Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)

A sample of subdivisions under the main heading United States

Key to abbreviations

• USE--Refers you from an unused term to one that is used
• BT--Refers you to a broader term or terms
• NT--Refers you to a narrower term or terms
• RT--Refers you to a related term or terms

Dashes preceeding the subheadings indicate the level of the subheading. A single dash indicates the first level of subheading; for example, the single dash before the term History tells you that United States--History is a valid subject heading. A double dash before a term tells you that it is a subdivision of the term the next level up. So Colonial Period, ca. 1600- 1775 and the headings given for King Philip's War and King William's War are all divisions of the subheading History and, for example, United States--History--Colonial Period, ca. 1600-1775 is a valid subject heading. Continuing on, you might also find materials under the heading United States--History--Colonial Period, ca. 1600-1775--Sources.

More details:

• May Subd Geog means that the term may be subdivided further by geographic location.
• The call number area given directly under the term is the general area for that subject. If you like to browse the shelves, you may find books on your topic in that area (but don't limit yourself too quickly).
• Any term marked USE, or listed as a Broader, Narrower, or Related term, has its own entry in the LCSH which will give you more details on its use.
• The Library of Congress Subject Headings, the five volumes also known as the Big Red Books, are on the main LUCIA octagon on the first floor of the library.

  If you need help, be sure to ask a Reference Librarian.