How do I know when to submit a proposal for a new subject heading to SACO?
If you are cataloging a work on a discrete, identifiable subject and after searching a current version of the subject authority file and checking appropriate free-floating subdivision lists, you do not find a specific subject heading to use, it’s time to consider making a proposal. Remember that in many cases it’s also necessary to search the name authority file because some subjects are represented by name headings, or by subdivisions used under name headings. It may also be helpful to check bibliographic records for works similar to what you are cataloging to see what subject headings have been assigned to them. You might find that an appropriate subject heading does exist in LCSH that uses another term or phrase than your work does. In that case, you might consider proposing a UF (Used For) reference (4XX field) to the existing heading from the terminology used in your work.