SCIS authority files
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Last updated 30-Aug-2007
Why do we need SCIS Subject Authority Files
It is difficult and expensive to add all the terms that are appropriate to a particular resource to the catalogue record. Cataloguing time would be greatly increased and catalogue records would be very long. To ensure consistency cataloguers follow a standard, SCIS Subject Headings 5th edition, that specifies which one of the various terms should be used as a heading on the catalogue record.
Other terms that users might search under are covered by see references. For example, a user searches on the term hurricanes, the see reference will tell the user that any resources on hurricanes will be found under the heading cyclones. If this reference is not in the catalogue, the user may believe that the library does not contain any resources on hurricanes.
Users often search under broad terms. If, for example, a user searches on the term storms, a see also reference will tell the user that there are resources that may be of interest under the headings cyclones, thunderstorms and meteorology.
These references allow the user to refine searches to the specific information required. The suggested headings may also demonstrate different aspects of the subject and related topics and thereby assist the user to think laterally about the subject being researched.
Implementing cross references in your library catalogue
Catalogue records downloaded from SCISWeb contain subject headings but no cross references. To overcome this problem, library staff could enter all cross references from the SCIS Subject Headings list manually. However, subject authority files allow the automatic creation of cross references in the library catalogue.
Downloading SCIS Subject Authority Files
These files are now available to download direct from the SCIS website by clicking on the WA Authority Files button on your Customer Centre web page after logging on.
Because different library automation systems handle these files differently, SCIS advises schools to seek advice from, and strictly adhere to the instructions provided by their library system vendor.
Contact details for vendors can be found at www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/cat/mrr.htm.
More information on the SCIS Authority Files are located on the Product information section www.curriculum.edu.au/scis/productinfo/scisaf.htm of the SCIS Website.
How often do I need to load the SCIS Authority files?
How often you upload depends on a number of things
- the size of you collection
- how often you make new purchases
- if there has been a large number of new SCIS subject headings added recently
How often you chose to upload is entirely up to you, but remember, the aim of the SCIS Authority Files is to make it easier to find the items you are looking for.
Value adding
Often the SCIS subject headings are not complete enough or may lack information that you wish to include on a record. For example, current topical headings that have not yet made it into the SCIS subject headings list, headings that are peculiar to W.A. i.e. Race horse goannas, terms that reflect the level or outcome of the phase of developments.
You can add any of these things and more, provided you use the NOTES field and DON'T add headings into the Subject heading field. If you do add headings to the subject headings field it will make loading the SCIS Authority Files extremely difficult.
