Dealing with False Friends to Avoid Errors in Subject Analysis in Slavic Cataloging: An Overview of Resources and Strategies

摘要

This article discusses errors in subject analysis for Slavic materials due to "false friends," words similar in form but different in meaning. An overview of false friends in Slavic languages is presented, followed by case studies demonstrating how false friends in book titles can lead to errors in subject analysis. We also review the resources that can assist Slavic catalogers in identifying false friends: print dictionaries, online lists, online translation tools, and records from the catalogs by the national libraries of countries of publication. Finally, implications for workflow in dealing with Slavic false friends in cataloging practice are discussed.