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 submit a request for approval of a local subject heading. If it’s determined the heading may be used, it will be added to the list of approved local subject headings
Rev. 02-2024