The library catalogue stands as the intellectual backbone of any information repository, serving as an indispensable tool for accessing, organizing, and managing knowledge resources. At its core, a catalogue functions as a systematic record of the holdings of a particular library or group of libraries, designed to facilitate efficient retrieval of information by users. Its primary objectives include enabling a person to find a book of which the author, title, or subject is known, showing what the library has by a given author, on a given subject, or in a given kind of literature, and assisting in the choice of a book as to its edition or its character. Over centuries, various forms of catalogues have evolved, each designed to meet specific access needs and organizational philosophies. Among these, the classified catalogue holds a unique and powerful position, particularly renowned for its systematic arrangement of entries based on subject matter.

A classified catalogue, unlike its alphabetical counterparts (such as author catalogue, title, or subject heading catalogues), organizes entries in a logical, hierarchical sequence according to a chosen classification scheme, such as the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), or Colon Classification (CC). This arrangement allows users to browse resources on a specific subject and related disciplines by navigating the classified sequence, much like browsing books on shelves. Within this structured environment, the “main entry” serves as the foundational, comprehensive record for each document, containing the fullest bibliographic description and acting as the master record from which all other catalogue entries (known as “added entries”) are derived. It is the definitive representation of a work within the catalogue, providing all necessary information for identification, description, and location.

Main Entry in a Classified Catalogue

The “main entry” in a classified catalogue is the complete and primary bibliographic record for a document, meticulously prepared according to established cataloguing rules. It is the most comprehensive entry, embodying all the essential information required to uniquely identify, describe, and locate a specific work within the library’s collection. While a catalogue may contain multiple access points (added entries) for a single document—such as entries under a co-author, title, series, or specific subject headings—there is only one main entry for each work. This distinction is crucial: the main entry provides the authoritative and exhaustive description, serving as the master record from which all secondary entries branch out, leading users back to this primary source of information.

The concept of the main entry gained particular prominence and standardization with the development of cataloguing codes, such as the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR2) and its successor Resource Description and Access (RDA), as well as S.R. Ranganathan’s Classified Catalogue Code (CCC), which is particularly relevant for classified catalogues. In a classified catalogue, the main entry is typically filed under its unique class number, which precisely represents the subject content of the document. This subject-based arrangement is the hallmark of the classified catalogue, allowing users to discover resources on a specific topic alongside related subjects. The main entry thus acts as the definitive point of access for subject-oriented browsing, enabling a systematic exploration of the library’s collection based on the inherent relationships between knowledge domains. Beyond its primary subject access function, the main entry also contains all the descriptive elements needed to create alphabetical entries for authors, titles, and other access points, ensuring comprehensive retrieval irrespective of the user’s initial search query.

The purpose of the main entry extends beyond mere identification. It serves as:

  • The primary descriptive unit: It provides a full bibliographic description of the document, including details about its intellectual content, physical characteristics, and publication information.
  • A unique identifier: Through its combination of call number and bibliographic details, it uniquely identifies a specific edition of a work.
  • The basis for other entries: All added entries (e.g., for co-authors, titles, series, or specific subjects in an alphabetical index part) are derived from the information presented in the main entry.
  • A location indicator: It prominently displays the call number, directing users to the physical location of the document on the shelves.
  • A inventory record: For library staff, it acts as the master record for collection management, inventory, and weeding processes.
  • A comprehensive resource for users: It allows users to gain a comprehensive understanding of a document’s scope, content, and related works without needing to consult the physical item immediately.

Sections of the Main Entry in a Classified Catalogue

The structure of a main entry in a classified catalogue is highly standardized and typically divided into several distinct sections, each contributing specific pieces of information. While specific cataloguing codes might have slight variations, the fundamental components remain consistent. For the purpose of this explanation, we primarily consider the structure as conceptualized by S.R. Ranganathan’s Classified Catalogue Code (CCC), which is intrinsically linked to the philosophy of classified cataloguing.

I. Leading Section (or Call Number Section)

This is the first and arguably the most crucial section in a classified catalogue’s main entry, as it dictates the filing position of the entry and directly guides the user to the physical location of the book on the shelves. It consists of the call number, which is a unique identification mark assigned to each document.

