Classification and Indexing of Philippine Indigenous Materials with Emphasis on the Cordillera

This paper looks into the limitations of the Library of Congress Subject Headings in assigning subject access terms for indigenous Cordillera materials acquired by the University of the Philippines Baguio Cordillera Studies Collection Library. Likewise, problems in using the Library of Congress Classification scheme in assigning classification numbers are briefly discussed. As cases in point, a number of indigenous Cordillera terms that have no equivalent in the LCSH are described. Aside from terms with no American or English language equivalent, issues on spelling variations and varying forms of names are examined. These problems result to low findability and use of Cordillera materials. To solve the problem, a few measures using the iLib online cataloging system are presented. Finally, the paper enumerates recommendations that should be pursued to improve assignment of subject access terms for indigenous Cordillera materials.