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TSD / Cataloging and Metadata Management: Fundamentals of the NLM® Classification

Form Numbers

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Special Cases—Legislation

  • Use the form number for laws (generally 32) in the appropriate schedule for the primary subject when 50% or more of the content consists of the text of laws, statutes, etc.
  • When the content consists of discussion of law, etc. classify in the form number for discussion of law (generally 33) in the appropriate schedule for the primary subject
  • The LC K schedule may be used for non-medical subjects but the preference is to try as much as possible to find an appropriate NLM class number whenever possible
  • Congressional hearings and appropriations are generally classified by subject if the subject falls into the NLM schedules using form number 32 or 33 number in the appropriate schedule

Special Cases—Statistics

  • Use the form number for Statistics and Tables (generally 16) in the appropriate schedule for the primary subject when 50% or more of the content of the item consists of statistical data or is presented in tabular form. Surveys are also classified in form number 16
  • General public health statistics for monographic materials are classed in WA 900
  • Statistical studies of a disease are classed with the disease and not form number 16. Exception: Since the entire WC schedule is for Communicable Diseases, statistical studies of communicable diseases in general are classed in WC 16


Last Reviewed: April 16, 2021