  • Class Number: This is the primary component of the call number, derived from a chosen classification scheme (e.g., Colon Classification, Dewey Decimal Classification, Universal Decimal Classification). The class number represents the precise subject content of the document. For instance, in DDC, “610” stands for Medicine, and “616.994” for Cancer. In CC, “L:4” might represent “Diseases of Lungs.” The class number ensures that all documents on the same specific subject are grouped together, and related subjects are placed in close proximity, facilitating systematic browsing. Its hierarchical nature allows for broad-to-specific subject arrangement.
  • Book Number: Following the class number, the book number serves to uniquely identify a specific document within its class. It differentiates books having the same class number. The book number is often constructed using a combination of elements, such as:
    • Author Mark: Derived from the surname of the main author (e.g., Cutter-Sanborn numbers).
    • Work Mark: To differentiate multiple works by the same author in the same class.
    • Accession Part: A part derived from the accession number of the document.
    • Edition Number: To distinguish different editions of the same work.
    • Year of Publication: To differentiate editions published in different years.
    • Language Mark: For works in different languages.
    • Form Mark: For different physical forms (e.g., large print, microform). The book number ensures that books within the same subject class are arranged in a logical sequence, typically by author, then title, or year of publication.
  • Collection Number (if applicable): Some libraries designate special collections (e.g., reference, reserve, oversized, rare books) with an additional mark placed above or before the class number. This indicates that the book is housed in a specific area of the library rather than the general stacks.

II. Heading Section

This section identifies the primary intellectual responsibility for the work. It establishes the “entry element” under which the document would also be found in an alphabetical catalogue (e.g., author catalogue).

  • Entry Element (Author/Corporate Body/Title): This is the fundamental component of the heading.
    • Personal Author: For works by an individual, the author’s surname is given first, followed by forenames. Qualifications like dates of birth and death, or epithets (e.g., “Sir,” “Dr.”), may be added for disambiguation. For example, “SHAKESPEARE, William (1564-1616).”
    • Corporate Body: For works issued by an organization, institution, or government, the name of the corporate body is used. Rules specify how to enter governmental bodies (e.g., country, then ministry) versus other organizations (e.g., direct name, or name followed by place of origin). For example, “UNITED NATIONS. General Assembly.”
    • Title: For works of unknown or diffused authorship (e.g., anonymous works, sacred scriptures, multi-authored works where no single author is predominant, or compilations), the title itself serves as the main entry heading. For example, “HOLY BIBLE.”
  • Further Helping Elements: These provide additional context or differentiation, such as a brief designation of the person’s role (e.g., “Editor,” “Compiler”) or dates for corporate bodies.

III. Title Section

This section provides the essential descriptive elements of the document’s title and statement of responsibility.

  • Title Proper: The primary title of the document as it appears on the title page. This is transcribed accurately. For example, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
  • Alternative Title (if present): A second title connected to the main title by “or.”
  • Subtitle: Any secondary title that amplifies, qualifies, or explains the main title. For example, “A Novel about Life, the Universe, and Everything.”
  • Statement of Responsibility: This identifies the individuals or corporate bodies responsible for the intellectual content of the work. This includes authors, editors, illustrators, translators, compilers, etc. Their names are usually given as they appear on the title page, preceded by appropriate terms (e.g., “by,” “edited by,” “translated by”). For example, “by Douglas Adams.”
  • Edition Statement: Indicates the edition of the work (e.g., “2nd ed.,” “Rev. ed.,” “Student ed.”). This is vital for differentiating various versions of a document.
  • Material Specific Details (if applicable): For non-book materials, this area provides details specific to the type of material (e.g., musical presentation statement, cartographic mathematical data, electronic resource data).

IV. Note Section

The note section is a versatile area used to provide supplementary information that cannot be accommodated in other structured areas but is essential for the identification, selection, or understanding of the document. Notes are presented in a prescribed order.

  • Series Note: Indicates if the document is part of a larger series and provides the series title and numbering within that series (e.g., “(Studies in Library Science; v. 15)”).
  • Contents Note: Lists the contents of the document, especially for multi-volume works or works containing distinct parts (e.g., “Contents: v.1. Introduction – v.2. Advanced topics”). This is very useful for users.
  • Bibliography Note: States if the work contains a bibliography and/or index (e.g., “Includes bibliography and index”).
  • “With” Note: Used when a document is bound with another distinct work.
  • Dissertation/Thesis Note: Indicates if the work is a thesis or dissertation, including the degree and institution (e.g., “Thesis (Ph.D.) – University of London, 2023”).
  • Language Note: Specifies the language of the document if it’s not apparent from the title or if it’s a translation (e.g., “Text in English; summary in French”).
  • ISBN (International Standard Book Number) / ISSN (International Standard Serial Number): Though often placed near publication details or in a separate identification number area in modern codes, CCC sometimes includes it as a note or a distinct part. These are unique identifiers for books and serials, respectively.
  • General Notes: Any other pertinent information that enhances the user’s understanding of the document, such as “Originally published in 1980,” or “Accompanied by a CD-ROM.”

