Below is a summary of the revised instruction sheet H 1520, Databases, that will appear in the fifth edition of Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings to be published and implemented this fall.
Definition of the term "database": A database is a collection of logically interrelated data stored together in one or more computerized files, usually created and managed by a database management system. The data are encoded, and each file is designed with a high-level structure for accepting, storing, and providing information on demand. Typically, there is a set of definitions for the database that describes its various data elements and a set of codes to identify each element. The database may include the database management software that created the file, or it may include only the data.
For a database that meets this definition, the form subdivision --Databases is free-floating under topical headings. Serially issued databases (for which subject assignment practice is governed by H 1520 and not H 1580.5, Electronic serials) should not be further subdivided by --Periodicals.
For catalogers who do not or cannot load files when cataloging them, there are three criteria for judging when --Databases should be used: 1) the item presents itself as a database; 2) accompanying information describes the data elements and their coding and structure; and 3) accompanying information describes the file as containing specific data elements that would lend themselves to discrete coding. Otherwise, the subdivision is inappropriate.
The subdivision --Databases should not be used for reference-type computer files such as directories, bibliographies, catalogs dictionaries, encyclopedias, and indexes; for computer files of textual materials such as articles or literary works; or for collections of data files not meant to be manipulated by database management software.
Subject heading practice for the three categories of works about databases is also addressed in the revised instruction sheet. Works about databases in general are assigned topical headings such as Databases or Relational databases. Works about databases on a particular subject take the subdivision --Databases under the appropriate topical headings. Works about a particular database are assigned the name-title or uniform title for the database being discussed, as well as the same topical headings as those appropriate to the database itself.
rev. 9/18/96 dih