MLS Knowledge Organization and Cataloging 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which MARC field is used to record a work's subject headings from the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)?
- 600
- 650 (Correct answer)
- 700
- 500
Correct answer: 650
MARC field 650 is the Topical Term field used for LCSH subject headings assigned to a work.
Question 2: In FRBR, which entity represents a distinct intellectual or artistic realization of a work?
- Item
- Manifestation
- Expression (Correct answer)
- Work
Correct answer: Expression
An Expression in FRBR is the specific intellectual or artistic realization of a Work, such as a particular translation or edition.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a syndetic structure in a subject heading list?
- To alphabetize headings consistently
- To show relationships among terms via cross-references (Correct answer)
- To assign Cutter numbers automatically
- To map headings to classification schedules
Correct answer: To show relationships among terms via cross-references
A syndetic structure uses cross-references (BT, NT, RT, USE, UF) to show hierarchical and associative relationships among terms.
Question 4: RDA instruction 2.3.2 directs catalogers to transcribe the title proper from which source?
- The item's spine
- The chief source of information / preferred source (Correct answer)
- The publisher's catalog
- The MARC authority file
Correct answer: The chief source of information / preferred source
RDA requires transcribing the title proper from the preferred source of information, typically the title page for printed resources.
Question 5: Which notation system does the Dewey Decimal Classification use?
- Mixed alphabetic-numeric notation
- Pure numeric notation with decimals (Correct answer)
- Faceted alphanumeric notation
- Roman numeral notation
Correct answer: Pure numeric notation with decimals
DDC uses a pure numeric notation, with the decimal point allowing unlimited expansion of the base 10-digit classes.
Question 6: In Library of Congress Classification, what does the Cutter number primarily represent?
- The subject subdivision of a work
- The geographic location of the library
- An alphabetic arrangement device for authors or titles within a class (Correct answer)
- The edition number of the item
Correct answer: An alphabetic arrangement device for authors or titles within a class
A Cutter number is an alphanumeric code that arranges items alphabetically by author, title, or other element within an LCC class.
Question 7: Which concept describes assigning multiple classification numbers to a work that covers several subjects?
- Distributed relatives
- Multiple classification (Correct answer)
- Class elsewhere
- Phase relations
Correct answer: Multiple classification
Multiple classification refers to assigning more than one classification number to a work that spans several distinct subjects.