V. Collation Section (or Physical Description Area)

This section describes the physical characteristics of the document, allowing users to understand its physical extent and attributes.

  • Extent of Item: Specifies the number of physical units or pages. For books, this is typically given in the number of pages (e.g., “xii, 350 p.” meaning 12 preliminary pages followed by 350 main pages), or number of volumes (e.g., “3 v.”). For other materials, it could be the number of sound discs, rolls of film, etc.
  • Other Physical Details: Describes illustrative matter. Common abbreviations are used: “ill.” (illustrations), “maps,” “ports.” (portraits), “diagr.” (diagrams), “music,” “col. ill.” (colored illustrations), etc.
  • Dimensions: The height of the document in centimeters (e.g., “24 cm”). For specific types of materials, other dimensions (e.g., diameter for discs) might be given.
  • Accompanying Material: Describes any material issued with the main work but physically separate (e.g., “1 computer disk in pocket,” “accompanying maps”).

VI. Publication and Distribution Area

Though not explicitly a separate “section” in Ranganathan’s CCC in the same way as other sections, the details of publication are integrated within the main entry. Modern cataloguing codes like AACR2/RDA have a dedicated area.

  • Place of Publication, Distribution, etc.: The city or town where the publisher is located.
  • Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.: The name of the entity responsible for publishing or distributing the work.
  • Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.: The year of publication. This is crucial for identifying the specific edition and assessing the currency of the information.

VII. Accession Number Section

The accession number is a unique sequential number assigned to each physical item as it is added to the library’s collection. While not strictly part of the bibliographic description of the work itself, it is crucial for inventory control and identifying a specific physical copy. In card catalogues, it’s often placed at the very bottom or back of the card. In digital systems, it’s a field within the record.

VIII. Tracing Section

The tracing section, while often not visible to the public on the main entry card itself (it typically appears on the verso of the main entry card or as an internal field in digital systems), is an integral part of the main entry record. Its purpose is to indicate all the “added entries” that have been made in the catalogue for that particular document.

  • Purpose: Tracings ensure that all necessary access points are created and maintained for a document. When a main entry record is removed or updated, the tracings guide the cataloguer in identifying and removing or updating all associated added entries, maintaining catalogue integrity.
  • Types of Tracings:
    • Subject Headings: In an alphabetical catalogue, these would list the specific subject terms assigned to the document (e.g., “1. LIBRARY SCIENCE. 2. CATALOGING.”). In a classified catalogue, the subject access is primarily through the class number itself, but if an alphabetical subject index is maintained, the subjects entered there might be traced.
    • Author Added Entries: Names of co-authors, editors, illustrators, translators, or corporate bodies that are not the main entry heading but contributed significantly to the work (e.g., “II. Smith, John”).
    • Title Added Entries: For titles that are distinct from the main title, or for popular titles, or uniform titles (e.g., “III. Guide to the Galaxy”).
    • Series Added Entries: For the series in which the document is published (e.g., “IV. Series: Studies in Library Science”).
    • Name-Title Added Entries: For specific relationships (e.g., adaptations, commentaries). Each tracing corresponds to an added entry card or a distinct access point in a digital catalogue, leading the user back to the main entry.

The main entry, in essence, is the comprehensive dossier for a library resource within a classified catalogue. Its meticulous construction, following established rules and standards, ensures that every piece of relevant information about a document is systematically captured and presented. This structured approach not only facilitates subject-based browsing through the class number but also underpins the creation of all other access points, ensuring multi-faceted retrieval options for users.

The detailed and standardized structure of the main entry in a classified catalogue is fundamental to its effectiveness as an information retrieval tool. By providing a comprehensive bibliographic description, the main entry serves as the primary and authoritative record for each document in the library’s collection. Its strategic placement within the classified sequence, dictated by the class number, enables users to systematically explore resources by subject, fostering a deeper understanding of related knowledge domains.

Furthermore, the main entry’s comprehensive nature allows for the generation of all necessary “added entries,” such as those for authors, titles, series, and specific subject headings in an alphabetical index. This interconnectedness ensures that users can locate desired documents through various access points, regardless of their initial search query. In an age where information access is paramount, the principles embedded in the main entry—precision, standardization, and exhaustiveness—remain critical, even as library catalogues evolve from physical cards to sophisticated digital platforms. The main entry thus stands as the enduring cornerstone of effective information organization and retrieval in libraries, bridging the gap between vast collections and diverse user needs.