What are subject headings primarily used for in libraries?

Subject headings play a vital role in the organization and classification of library materials. They are used to assign specific words or phrases that describe the content of books, articles, and other resources. This controlled vocabulary facilitates efficient searching and retrieval of information, enabling users to find relevant materials easily.

When users search for topics in a library catalog, the subject headings guide them to materials that are indexed under those terms. This system allows for a more streamlined approach to locating resources compared to general keywords, making it easier to explore broader subjects or related topics.

While summaries, advertising events, and categorizing reading levels are important functions within a library, they do not pertain directly to the purpose of subject headings. The primary goal of subject headings is to provide a structured way to access and organize information based on its content.