Free-floating subdivisions are listed either separately (apart from main headings) or under representative main headings called _________

The Correct answer is ​Pattern headings.

Key Points

Free-floating Subdivisions:

• ​Free-floating subdivisions are specialized terms used in cataloguing that can be combined with main headings as needed.
• These subdivisions are listed separately or under representative "Pattern headings" and are categorized into four types:
• General Application Subdivisions:
  • These subdivisions apply to a wide range of subject headings. Examples include:
  • Abstracts
  • Cost effectiveness
  • Lighting
  • Periodicals
  • Indexes
  • Instructions are provided for where each subdivision can be applied.
  • For instance, "Lighting" is used only under vehicle, structure, or building headings.
• Subdivisions for Specific Types of Headings:
  • These subdivisions are used with specific categories such as:
  • Classes of persons
  • Ethnic groups
  • Names of corporate bodies, persons, places, or bodies of water
  • Examples include:
  • Actors - Political activities
  • Asian-Americans - Race identity
  • American Library Association - Employment
• Subdivisions Controlled by Pattern Headings:
  • Certain subdivisions are common in specific subject areas.
  • Rather than listing them individually under each subject, they are grouped under a "pattern heading" for the category.
  • These subdivisions can then be applied to other headings in the same category. For example:
  • Under "English language," the subdivision "Pronoun" can also be used for other languages like "Japanese language - Pronoun," even if this combination is not explicitly listed in LCSH.
• Subdivisions Indicated by "Multiples":
  • Some subjects allow multiple subdivisions.
  • For example, "Birth control - Religious aspects" may include subdivisions like "Christianity" or "Buddhism," where the terms in square brackets serve as suggestions for analogous subdivisions.
  • This allows for flexible usage of terms without prior authorization, like "Birth control - Religious aspects - Christianity."