Introduction
Research can be a difficult process, with the hardest part just knowing how to start. Though you may have a topic in mind, how do you know the right way to describe in when searching for sources? You mind come up with a list of keywords to use, but this can be a time consuming process, and your never really sure you found all the information out there. Instead of struggling with keywords, you can utilize the library's controlled vocabulary and subjects to make sure that you are getting all the relevant information on your topic.
Controlled Vocabulary Defined
Librarians love to organize information. One way that they do this, on a professional level, is by using subject headings. Since some subjects can be described using various terms (like cats or felines), librarians have come up with a standardized list, on controlled list, of subjects that she be used with describing library materials. This list (known as the Library of Congress Subject Headings) provides the controlled vocabulary that every librarian uses when they describe the subject of a book, DVD, or any other object in the library's catalog.
Subject Headings in Action
The easiest way to understand subject headings, and the concept of a controlled vocabulary, is to see it in action. The most convenient example is AML's ALEX Catalog. You have the option to search for materials a number of different ways, including by subject terms (see the Video Tutorial Alex Catalog- Subject Search). If you are not sure of the term to use, the catalog will give you suggestions of alternative terms if yours is not used within the controlled vocabulary.
When approaching a search using Subject Headings, it is best to start broad at work towards the more specific. This is the opposite of the typical keyword search, which uses a larger number of terms to make sure that everything is found. Because of the nature of controlled vocabulary you don't need to be that specific, and if you are unfamiliar with subject searching it is probably best to start broad and browse the headings to make sure you pick the best one for your topic. Though this may seem less efficient than a keyword search, it is actually more effective in ensuring that you find all the materials concerning your topic.
Other Uses of Controlled Vocabulary
Some of the library's other resources (like Academic Search Complete and others of the library's online databases) use controlled vocabulary to organize information. While they do not utilize the Library of Congress Subject Headings, you can still approach searching them the same way as the ALEX Catalog. You can choose the browse the subject terms in order to find the one that most closely matches your topic. The databases also give you suggestions of terms if yours is not in the vocabulary list.
Searching Alternatives
As you spend more time browsing and exploring the subject headings and terms, you'll become more comfortable with their structure. If you still don't feel comfortable using them as your main search tool, you have the option to combine them with a keyword search. In both the databases and the ALEX catalog, you can first perform a keyword search using terms based on your topic. Once you find one or two materials that match your information need, you can check to see the subject headings used to describe them. Then you can use those standardized terms to continue your search.
More Information
For more information on subject headings or controlled vocabulary, you can check out the links below. Some refer to specific libraries, but they do contain good general information that can be applied to any search. You can also contact the reference desk (828-5642 or reference@bridgewater.edu) with any research questions.
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.