Children's subject headings

For children's material, follow the subject and genre headings guidelines with these additions.

See also Non-English language materials for resources in languages other than English.

Subject headings

Any of the following are acceptable in the CCS database. For original cataloging, prefer at least LCSH.

• LCSH only
• LC Children’s Subject Headings only
• LCSH + LC Children’s Subject Headings

650 _0 Dogs‡vJuvenile fiction.

650 _1 Dogs‡vFiction.

650 _0 Dogs‡vJuvenile fiction.
650 _1 Dogs‡vFiction.

650 _0 Swine‡vJuvenile fiction.
650 _1 Pigs‡vFiction.

Do not use LC Children’s Subject Headings in the form [Language] language materials.

INCORRECT:
650 _1 Spanish language materials.
655 _1 Spanish language materials. 

Use the heading Children's stories only for collections of stories and works about children’s stories.

650 _0 Children’s stories, American. 
(a collection of stories)

INCORRECT:
650 _0 Children’s stories, American.
(a single work)

Use the subdivision Pictorial works only as applicable for nonfiction works, not for picture books.

650 _0 Dogs‡vJuvenile fiction.
655 _7 Picture books.‡2lcgft

INCORRECT:
650 _0 Dogs‡vFiction‡vPictorial works. 

Use the subdivision Specimens only for realia

650 _0 Telescopes‡vSpecimens. 
655 _7 Toy and movable books.‡2lcgft

INCORRECT:
650 _0 Toy and movable books‡vSpecimens.
655 _7 Toy and movable books‡vSpecimens. 

Genre headings

Use a 655 field for genre/form headings. If a genre/form heading is valid as an LC Children’s Subject Heading in a 650 field, use an equivalent LCGFT or local genre heading instead, in a 655 field.

655 _7 Fantasy fiction.‡2lcgft
655 _0 Board books.

INCORRECT:
650 _1 Fantasy.
650 _1 Board books. 

Common genre/form headings for children’s materials:

655 _0 Big books. (For enlarged, poster-size books designed to be read aloud in a group setting.)
655 _0 Board books.
655 _7 Lift-the-flap books.‡2lcgft
655 _0 Miniature books. (For books 10 cm or less in both height and width.)
655 _7 Picture books.‡2lcgft 
655 _7 Pop-up books.‡2lcgft
655 _7 Toy and movable books.‡2lcgft (For manipulative books not covered by a more specific heading.)