Collections by Subject

Just like choosing a genre helps you explore themed materials (like mystery, romance, or fantasy), our Online Catalogue is organized by subject headings, grouping together all items on the same topic for a smoother, more targeted search experience.

How to Use Subject Headings

• Enter a subject heading (e.g., Indigenous, Neurodivergent, GSM) in the catalogue’s search bar to discover a curated collection of works all tied to that topic.
• Use the Topic Finder tool to dive deeper—it suggests narrower or related subject headings for more precise results OLC.

Why Subject Headings Work Better Than Keywords

• Focused results that consistently gather material under a unified term—perfect when you know exactly what topic you're interested in.
• Useful for research or browsing, especially when you're exploring topics like diversity, health, or local history.
• Keep in mind: not all digital collection items are assigned subject headings, so if needed, supplement your search with keyword queries.

More Subject Heading Examples

To give you a broader sense of what you can explore, here are several key term categories in our catalogue—feel free to experiment with these or related terms:

• Indigenous — resources by, for, or about Indigenous communities.
• Neurodivergent — materials covering autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodiversity topics.
• GSM (Gender and Sexual Minorities) — encompasses all LGBT+ identities and related themes.
• Environment & Climate Change — covering conservation, sustainability, and environmental issues.
• Local History (e.g., Norfolk County History) — documents, photographs, and narratives tied to this region.
• Women's Studies — exploring women's experiences, feminist history, and gender issues.
• Mental Health — books and media addressing wellness, diagnosis, coping, and support.
• Indigenous Languages — resources focused on language preservation and revitalization.
• Truth and Reconciliation — works related to reconciliation efforts, Indigenous-settler relations, and educational initiatives OLC.
• BIPOC Experiences — narratives and studies highlighting Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour communities.
• Accessibility & Inclusion — materials focused on accessible design, inclusive practices, and disability rights.