs
Database Prospectuses
Diaries Retracted Publication
*Documentaries and Factual Films Review Literature
Ephemera Review of Reported Cases
Eulogies Scientific Integrity Review
Evaluation Studies Sermons
Festschrift Statistics
*Fictional Works Technical Report
Funeral Sermons *Textbook
Guideline *Unedited Footage
*Herbals
*Note: Used only for historical materials and for reprints of pre-1914 publications.

4.5. LEGISLATION and STATISTICS PTs -- Changes to Cataloging Practice

4.5.1. PT - - LEGISLATION

The publication type LEGISLATION was included in the List of PTs used as Form Divisions in MeSH 1999 and 2000. Beginning with MeSH 2001, it has been moved to the List of PTs used as Genre and is to be used whenever 20% or more of the content of the material being cataloged consists of the text of laws, statutes, ordinances or government regulations. It is not to be attached to the subject string on distributed records.

4.5.2. PT -- STATISTICS

The publication type STATISTICS was included in the List of PTs used as Form Divisions in MeSH 1999 and 2000. Beginning with MeSH 2001, it has been moved to the List of PTs used as Genre and is to be used whenever 20% or more of the content of the material being cataloged consists of statistical data. It is not to be attached to the subject string on distributed records.

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5. Age Groups and PREGNANCY Replace "in ...." Topical Subheadings

5.1. "in ... " Phrase Topical Subheadings

Although 1999 MESH continues to list the "in ... " phrase topical subheadings for age groups, e.g., "in infancy & childhood," etc., NLM catalogers no longer use these to qualify a main heading or main heading and topical subheading combination. In their place, the check tag for a specific age group (i.e., Child, Adult, etc.) or Pregnancy is used to qualify a main heading or main heading/topical subheading combination.

5.2. Age Groups and PREGNANCY as Main Headings

Individual age groups and PREGNANCY continue to be used also as main headings. An age group or PREGNANCY is used as a main heading when the item being cataloged is about the "... psychol & sociol or social entity ...." or pregnancy as a normal condition. When these are used as main headings, an allowable qualifier (i.e., topical subheading) may be added in subfield "x" (e.g., 650 12 ‡a Aged ‡x physiology).

An age group is used as topical subheading only when it can be used also as a check tag.

Example: AGED -- Annotation: "... age 65 & over as check tag; ..., [as main heading if] ... as physiol, psychol or sociol entity; ..."

Some age groups cannot be used as check tags; therefore, they cannot be used as topical subheadings. When that is the case the annotation will indicate which check tag should be used and that age group check tag becomes the topical subheading.

Example: AGED, 80 AND OVER -- Annotation

"age 80 yr & over; IM [i.e., main heading] as physiol, psychol or sociol entity; ... check tag AGED..."

Note: Because the subject heading string is created by a computer program, age groups and pregnancy are capitalized while other topical subheadings are in lower case. For the same reason, all secondary subjects appear in alphabetical order.

5.3. Age Groups as Topical Subheadings

The following is a list of age groups that are used as topical subheadings: INFANT, NEWBORN; INFANT; CHILD, PRESCHOOL; CHILD; ADOLESCENCE; ADULT; MIDDLE AGE and AGED.

When the content of a title being cataloged focuses on one or more age groups, the appropriate age group descriptor can be added to the main heading or main heading and topical subheading combination. A main heading or main heading and topical subheading combination may be repeated more than once to accommodate all age groups discussed in the item. The examples below are illustrative only and are taken from bibliographic records in NLM LocatorPlus.

Examples:
245 10 ‡a Cognitive development and language ....
650 12 ‡a Communication ‡x Infant
650 12 ‡a Communication ‡x Child
650 22 ‡a Cognition ‡x Infant
650 22 ‡a Cognition ‡x Child
650 22 ‡a Cross-Cultural Comparison
650 22 ‡a Language Development
245 10 ‡a Cancer in Illinois infants ....
650 12 ‡a Neoplasms ‡x Infant ‡z Illinois
650 22 ‡a Neoplasms ‡x Child ‡z Illinois
650 22 ‡a Neoplasms ‡x epidemiology ‡z Illinois
245 00 ‡a Cancer control in children ....
650 12 ‡a Neoplasms ‡x Infant ‡z Europe
650 12 ‡a Neoplasms ‡x Child ‡z Europe
650 22 ‡a Epidemiologic Methods ‡z Europe*
650 22 ‡a Health Planning ‡x organization & administration ‡z Europe
650 22 ‡a Neoplasms ‡x prevention & control ‡ Europe
650 22 ‡a Registries ‡x standards ‡z Europe
*Note: This example reflects the subject string as distributed by NLM. Libraries may not wish to add a geographical subheading to terms like "Epidemiologic Methods."
245 00 ‡a Behavioral studies of drug-exposed offspring ....
650 12 ‡a Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Infant, Newborn ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Cocaine ‡x toxicity ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Pregnancy ‡v Congresses
650 22 ‡a Substance-Related Disorders ‡v Congresses

