FAST : Faceted Application of Subject Terminology : principles and applications

by Lois Mai Chan

Other authorsEdward T. O'Neill
Paperback, 2010

Publication

Santa Barbara, Calif. : Libraries Unlimited, c2010.

Call number

Admin / Library Reference

Barcode

JK-pBK1

ISBN

9781591587224

Original publication date

2010

Physical description

xvii, 354 p.; 26 cm

Description

While the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) is perhaps the best known bibliographic control system in existence, it is cumbersome and not always user friendly. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology (FAST) is designed to rework LCSH's authority rules so that they are easier to use, understand, and apply. The result is a schema designed to handle a large volume of materials with less effort and cost. In this guide, two members of the original design team have put together numerous examples of FAST-driven projects including traditional monographs, special collections (archives, business records), electronic resources, and websites. The result is a prototype designed to be used not just by experienced catalogers but also by people with minimal training and experience.… (more)

Language

Original language

English

User reviews

LibraryThing member librarianlidi
Chan and O'Neill's books provides an excellent and engaging explanation of the new FAST headings designed to be easier to apply and use than the current LCSH headings. The first two chapters give the reader a solid understanding of the principles of controlled vocabulary, subject access in
Show More
catalogs, MARC encoding, and Dublin Core. The bulk of the book details the various facets of FAST headings (topical, geographic, chronological, event, proper name, and form/genre headings), including plenty of clear examples in both MARC and Dublin Core. Several chapters are also devoted to explaining the processes used to derive the FAST headings from the current Library of Congress headings.
After reading this book from cover-to-cover I'm very eager to apply FAST headings to my library's digital collections in the future. I'm convinced this new vocabulary will have a positive impact on searching while easing the process of subject cataloging for library staff. Another exciting development in cataloging!
Show Less

Rating

½ (2 ratings; 3.5)
Page: 0.2239 seconds