Entries in AACR2: A Complete Guide

Entries in AACR2: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Entries in AACR2

  2. Meaning and Definition of Entry

  3. Importance of Entries in Library Cataloguing

  4. Types of Entries in AACR2

    • Main Entry

    • Added Entry

  5. Main Entry

  6. Added Entry

    • Personal Added Entry

    • Corporate Added Entry

    • Title Added Entry

  7. Rules for Determining Main Entry

  8. Rules for Added Entries

  9. Uniform Titles and Their Role in Entries

  10. Relationship Between Entries and Bibliographic Control

  11. Entries in Different Material Types

    • Monographs

    • Serials

    • Non-book Materials

  12. Examples of Entries in AACR2

  13. Advantages of Proper Entries

  14. Limitations

  15. Conclusion

  16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. Introduction to Entries in AACR2

In AACR2, an entry is the access point through which a library user locates a bibliographic record in the catalogue. Entries ensure that all materials are discoverable and consistently represented. They form the backbone of bibliographic control, helping users identify, locate, and retrieve resources efficiently.


2. Meaning and Definition of Entry

Definition:
An entry in AACR2 is a catalogue access point representing an author, title, or corporate body, used as the basis for searching or browsing a library catalogue. It can be either a main entry or an added entry.


3. Importance of Entries in Library Cataloguing

  • Provides primary access points for catalogues

  • Ensures accurate identification of resources

  • Facilitates retrieval of materials by users

  • Enables bibliographic control in libraries

  • Supports shared and union catalogues


4. Types of Entries in AACR2

AACR2 recognizes two main types of entries:

4.1 Main Entry

The primary access point of a bibliographic record, used for catalogue retrieval. It identifies the principal responsibility for the work.

4.2 Added Entry

Secondary access points, providing alternative ways for users to locate a resource, such as additional authors, editors, translators, or corporate bodies.


5. Main Entry

5.1 Personal Author Entry

  • Based on the author’s name

  • Follows the surname-first format

  • Includes dates to distinguish authors with identical names
    Example:

  • Shakespeare, William, 1564–1616. Hamlet.

5.2 Corporate Body Entry

  • Used when an organization or institution is responsible

  • Includes full corporate name and hierarchical structure if necessary
    Example:

  • United Nations. Annual report 2020.

5.3 Title Entry


6. Added Entry

6.1 Personal Added Entry

6.2 Corporate Added Entry

  • For organizations contributing to the work
    Example:

  • World Health Organization. Global health statistics 2021.

6.3 Title Added Entry

  • Used for anonymous works or works with multiple titles
    Example:

  • Principles of Economics. [Alternate title: Economics Made Easy]


7. Rules for Determining Main Entry

  • If a personal author exists → main entry is author’s name

  • If no personal author but corporate body exists → main entry is corporate body

  • If neither exists → main entry is title proper

  • Follows uniform titles if applicable for works with multiple versions or translations


8. Rules for Added Entries

  • Added entries provide alternative access points

  • Include names of co-authors, editors, illustrators, translators

  • Include secondary corporate bodies or institutions

  • Should not duplicate main entry


9. Uniform Titles and Their Role in Entries

  • Helps group all editions of a work under a single title

  • Ensures users find all versions, translations, or adaptations
    Example:

  • Main Entry: Don Quixote

  • Uniform Title: Quijote, Don


10. Relationship Between Entries and Bibliographic Control

  • Entries are key to organizing bibliographic data

  • Help maintain accuracy and uniformity in library catalogues

  • Facilitate resource sharing and union catalogues


11. Entries in Different Material Types

Monographs

  • Main entry usually the author

  • Added entries for editors, translators, or illustrators

Serials

  • Main entry usually title proper

  • Added entries for corporate bodies or editors

Non-book Materials

  • Main entry based on responsible body (person or organization)

  • Added entries for contributors or associated titles


12. Examples of Entries in AACR2

Book with Author:

Book by Corporate Body:

  • Main Entry: International Labour Organization.

  • Title: World Employment Report 2022.

Anonymous Work:

  • Main Entry: Encyclopedia of World History.


13. Advantages of Proper Entries

  • Ensures accurate retrieval of resources

  • Provides alternative access points for users

  • Supports bibliographic control

  • Enables consistency in shared catalogues and databases

  • Simplifies user searches


14. Limitations

  • Rules can be complex for new cataloguers

  • Requires knowledge of uniform titles and corporate names

  • May be challenging for digital resources with multiple contributors


15. Conclusion

Entries in AACR2 are the foundation of bibliographic access in libraries. Understanding main entry, added entry, and uniform titles ensures accurate, consistent, and user-friendly cataloguing. These entries facilitate efficient resource discovery, bibliographic control, and international compatibility across libraries.


16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the two types of entries in AACR2?
Answer: Main entry and added entry.

Q2. How is the main entry determined?
Answer: By personal author, corporate body, or title proper (in that order).

Q3. What is an added entry used for?
Answer: To provide alternative access points such as co-authors, editors, or corporate contributors.

Q4. Why are uniform titles important?
Answer: They group all versions of a work under a single standard title, aiding retrieval.

AACR2 Entries Hierarchy
ENTRIES IN AACR2
Main Entry
• Personal Author Entry
• Corporate Body Entry
• Title Entry

Primary Access Point
Added Entry
• Personal Added Entry
• Corporate Added Entry
• Title Added Entry

Secondary Access Points
Decision Order for Main Entry: Personal Author → Corporate Body → Title Proper

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