To allow for a standardized formulation of many complex subjects, there are a large number of topical and form subdivisions that may be used under a variety of subjects as needed. There are provisions and examples for more than five hundred subdivisions in the Sears List. The List of Subdivisions is meant for handy reference only. For each of the subdivisions provided for in Sears there is also a general reference in the alphabetical List with specific instructions as to what types of headings that subdivision can be used under.
Some subdivisions are of very broad application and can be used under nearly any subject heading. The following are examples of two general references for such subdivisions — one for a topical subdivision, Computer simulation, which is also a heading, and one for a form subdivision, Interactive multimedia, which is only a subdivision:
Computer simulation
| SA | subjects with the subdivision Computer simulation, e.g. Psychology— Computer simulation [to be added as needed] |
Interactive multimedia
| USE | subjects with the subdivision Interactive multimedia, e.g. Geology— Interactive multimedia [to be added as needed] |
Some subdivisions are of limited application and can be used only under certain categories of subject heading. The following are examples of two general references for such subdivisions — one for a topical subdivision, Satellites, which is also a heading, and one for a form subdivision, Facsimiles, which is only a subdivision:
Satellites
| SA | names of planets with the subdivision Satellites, e.g. Mars (Planet) — Satellites [to be added as needed] |
Facsimiles
| USE | types of printed or written materials, documents, etc., with the subdivision Facsimiles, e.g. Autographs — Facsimiles [to be added as needed] |