A Comparative Analysis of Subject Headings Related to Korea in the National Library OPACs of Major Countries

Abstract

This research was conducted to analyze the actual condition of data related to Korea shown in the catalog of 15 countries. This study was to compare the subject characteristics of Korea-related subject heading, record collection, and the characteristics of several subject heading, which has been a major issue. The results are as follows. To begin with, Korea-related record in most other national libraries runs absolutely short except for some countries like United States. Korea-related record is generally 2 to 3 times less than Japan related record. Second, referring to the subject distribution in sub criteria of Korea-related record, subject related to 'history' and 'economy' is shown in the highest rate. Considering that 'Korean war' shows the highest rate in Italy and Canada, we can consider that this may cause the distortion of the perception of Korea. Third, in the case of Korea-related record, the record of South Korea is 1.5 to 5 times more than that of North Kore, except for some countries like United States. Forth, regarding the subject headings, the terms such as 'Taekwondo', 'Kimchi', 'Tok-do', 'Tong-hae' have different meanings in different countries. However, these terms agree to LCSH in most countries except for neighboring countries. Fifth, in case of China and Japan, the subject headings in reference to political and historical position are raising some problems.