“About” is what it’s about! The state of subject access

This presentation will be an overview and discussion of recent and current issues in subject access. Topics include: Expressing “Aboutness”: Keywords, natural language, controlled vocabularies, and facets: What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Resource Description and Access: Why doesn’t it include guidance on subject access points? Ethics in cataloging (including the “Illegal aliens” controversy): What are the implications for building and maintaining controlled vocabularies? The presenter will also include a brief description of her experience as co-chair for two years of the ALCTS CaMMS Subject Analysis Committee. Please bring your questions and comments (and even complaints!) for an audience-interactive conversation about the subject of subjects.