What is main entry in cataloguing?

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What is main entry in cataloguing?

What is Main Entry in Cataloguing?

In library cataloguing, the main entry refers to the primary bibliographic record or entry for a resource, typically representing the main creator, author, or title of a work. The main entry serves as the central point from which all other related information about the resource is catalogued, such as additional contributors (co-authors, editors, translators), publication details, subject headings, and classification information.

The main entry is essential because it identifies the key point of access for a user searching for a specific resource, typically reflecting the author, title, or corporate body that is considered most significant for the item.


Types of Main Entries

  1. Author Main Entry: When a resource is primarily associated with a specific person (e.g., a book written by an author), the main entry is typically based on the author's name. The catalog record will list the author as the central access point.

    Example:

    • Main Entry: Smith, John.

    • Book Title: "History of Ancient Civilizations"

  2. Title Main Entry: If the resource is anonymous or does not have a clear, identifiable author (such as a work with a corporate author or a work like a dictionary or encyclopedia), the main entry will be based on the title of the work.

    Example:

    • Main Entry: The Oxford Dictionary of English.

  3. Corporate Main Entry: For works created by organizations or corporate bodies (e.g., government agencies, companies, institutions), the main entry will be based on the name of the corporate body.

    Example:

    • Main Entry: World Health Organization.

  4. Uniform Title Main Entry: In the case of works with many editions or versions, such as musical compositions, plays, or classical works, a uniform title is used to provide a consistent access point.

    Example:

    • Main Entry: Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5 in C minor.


Why is the Main Entry Important?

  1. Primary Access Point: The main entry serves as the primary access point for users. When cataloging materials, the library system determines the most important or prominent creator/author/characteristic of the work. This helps users easily find the work by searching for the correct main entry.

  2. Organizing the Catalog: The main entry acts as a central organization point within the library's cataloging system. It ensures that materials are catalogued consistently and can be located with minimal confusion.

  3. Linking Related Works: The main entry helps link together related works by the same author, organization, or on the same topic. For example, all works by a particular author will be grouped under that author's name, simplifying discovery for users interested in that author’s entire body of work.


Main Entry in Different Cataloging Systems

  1. AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd edition): In AACR2, the main entry is determined by the creator (author, editor, or other responsible party) or the title. The rules set forth specific guidelines for what constitutes the main entry, especially in cases of multiple authors or contributors, corporate authors, or no author.

  2. RDA (Resource Description and Access): The RDA standard, which replaced AACR2, focuses on creating bibliographic records that are more user-friendly and machine-readable. RDA provides specific guidelines for determining the main entry based on the work’s primary creator or title. It places an emphasis on the relationship between the resource and its users, providing more flexibility than AACR2.

  3. MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging): In the MARC format, the main entry is represented by specific fields (such as 100 for personal names, 110 for corporate bodies, or 130 for uniform titles) within a catalog record. MARC is designed to standardize the input of bibliographic information so that it can be used effectively in digital catalogs.


How to Choose the Main Entry?

  1. Author-Centric Works: If the work has a clear and prominent author, the main entry is based on the author’s name. For example, for a book by an author like J.K. Rowling, the main entry would be the author's name.

  2. Title-Centric Works: If the resource has no clear author (such as an anthology, a dictionary, or a work attributed to a group), the title of the resource becomes the main entry.

  3. Corporate Author: For works produced by corporate bodies or organizations, the name of the corporate author is used as the main entry. For instance, a report published by the United Nations would have the UN as the main entry.

  4. Multiple Creators: When a work has multiple creators, such as a book with both an author and an editor, the main entry typically goes to the author or editor who has the greatest influence or recognition for that work. In cases of uncertainty, cataloging rules may specify how to determine the appropriate main entry.


Main Entry Example

  1. Author Main Entry:

    • Main Entry: Austen, Jane.

    • Title: Pride and Prejudice

  2. Title Main Entry (for an anonymous work):

    • Main Entry: The Art of War.

    • Author: Sun Tzu

  3. Corporate Author Main Entry:

    • Main Entry: World Health Organization.

    • Title: World Health Report 2020

  4. Uniform Title Main Entry:

    • Main Entry: Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5, op. 67


Conclusion

The main entry in cataloguing is the principal access point for a library resource and serves as the starting point for finding a work in the library’s catalog. It is typically based on the main creator (author, editor, corporate body), the title, or a uniform title. The main entry helps organize the catalog effectively and ensures that users can find and access materials with ease. Whether a resource is categorized by an author’s name, title, or corporate body, cataloguers follow standardized cataloging systems like AACR2, RDA, and MARC to ensure that the information is consistent, accurate, and useful for search and retrieval.

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