ABSTRACT

The history of the Library of Congress Subject Headings is traced, from its beginnings with the implementation of a dictionary catalog at the Library of Congress in 1898 to the present day. The author describes the most significant changes which have occurred in LCSH policies and practices during the 100-year period. Events noted near the end of the century indicate an increased willingness on the part of the Library of Congress to involve the larger library community in the creation or revision of subject headings and other decision-making 2regarding the LCSH system. Finally, the author provides a summary of the other contributions to this collection of essays, a collection which celebrates the “centennial” of the world's most popular library subject heading language. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: <getinfo@haworthpressinc.com> Website: <https://www.haworthpressine.com>]