Main Entry in a Classified Catalogue
In a classified catalogue, a main entry refers to the primary access point or record for a particular bibliographic item, typically a book, journal, or other resource. It is the main entry in a library’s catalogue where users can locate a particular item based on its essential attributes like author, title, subject, or classification. The structure of the main entry helps to systematically organize the resources in a library and makes it easier for users to find the information they are seeking.
A classified catalogue is an organized list of resources categorized according to subject matter, which uses a classification scheme (like Dewey Decimal Classification or Library of Congress Classification) to group related items together. Each resource in the catalogue will have a main entry as well as secondary entries depending on how the resource can be accessed (e.g., by author, title, subject, etc.).
Key Sections of the Main Entry
The main entry in a classified catalogue usually consists of several key sections, which help in cataloging and retrieval of information. These sections vary slightly depending on the library's catalogue format, but generally include the following:
1. Heading (Main Entry Heading)
The heading is the first part of the main entry and indicates the primary way the resource is to be accessed. There are different forms of headings based on the nature of the resource:
- Author Main Entry: If the work is attributed to a particular author, the author’s name forms the main entry heading. For instance, if a book is written by "J.K. Rowling," the main entry will list her name as the heading.
- Title Main Entry: In cases where the work has no identifiable author or when the title is considered more important (like an anonymous work or a government publication), the title of the work will be used as the main entry heading.
- Corporate Author Main Entry: When a corporate body or organization is the author (e.g., "United Nations"), the name of the corporate body will be the heading.
This heading helps users locate the resource based on the most prominent access point.
2. Statement of Responsibility
Following the main entry heading, the statement of responsibility provides information about the creator(s) or contributors to the work. This section is particularly important in cases where the author is not the sole contributor to the work, or when there are multiple contributors, such as editors, translators, illustrators, or compilers.
For example, for a book edited by someone, the statement of responsibility would list the editor’s name alongside the author’s name. It may also include information like “translated by” or “illustrated by,” depending on the nature of the contribution.
3. Title and Statement of Edition
This section includes the full title of the work as well as any additional titles or statements that provide more context about the work. The edition statement indicates if the resource is a revised edition, second edition, or an earlier version, providing clarity about its version.
For instance, a book might have a main title and a subtitle, or it might be a new edition that has been updated or revised. Including this information is critical in helping users differentiate between various editions of the same work.
4. Publication Information
The publication information typically includes details such as the publisher’s name, year of publication, and place of publication. This is essential for distinguishing between works that might share a similar title but are from different publishers or printed in different years.
For example, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" may have different publication dates and publishers in different countries, so this section provides the specific details relevant to the version listed in the catalogue.
5. Physical Description
The physical description section includes key details about the physical characteristics of the resource, such as the number of pages, illustrations, dimensions, and type of material (e.g., hardcover, paperback). This section also identifies the format of the work, whether it is a book, map, music score, or multimedia format like a DVD.
This helps the user understand the nature of the item in terms of its physical form.
6. Series Statement
If the work is part of a series, this section will include information about the series to which it belongs. A series statement is important because it helps users find other works within the same series, especially if the series is well-known or if the item is part of a thematic or academic sequence.
7. Notes
The notes section provides any additional important information that does not fit into the other categories but is still relevant to the user. This could include details such as:
- Bibliographies
- Additional formats (e.g., available as an e-book)
- References to related works
- Special features or unique aspects of the work
- Annotations about the content of the resource
8. Standard Numbers and Identifiers
This section includes standardized identification numbers such as the ISBN (International Standard Book Number), ISSN (International Standard Serial Number), or other cataloging identifiers. These numbers are used globally to uniquely identify a specific resource and are essential for reliable identification across different systems and databases.
9. Call Number
The call number is a unique identifier assigned to the resource based on its classification in the library's classification system. Libraries use classification systems like Dewey Decimal Classification or Library of Congress Classification to organize materials by subject. The call number allows users to physically locate the item within the library.
Conclusion
In a classified catalogue, the main entry serves as the principal access point for locating an item. The sections of the main entry, such as the heading, statement of responsibility, title, publication details, physical description, series statement, notes, standard numbers, and call number, work together to provide a comprehensive and organized entry for each item in the catalogue. These sections are essential for accurately cataloging the resource and ensuring users can efficiently find the material they need.
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