5.4. Age Group Subheadings NOT Added to Main Headings

Below are lists of headings to which an age group subheading should not be added since the age group is embedded in the descriptor. This list is not exhaustive, but illustrative of the types of headings.

5.4.1. INFANT and INFANT, NEWBORN

Do not add INFANT or INFANT, NEWBORN as Topical Subheadings to any of the terms listed below:
  1. MH terms including Infant:
    Incubators, Infant
    Infant
    Infant Behavior
    Infant Care
    Infant Equipment
    Infant Food
    Infant Mortality
    Infant Nutrition
    Infant Nutrition Disorders
    Infant Welfare
    Infant, Low Birth Weight
    Infant, Newborn
    Infant, Newborn, Diseases
    Infant, Postmature
    Infant, Premature
    Infant, Premature, Diseases
    Infant, Small for Gestational Age
    Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
    Sudden Infant Death
  2. MH terms with Infantile:
    Diarrhea, Infantile
    Spasms, Infantile
  3. MH terms with Neonatal:
    Anemia, Neonatal
    Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
    Intensive Care, Neonatal
    Jaundice, Neonatal
    Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
    Neonatal Nursing
    Neonatal Screening

5.4.2. CHILD and CHILD, PRESCHOOL

Do not add CHILD or CHILD, PRESCHOOL as Topical Subheading to any of the terms listed below:
  1. MH terms which include Child:
    Battered Child Syndrome
    Child
    Child Abuse
    Child Abuse, Sexual
    Child Advocacy
    Child Behavior
    Child Behavior Disorders
    Child Care
    Child Custody
    Child Day Care Centers
    Child Development
    Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
    Child Guidance
    Child Guidance Clinics
    Child Health Services
    Child Language
    Child Nutrition
    Child Nutrition Disorders
    Child of Impaired Parents
    Child Psychiatry
    Child Psychology
    Child Reactive Disorders
    Child Rearing
    Child Welfare
    Child, Abandoned
    Child, Exceptional
    Child, Gifted
    Child, Hospitalized
    Child, Institutionalized
    Child, Preschool
    Child, Unwanted
    Only Child
  2. MH terms with Children:
    Dental Care for Children
    Disabled Children
  3. MH terms with Childhood:
    Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood
    Schizophrenia, Childhood

5.4.3. ADOLESCENCE

Do not add ADOLESCENCE as Topical Subheading to any of the terms listed below:
  1. MH terms with Adolescence:
    Adolescence
    Pregnancy in Adolescence
  2. MH terms with Adolescent:
    Adolescent Behavior
    Adolescent Health Services
    Adolescent Medicine
    Adolescent Nutrition
    Adolescent Psychiatry
    Adolescent Psychology
    Adolescent, Hospitalized
    Adolescent, Institutionalized
  3. MH terms with Juvenile:
    Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid
    (should not be qualified by Infant, Child, Adolescence, since the disease occurs in childhood)
    Juvenile Delinquency
    Periodontitis, Juvenile
    Xanthogranuloma, Juvenile

5.4.4. ADULT

Do not add ADULT as Topical Subheadings to any of the terms listed below:
  1. MH terms with Adult:
    Adult
    Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult
    Still's Disease, Adult-Onset

5.4.5. AGED

Do not add AGED as Topical Subheading to any of the terms listed below:
  1. MH terms with Aged:
    Aged
    Aged, 80 and over
    Dental Care for Aged
    Health Services for the Aged
    Homes for the Aged
  2. MH terms with Old Age:
    Old Age Assistance
  3. MH terms with Elderly:
    Frail Elderly
    Housing for the Elderly
  4. MH terms with Geriatric:
    Geriatric Assessment
    Geriatric Dentistry
    Geriatric Nursing
    Geriatric Psychiatry
    Geriatrics

