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

Table G

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Geographic Tables

  • The geographic tables of the NLM Classification consist of nine geographic regions
  • Additionally, special provision is made for international agencies that frequently publish materials related to medicine
  • Each broad region or group is identified by a letter
    • A—United States (Federal Government)
      • AA1—United States (as geographical area)
    • D—Americas
    • F—Great Britain
    • G—Europe
    • H—Africa
    • J—Middle East and Asia
    • K—Australasia
    • L—Islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans
    • M—International Agencies
    • P—Polar Regions
  • There are two additional sections:
    • Historical Geographic Locations
    • Obsolete Table G Notations

Exclusions

  • Although specific states, the District of Columbia, and regions of the United States are listed, no specific breakdowns are given for other countries, e.g., Canadian provinces or Australian states
  • With the exception of New York City, no cities are included in Table G
  • "Table G" information is not supplied in the NLM Classification Index

Format of Geographic Cutter Numbers

  • The notation for a specific jurisdiction is composed of two letters and one or two numbers
  • The first letter of a notation represents the broad geographical region or jurisdiction, and the second one is the first letter of the name of a smaller region which can be a country, or, in the case for the states of the United States, a state
  • Do not confuse a letter "I" with a number "1", or a letter "O" with a number "0"

Example of Table G Listing

H Section—Africa
  • VII. AFRICA
    • HA1—Africa [continent]
    • HA12—Africa South of the Sahara [region]
    • HA14—Central Africa [region]
    • HA15—Eastern Africa [region]
    • HA2—North Africa [region]
    • HA21—Western Africa [region]
    • HA25—Southern Africa [region]
    • HA4—Algeria [country]
    • HA6—Angola [country]


Last Reviewed: April 16, 2021