Ever tried to do a subject search in the library catalog for “independent musicians” or “Geechees” or maybe an author search for “?uestlove”?  The problem with searching for ?uestlove’s name is that the “?” confuses the WorldCat database, which is the same sort of system our catalog uses.  The subject search examples above also won’t work, because the Library of Congress Subject Heading (LCSH) system (browsable here) does not include these as pre-defined search terms.  Of course, you can search for “Geechee” (the language, not the people) or “Gullahs” (the name of the people group which is used outside of Georgia); but you’ll need a dose of serendipity to find books, etc.,  about independent musicians.

Radical Reference has kicked off a blog-a-thon to gather suggestions for new subject headings in the LCSH system.  Check it out here.  If you’d like some help suggesting a new subject heading, post a comment here or e-mail me at jharwell@georgiasouthern.edu