AACR-2R Heading Format for South Indian Names

The question asks about the correct way to format a heading for South Indian names according to the AACR-2R (Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Second Edition, Revised). AACR-2R provides specific guidelines for cataloguing library materials, including how to establish access points (headings) for personal names, especially when they differ from typical Western naming conventions.

Understanding AACR-2R Principles for Personal Names

AACR-2R aims to create headings that uniquely identify individuals and facilitate access to library resources. The core principle is to use the name element by which the person is most commonly known or identified. When dealing with names from different cultures, cataloguers must understand the local naming conventions.

South Indian Naming Conventions and AACR-2R

South Indian names often have structures that differ from the standard Western "first name + last name" format. Common elements include:

• Given name or forename (the personal name).
• Father's name (often used as a prefix, like a patronymic).
• Place name (sometimes used as a prefix).
• Caste name or title (can also appear as prefixes).

AACR-2R requires careful analysis to determine which part of the name should serve as the main entry heading. The goal is to find the element that functions most like a surname or the primary identifying name.

Analyzing the Options Based on AACR-2R

Let's evaluate each option:

• Father’s given name: While a father's name (patronymic) is often included in the full name, AACR-2R generally prefers the individual's own name as the primary identifier. Using the father's name as the main heading is usually reserved for specific situations or when the individual is primarily known by it, which is less common.
• Surname: The concept of a fixed, inherited family surname, as understood in the West, is not universally applied or consistently used in all South Indian naming practices. If a clear, distinct surname isn't present or consistently used as the primary identifier, AACR-2R rules would not default to it.
• Any other prefix like place, caste: Prefixes like village names or caste names are typically descriptive or locational identifiers. AACR-2R guidelines usually treat these as subordinate elements and not the main heading unless the individual is predominantly known by that prefix, which is rare.
• Given/forename: The given name or forename is the personal name bestowed upon an individual. In many South Indian naming contexts, where other elements might be patronymics, place names, or titles, the given name often serves as the most stable, unique, and primary identifier for the person. AACR-2R directs cataloguers to use this element as the heading when it functions as the principal means of identifying the individual.

Conclusion on Heading Format

Based on AACR-2R principles, when cataloguing South Indian names where traditional surnames are not consistently used or identifiable as the primary identifier, the catalogue should use the Given/forename as the basis for the heading. This ensures consistency and accessibility for users searching for resources by individuals.