What is the term used for the initial, primary entry in a catalog record?

What is the term used for the initial, primary entry in a catalog record?

• A. Main Entry
• B. Added Entry
• C. Subject Entry
• D. Cross Reference

Answer: (A)

In cataloging, the primary access point that starts and centers a bibliographic record is called the main entry. It’s the main line under which the item is organized and searched, typically anchored to the author’s name or the work’s title when there’s no clear author. Other access points exist to help users find the item through different paths: added entries provide secondary access for coauthors, editors, translators, or alternate titles; subject entries link the item to topical terms; cross references point you to related records rather than serving as the main entry. So, the initial, primary entry is the main entry.

In cataloging, the primary access point that starts and centers a bibliographic record is called the main entry. It’s the main line under which the item is organized and searched, typically anchored to the author’s name or the work’s title when there’s no clear author. Other access points exist to help users find the item through different paths: added entries provide secondary access for coauthors, editors, translators, or alternate titles; subject entries link the item to topical terms; cross references point you to related records rather than serving as the main entry. So, the initial, primary entry is the main entry.