Subject Control of Film and Video

Maillet's analysis is based on the assumption that more effective utilization of the existing subject access systems can be gained through a better understanding of their applications to film and video. She gives clear guidance in the selection of a subject access system to those developing media catalogs. She compares three methods of subject indexing applied to a sample of 100 films: Library of Congress (LC), National Center for Educational Media (NICEM), and National Film Board of Canada (PRECIS). Criteria for the comparison are depth and breadth of access points and the syntax and strucutre of the headings. The strengths and weaknesses of the three systems are also assessed. Maillet offers suggestions as to enlightened ways of modifying and/or enhancing existing systems that provide subject access to films and video programmes which may be of benefit to librarians, media specialists, teachers, and other users of film and video collections.