There are many systems for subject headings. A library may choose the type of subject access it desires: LC, NLM, Sears, other standard list, or locally developed headings. The Guidelines on Subject Access to Microcomputer Software (American Library Association, 1986) recommend that a library treat computer files just like any other form of material in terms of the number and kinds of subject headings assigned, and the type of classification used.
The ALA Subject Analysis Committee held an ALA preconference for 1997 on Demystifying Subject Cataloging of Electronic Resources, at which the recommendations listed above were, in general, reinforced.
There is confusion, not unique to computer file cataloging, between the use of terms as subject headings or subject heading subdivisions for the topical subject (what an item is about) and genre (what an item is). The Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) contains many terms that may be used to represent either concept. For instance, the term "Databases" may be used as a subdivision to a topical heading for works about databases, and it may also be used as a subdivision when the work being cataloged is a database.
The 655 field has been established for genre headings, and subfield ‡v for genre subdivisions.
In the LC Subject Cataloging Manual, instructions for cataloging electronic serials (SCM H1580.5) direct the cataloger to use only topical headings and subdivisions, while instructions for cataloging monographs (SCM H2070) permit the use of genre subdivisions. Perhaps the ALA SAC conference mentioned previously will lead to a uniform policy in treatment of subject cataloging for electronic resources.
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