5.4.6. PREGNANCY

Do not add PREGNANCY as Topical Subheading to any of the terms listed below:
  1. MH terms with Pregnancy:
    Pregnancy
    Pregnancy Complications
    Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular
    Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic
    Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
    Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic
    Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic
    Pregnancy in Adolescence
    Pregnancy in Diabetes
    Pregnancy Maintenance
    Pregnancy Outcome
    Pregnancy Proteins
    Pregnancy Rate
    Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal
    Pregnancy Tests
    Pregnancy Tests, Immunologic
    Pregnancy Toxemias
    Pregnancy Trimester, First
    Pregnancy Trimester, Second
    Pregnancy Trimester, Third
    Pregnancy Trimesters
    Pregnancy Zone Proteins
    Pregnancy-Associated alpha-Plasma Protein
    Pregnancy-Associated beta-Plasma Protein
    Pregnancy-Specific beta 1-Glycoprotein
    Pregnancy, Abdominal
    Pregnancy, Animal
    Pregnancy, Ectopic
    Pregnancy, High-Risk
    Pregnancy, Multiple
    Pregnancy, Prolonged
    Pregnancy, Tubal
    Pregnancy, Unwanted
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6. Topical Subheadings: ‡x legislation & jurisprudence and ‡x statistics & numerical data

Catalogers can now use the topical subheadings ‡x legislation & jurisprudence or ‡x statistics & numerical data when they are allowable qualifiers. The annotation "CATALOG: do not use: for indexers only" in Annotated Alphabetic List 1999 no longer applies to these concepts.

6.1. Topical Subheading: ‡x legislation & jurisprudence

Topical subheading: ‡x legislation & jurisprudence is used for laws, statutes, ordinances, or government regulations, as well as for legal controversy and court decisions. The PT (publication type/Genre) ‡v LEGISLATION is not added as a form subdivision (see4. Applying Publication Types/Genres) when the topical subheading is ‡x legislation & jurisprudence.

6.2. Topical Subheading: ‡x statistics & numerical data

Topical subheading: ‡x statistics & numerical data is used with non-disease headings for the expression of numerical values which describe particular sets or groups of data. It excludes manpower distribution for which ‡x manpower is used and excludes supply or demand for which ‡x supply & distribution is used. The PT (publication type/Genre) ‡v STATISTICS is not added as a form subdivision (see 4. Applying Publication Types/Genres) when the topical subheading is ‡x statistics & numerical data.

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7. NLM Classification Form Numbers & Publication Types

7.1. Classification Numbers / Publication Types (Form subheadings)

NLM continues its practice of assigning form numbers when the information is presented in a corresponding publication type (PT) format. Each schedule in the NLM Classification contains a group of form numbers within a general subject area of a schedule, generally 1-49, that are used to classify material by publication type. The following is a representative, but not exhaustive list of form numbers from the NLM Classification and some corresponding PTs:

Classification Numbers Publication Types (Form subheadings)
13 Abbreviations

Dictionary

Encyclopedias
15 Terminology

Phrases
16 Statistics

Tables
17 Atlases

Pictorial Works
18.2 Examination Questions

Problems and Exercises

Outlines

Programmed Instruction
22-22.1 Directory
25 Laboratory Manuals
32-33.1 Legislation
39/49, etc. Handbooks

Resource Guides

Generally, assign a corresponding form number when the preponderance (i.e., more than 50 percent) of the information of an item is presented in a particular publication type format, unless the instructions in the class schedule or the index indicate otherwise. Usually, classification by publication type fomat takes precedence over classification by subject. If only a substantial portion (i.e., 20-50 percent) of an item is presented in a particular format such as ATLASES, add the appropriate publication type but Do Not assign a form number.

When an item contains information presented in two or more PT formats the main heading or main heading and topical subheading combination is repeated and each publication type is entered in a subfield ‡v. The form number corresponds to the PT of the first subject listed.

Example: W 22 AD6 ‡b H42 1995
245 00 ‡a Health care choices in the Washington area ....
650 12 ‡a Health Services ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Directory
650 22 ‡a Health Services ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Handbooks
650 12 ‡a Quality of Health Care ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Directory
650 22 ‡a Quality of Health Care ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Handbooks
650 22 ‡a Health Facilities ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Directory
650 22 ‡a Health Facilities ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Handbooks
650 22 ‡a Insurance, Health ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Directory
650 22 ‡a Insurance, Health ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Handbooks
650 22 ‡a Health Care Costs ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Directory
650 22 ‡a Health Care Costs ‡x District of Columbia ‡v Handbooks

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Last updated: 26 April 2004
First published: 01 January 2000
Metadata| Permanence level: Permanent: Stable Content