SUBJECT AUTHORITY FILE
Meaning
Most libraries maintain a subject authority file consisting of subject authority records in order to ensure uniformity and consistency in subject heading terminology and cross-references. The process of creating subject authority records and maintaining subject authority file is called subject authority control. A subject authority record is made when subject headings are established and used for the first time. ALA Glossary has defined the subject authority file as:
"A set of records indicating the authorized forms of terms used as subject headings in a particular set of bibliographic records; the references made to and from the authorized forms; and the information used, and its sources, in the establishment of the headings and the determination of the references to be made".
The above definition suggests that a subject authority record should contain the following items of information:
- established subject heading;
- scope notes, if any;
- cross-references made from it to other headings; and
- sources or authorities on which the decision on the form of heading was based.