Introduction
Authority control is a key concept in library cataloging. It refers to maintaining consistency in the names of authors, subjects, and titles within a catalog or database to ensure accurate search and retrieval.
Importance of Authority Control
- Ensures that different forms of the same author’s name (e.g., J.K. Rowling vs. Joanne Rowling) are linked together.
- Maintains uniformity in subject headings for better discovery of related materials.
- Helps in avoiding duplication and confusion in the library catalog.
Components
- Name Authority: Standardized names for authors and contributors.
- Subject Authority: Controlled vocabulary like LCSH (Library of Congress Subject Headings).
- Series Authority: Uniform titles for series publications.
Conclusion
Authority control improves the quality and usability of the library catalog, allowing users to find all related resources efficiently under a single authorized heading.