Listed below, in order of preference, are the types of genre headings to be used in Polaris records. Please see exceptions and use notes below.
- LCGFT – Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms for Library and Archival Materials
- GSAFD – Guidelines on subject access to individual works of fiction, drama, etc.
- LCSH – Library of Congress Subject Headings
- OLACVGGT – (OLAC Video Game Genre Terms) in records for video games
- Genre Terms for Tabletop Games (GTTG)
LCGFT Use Notes:
Delete the following generic lcgft terms from Polaris records:
- Fiction
- Informational works
- Literature
- Novels
GSAFD Use Notes:
Do not use the heading Romantic suspense fiction.
Regency fiction can be used as appropriate in Polaris records.
LCSH Use Notes:
Use an LCSH term coded as a genre or form term if a scope note (MARC tag 680) in the authority record allows.
- If the scope note in the 680 field says that the term is used for works of a given type, then it can be used in a 655 field in a bibliographic record as a genre or form term
- If the scope note in the 680 field says the term is used for works about or on works of a given type, then it cannot be used in a 655 field in a bibliographic record
- If there is no 680 field in the authority record, the cataloger should use his or her best judgement
- For LC headings used as genre terms: 655 _ 0 ‡a[LC term].
Use of an LCSH topical heading:
- If a Library of Congress topical heading can be used as a genre heading according to the above guidelines, approval as a local subject heading is not required.
- If a Library of Congress topical heading cannot be considered an LCSH genre heading according to the above guidelines, but your library would like to use it that way, please email the SHARE Assistant Director with a request for approval of a local subject heading. If it’s determined that the heading may be used, it will be added to the list of approved local subject headings
Rev. 02-2024