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Keyword vs. Subject Heading searches, what's the difference?

When a book or other resource is entered into the library catalogue, the cataloguer enters data into specific fields so that the item is discoverable by library patrons (ex. title, author, subject, description). When you have exact information for title or author, it is relatively straightforward to find the item in our catalogue, however more often, we are searching by keyword or subject to discover potentially relevant items.

Most of the time, when you're searching the library catalogue, you are searching by keyword(s) in a basic search. You are telling the catalogue to search all records and all fields (title, author, subject, description) for the keyword(s) entered. Keywords tend to reflect natural language that we would use in daily conversation. 

It is possible however, to do an advanced search and tell the catalogue to search specific fields for specific keywords. For example, you can select advanced search and search only the author fields for an author name. The catalogue will then only return results which have been written by the author (excluding results which may be about the author, but written by someone else). 

You can also create an advanced search which searches the subject fields of all records for specific "subject headings". Subject headings are "controlled vocabulary", which can also be described as standardized and organized arrangements of words and phrases which offer a consistent way to describe data. The Luke Lindoe Library uses the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), a system which dates back to 1898. The Library's cataloguer relies on the LCSH to describe each and every item that sits on the shelf. Why? By using a shared vocabulary to describe the content of each library resource, the aim is for all library patrons to be able to identify, discover and cross-reference the information they need. This system certainly has its flaws, but it's helpful to know how information in organized in the library to improve searching. 

Examples of Library of Congress subject headings:

• Smith, Kiki
• glass craft
• still-life in art
• art and craft debate

Subject search tips: 

• You are most likely to get relevant results when you search for single, broad topics 
• A subject search will give you focused, precise results, but may miss relevant items
• If you're not sure what subject heading to search, try a keyword search first, then take a look at the Subject section of a relevant title to look at the subject headings assigned to that item. The subject headings are all hyperlinked and will connect you to other relevant results