Cataloging: Fundamentals of the NLM® Classification
Module 6—Form Numbers
page 2 of 6
Introduction
Module 1
Overview of NLM Classification
Module 2
Using the Online NLM Classification
Module 3
Components of NLM Call Numbers
Module 4
General Principles
Module 5
Table G
Module 6
Form Numbers
Module 7
Bibliographies and Related Materials
Module 8
Classification of 19th Century Works and Early Printed Books
Module 9
Continuing Resources
Form Numbers
- At NLM, classification by publication type takes precedence over classification by subject
- For example, an atlas of Liver Neoplasms is classed in WI 17 along with atlases on any other subject covered by the WI schedule for digestive diseases
- Other libraries that prefer to shelve material by topic can assign a subject call number
- When both a main heading and a subheading have their own form numbers, generally classify for the subheading
- For example, for a work with the subject Education, Nursing $x history, use WY 11
- When both a topical subheading and a publication type are classified by form, classify for the publication type
- For example, for a work with the subject Surgery $x history and the publication type Outlines, use WO 18.2
