By which entry you will get main information about a book?
Main Entry
Main Entry Importance in Book Cataloging
When cataloging books in a library or database, different types of entries are created to help users find information effectively. Each entry serves a specific purpose in accessing the book's details.
The Main Entry: Your Key to Book Details
The Main Entry is considered the most important and comprehensive record for a book. It serves as the primary point of access, providing the fullest bibliographic information. Typically, the main entry is filed under the author's name (if known), but it can also be under the title if the author is unknown or the work is entered under editors or corporate bodies. This entry contains essential details like:
- Full title and subtitle
- Author's name
- Publication information (place, publisher, date)
- Physical description (pages, illustrations)
- Subject headings
- Call number for locating the book
- Series information
- Notes (e.g., bibliography, contents)
Accessing the Main Entry gives you the complete picture and central source of information about the book.
Other Catalog Entries Explained
While the Main Entry holds the core details, other entries help users find the book through different access points:
- Subject Entry: Allows users to find books on specific topics or subjects. It is usually made under the most specific subject heading assigned to the book.
- Cross Reference Entry: Directs the user from a term or name not used in the catalog to the term or name that is used, or points to related subjects or authors. This helps users navigate related topics or alternative names.
- Class Index Entry: Provides access based on the book's classification number (e.g., Dewey Decimal Classification or Library of Congress Classification). This is useful for users who know the call number or want to browse items in a specific subject area.
Catalog Entry Comparison Table
| Entry Type | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|
| Main Entry | Provides the most complete bibliographic details and is the primary access point (usually author or title). |
| Subject Entry | Facilitates searching by topic or subject matter. |
| Cross Reference Entry | Guides users between related terms, names, or subjects. |
| Class Index Entry | Enables searching or browsing via the classification number. |
Therefore, to get the main, comprehensive information about a book, the Main Entry is the key catalog record you need to consult.
Important Questions from Knowledge Organisation & Processing - Cataloguing
Prenatal cataloguing is process in which
Which of the following is the call number of the textbook "Cataloguing Manual AACR - II" by R C Sehgal?
Main entry in the catalogue contains :
Anglo - American Cataloguing Rules-2 (A.A.C.R. - 2) was published in which year?
Catalogs published by publishers from time to time are useful in library for which purpose?
