School Libraries and Information Literacy FAQS
SCIS subject headings
What are the SCIS subject headings?
SCIS subject headings are the terms in the SCIS subject headings list. Included also in the list are cross references between terms and guidelines on how to develop other allowed terms.
I haven't found a suitable subject heading to cover the teaching topic we're currently undertaking. What process is there for creating new subject headings?
The first step is to look closely at the current subject headings and determine if, in fact, one of these may cover the topic. For example, students searching for Culture could be redirected to Civilisation and Social life and customs.
If there is no suitable heading then a suggestion can be made to the NSW SCIS agency. Fax your suggestion and your contact details to
What is a subject reference structure and how do I create one?
The subject reference structure is the network of references of See and See also references in the catalogue.
The See reference takes the reader from a heading that is not used in the catalogue to one that is. Such instances arise when there are different ways of spelling a word, or when different terms mean the same thing,
See also references are made from a term with a broad meaning to a more specific term, for example: Feet see also Toes.
The SCIS subject headings reference structure file is loaded into OASIS via the twice yearly OASIS Update CD-ROM. To load the file and create or update the reference structure, select H1 A1 in OASIS Library. Detailed notes are provided with the update, or can be accessed at:
http://schoolsystems.det.nsw.edu.au/schools/
How often do I run the SCIS subject headings?
The SCIS subject headings file should be run regularly, perhaps once a month or once a term depending on the number of new subjects you add to OASIS. You can monitor this by filing the reports on new subjects and series that are produced as part of the SCIS download process. When a reasonable number of new subjects have been added, it is an appropriate time to load the subject headings reference structure file.
© State of New South Wales through the Department of Education and Training, 2008. All rights reserved.
Conditions of use | Contact us
Report incorrect, out-of-date or missing information