Includes bibliographical references.

Preface -- History of the Sears list -- Principles of the Sears list. The purpose of subject cataloging ; Determining the subject of the work ; Specific and direct entry ; Types of subject headings ; The grammar of subject headings ; Some difficult areas of application ; Classification and subject headings ; Maintaining a catalog ; Cataloging in the Twenty-first Century ; Bibliography -- Headings to be added by the cataloger -- "Key" headings -- List of canceled and replaced headings -- The use of subdivisions in the Sears list -- List of subdivisions provided for in the Sears list -- Symbols used -- Sears list of subject headings.