CONTENTdm Cookbook: Subject

Yes. Enter each subject in the same field, separated by a semicolon and a space.

What the content of the resource is about or what it is, expressed by headings, keywords, phrases, names, or other terms for significant people, places, and events, etc.

Enter multiple subjects in order of importance. Separate each entry by a semicolon and a space. Please note: subject terms added using the CONTENTdm Project Client will automatically add a semicolon after each selected term; deleting the final semicolon will create a cleaner record, without the appearance of an unfinished thought.

In addition to LCTGM, use other established thesauri as needed, and refer to the list of terms already used on the CONTENTdm Browse by Subject page.

Use specific or unique words as well as more general words.

Identify ethnic groups as appropriate (e.g., African Americans). Refer to LCSH for subject terms for ethnic groups.

Geographic subheadings may be applied on a case-by-case basis.

Corporate entities (e.g. Oneida Baptist Institute) and physical entities (e.g. Buckingham Palace) belong in this field rather than in Location Depicted, which should be reserved for geographic entities (Oneida (Ky.) and London (England) in the above examples). For corporate entities, the name of the corporation at the time of the artifact being described should be used.

Clay, Henry, 1777-1852--Homes & haunts--Kentucky—Lexington [geographic subheading deemed necessary];  Dwellings [general term]

Episcopal churches; St. James’ Episcopal Church (Baltimore, Md.)

Stringed instruments; Banjos [general and specific terms, separated by semicolon and space]

Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company [name of corporation from 1850 – 1983]

Seaboard System Railroad [1983 – 1986]

CSX Corporation [1986 – 1990]