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In this paper we will try to reach a twofold goal. First we will give an analysis of mathematical terminology in order to give practical hints for assigning subject headings to a book. Secondly, we will propose a method which could be helpful for the subject analysis of a given document. The main basis for this method is the connection between a special classification scheme, the Subject Classification Scheme of the American Mathematical Society, and the task of indexing books by subject headings. Examples of this method are given, and they are compared with Library of Congress Subject Headings and PRECIS entries. With both the study of the terminology and the proposed method, it should be possible to increase quality and consistency of the library indexing results for mathematical books. A thesaurus for mathematics with entries along the lines of the PRECIS rules and connected with the subject classification scheme of the American Mathematical Society, would be desirable, as would the printing of appropriate classification data, assigned to them by their authors, inside the books.

Scope notes are added to some subject headings in thesauri to make their scope, meaning, usage and history clearer. In the first edition of LISA: Online User Manual, scope notes are used for seven message types and in one case fifteen note patterns are used to express the same meaning. In the second edition notes are expressed more consistently, and are mainly used to indicate indexing errors. Other thesauri are compared briefly.

With the development and growth of the Washington Library Network Computer System in recent years, it has emerged as an effective and efficient automated system to support acquisitions, cataloging and other technical processing functions in libraries of all types and sizes. The online union catalog and COM catalog production has greatly expanded the effectiveness of reference and interlibrary loan services. This article covers all features of the computer system. It outlines system hardware, software, and the file structure as well as providing a description of the use of the system. Also discussed are system features such as authority and bibliographic quality control, precision database searching, and automated fund accounting for acquisitions and fiscal management. Other areas covered in this paper are: governance, administration, training, research and development, and types of users, both online and those which want to transfer software as in the recent successful installation of WLN software at the National Library of Australia.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the subject cataloguing of local publications and subject access to local publications.

A qualitative approach was used. Methods included interviews, document reviews and observations.

Adherence to cataloguing standards takes precedence over subject access. Rarely is a user the focus of choice of the subject term in the process of cataloguing. The terms assigned to local publications are generally too broad and, at times, border on inappropriateness. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of documented cataloguing policies and a waning interest in cataloguing matters from the profession.

This study is intended to benefit the librarians who provide subject representation to local publications by way of streamlining the process of subject cataloguing, hence, enhancing access to these uniquely held resources. The outcome of this study, hence, will provide insight in the process of cataloguing local publications. In addition, the findings of this study will benefit the teaching of subject cataloguing in library and information science programs. The findings from this study are expected to contribute to the body of library science by enabling a localized view to subject assignation. Ultimately, the significance of the study lies in its contribution to cataloguing education and research, especially with a perspective from Africa.