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Using the NIU Music Library -- Library of Congress Subject Headings

Handouts - Library of Congress Subject Headings

Library of Congress Subject Headings

The NIU Music Library uses theLibrary of Congress Subject Headings in its online catalogs. When searching for materials by subject, you will have best results if you use a valid heading from this system. The complete list of headings is found in the large red volumes to the left of the record card catalog; there is also a smaller volume available that contains only music headings.

Here is an example of what you'll find if you look upClarinet music inLibrary of Congress Subject Headings, and what the various terms and abbreviations mean.
 
Clarinet music[M70-M74]
Specification of clarinet in music headings includes all ranges of the instrument, except for bass clarinet, which is specified individually in headings with specifications for one or two solo instruments.
 A topic in boldface is a valid subject heading that can be searched in the online catalog. (The "M" numbers that follow headings indicate an approximate range of call numbers.)
SA headings for forms and types of music that include clarinet or clarinets and headings with medium of performance that include clarinet or clarinets
 SA = See Also

This introduces a statement offering general guidance on what other headings can be searched.

NT  Recorded accompaniments (Clarinet)
Clarinet music (Clarinets (2))[M288-M289]
NT  Sonatas (Clarinets (2))
Suites (Clarinets (2))


Clarinet music (Clarinets (2)), Arranged[M288-M289]

 NT = Narrower Topic

These are topics which are more specific (narrower) than the original topic.

Clarinet music (Clarinets (3))
USE Woodwind trios (Clarinets (3))
Clarinet music (Clarinets (4))
USE Woodwind quartets (Clarinets (4))
Clarinet music (Clarinets (5))
USE Woodwind quintets (Clarinets (5))
Clarinet music (Clarinets (6))
USE Woodwind sextets (Clarinets (6))
Clarinet music (Clarinets (7))
USE Woodwind septets (Clarinets (7))
Clarinet music (Clarinets (8))
USE Woodwind octets (Clarinets (8))
Clarinet music (Clarinets (9))
USE Woodwind nonets (Clarinets (9))
 USE

This indicates that the first topic given is not a valid heading; you should use the second, alternate topic instead.
Clarinet music (Jazz)[M70-M74]

Clarinet, oboe, violin with orchestra [M1040-M1041]

BT  Trios (Clarinet, oboe, violin)
 BT = Broader Topic

A topic that is less specific (broader) than the original topic.
RT  Concertos (Clarinet, oboe, violin)
Clarinet players
USE Clarinetists
 RT = Related Topic

A topic that is similar in scope to (but neither broader nor narrower than) the original topic

Clarinet, trombone, trumpet with string orchestra[M1140-M1041]

Clarinet with band[M1205-M1206]

NT  Variations (Clarinet with band)

 -- Solo with piano[M1206]

BT  Clarinet and piano music, Arranged
 Adash indicates a subdivision (or subheading) than can be used with the original topic (in this example, Clarinet with band--Solo with piano).
Handout created by H. Stephen Wright.
Northern Illinois University Music Library, DeKalb, IL 60115 (815) 753-1426