descriptive cataloging

noun

Library Science.

1. the aspect of cataloging concerned with the bibliographic and physical description of a book, recording, or other work, accounting for such items as author or performer, title, edition, and imprint as opposed to subject content.

Word History and Origins

Origin of descriptive cataloging¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Replied Ben Tucker, Chief of the Office for Descriptive Cataloging Policy: "I wish to thank you for enabling us to improve our records."

From Time Magazine Archive