Table of Contents: 2019 NOVEMBER–DECEMBER No. 431
Willis S. Cataloging and Metadata News—2020. NLM Tech Bull. 2019 Nov-Dec;(431):e7.
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) adopted the 2020 MeSH vocabulary for cataloging on December 9, 2019.
Accordingly, MeSH subject headings in LocatorPlus were changed to reflect the 2020 MeSH vocabulary and appear in that form as of December 9, 2019.
It is anticipated that the NLM Catalog database and translation tables will be updated to reflect 2020 MeSH by mid-December 2019. Until then, there will be a brief hiatus in the addition of new and edited bibliographic records to the NLM Catalog.
The Winter version of the NLM Classification to be published in late January 2020 will encompass changes resulting from new and changed MeSH terms for 2020 as well as additional minor updates to the index. The main index terms will continue to link to 2019 MeSH until the Winter 2020 edition is published in January.
The NLM Classification number appears in many terms in the MeSH Browser and is supplied annually by the NLM Cataloging and Metadata Section (CaMMS) when the MeSH term points to a single classification number in the Classification Index. These class numbers are current as of the Winter 2019 edition of the NLM Classification. They will be updated with the publication of the 2020 Winter edition in January 2020.
Generally, vocabulary changes in NLM bibliographic records for books, serials, and other materials were implemented as they were applied for citations in MEDLINE. For additional information, see MEDLINE Data Changes—2020.
Movable Books – Scope note: Books having mechanisms or parts that move, or are moved by the reader. This new PT will be useful for the many anatomical atlases with moveable flaps in the NLM collection.
Some PTs were made singular or plural as appropriate:
| 2019 | 2020 |
| Bookplates | Bookplate |
| Essays | Essay |
| Evaluation Studies | Evaluation Study |
| Examination Question | Examination Questions |
| Formularies, Dental | Formulary, Dental |
| Formularies, Hospital | Formulary, Hospital |
| Government Document | Government Publication |
| Graphic Novels | Graphic Novel |
| Instructional Films and Videos | Instructional Film and Video |
| Maps | Map |
| Phrase | Phrases |
| Programs | Program |
| Prospectuses | Prospectus |
| Table | Tables |
| Union Lists | Union List |
| Webcasts | Webcast |
Two terms in the Z tree were modified. This also reflects the 2019 changes made in the MARC Code List for Geographic Areas.
| 2019 | 2020 |
| Macedonia (Republic) | Republic of North Macedonia |
| Swaziland | Eswatini |
2020 Descriptor with Annotation: CATALOGER: Use NAF entry
Catalogers should use the appropriate term from the National Authority File (NAF) rather than the MeSH term for terms with this annotation. One 2020 MeSH was added that catalogers cannot use:
National Program of Cancer Registries
Catalogers should use the NAF form: National Program of Cancer Registries (U.S.) (LCCN no2005083478) in the 610 field of the bib record. Coordinate with 650 X2 United States Government Agencies. Per the annotation: add UNITED STATES (in the 651 field).
By
Sharon Willis
Cataloging and Metadata Management Section (CaMMS)
