What is the process to change, add, or eliminate a Subject Heading in Library of Congress Authorities?

What needs to be done to change or eliminate outdated or offensive subject headings? Is this something that everyday librarians can participate in? Is there any way for librarians to suggest new subject headings?

KatieR

• library-of-congress
• subject-headings

Comments

• dsalo: Do you mean a subject heading (from LCSH), or an authority record (for an individual or organization)? Believe it or not, it makes a difference!
• KatieR: Could you expand on the differences?
• dsalo: Mostly they're procedural. LCSH changes go through SACO, authority-file changes through NACO. Both SACO and NACO memberships (see Ed's answer) are institutional-only; the requirements for an institution to join are somewhat different.
• KatieR: Ah, I was interested in LCSH and the outdated terms that hinder catalog searches. Thanks for the clarification!

Answer by Ed Summers

There is a form at LC that lets you report errors in authority and catalog data. There is also a form for suggesting new subject headings.

The Program for Cooperative Cataloging includes the Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) and Subject Authority Cooperative Program (SACO) which together allow librarians who work in member libraries to maintain subject and name authority records.

Also, if you haven't run across it yet, the work of Sanford Berman may be of interest.

Comments

• dsalo: I also recommend Hope Olson's work; try *The Power of Names*.
• Ed Summers: s/The Power of Names/The Power to Name/
• dsalo: My mistake, thanks!