It is up to you to take advantage of this powerful feature of the software.  Be aware of the Codes and promote their use by demonstrating the “Related Topics” wherever possible

(See Subject Search for an example!)

How?
Each subject heading in the Thesaurus has been assigned at least one cross-referencing code. These codes are the basis of the unique resource access capability of the LibCode package.  The mixture between Subject, Dewey and Related Ideas codes produces a very powerful research tool.  This now includes cross-referencing based on a KLA framework!

History of the Codes…
Initially, Alan Ford adapted the codes from the Library of Congress Classification to suit Australian schools. Tony Ford hassled Alan into revisiting the codes to make them more specific for schools. The Codes have since been revised to provide multilevel bidirectional cross-referencing from specific subject headings, with very impressive results, both in time savings and research effectiveness.

A heartfelt “Thank You” to all the TLs who have contributed to cross-referencing development over the years. Here’s to school teachers and students being shown how to use them!

What are the benefits?
Because related headings are grouped together by the Codes, there are many benefits. Several of these advantages are listed below:

• Cross-referencing is a built-in feature of the software.  All subject headings supplied with the system have been assigned one or more cross-referencing points.
• Variations in cataloguing style and quality are largely overcome.
• Inexperienced cataloguers are relieved of the responsibility of assigning and maintaining See and See Also references.
• References are not limited to one direction, i.e. general to specific.  It is possible to get the “wider picture” when starting from a specific topic which allows the researcher to make a more informed choice.
• Lists of related topics/terms are available on demand (at the press of a button).
• The Codes allow the instant production of bibliographies for unit planning.
• A catalogue viewed in Code order quickly shows the relative strengths and weaknesses of a resource collection.