Differences Between the 2022 and 2023 Editions

The table below lists the additions, changes, deletions (for cross-references only), and inactivations that were applied to the 2022 edition of the BISAC Subject Heading List (11/2022) to create the 2023 edition of the BISAC Subject Heading List (11/2023).

While most of the additions/changes/deletions are relatively straightforward, code inactivation merits further explanation.  Codes were inactivated when the literals they represented were deemed to be one or more of the following:

• Redundant
• Not widely used
• Easily confused with other subjects
• More appropriately listed in a different section

It is highly recommended that inactivated codes which have already been assigned to ISBNs be replaced with active codes.  To this end, instructions on code replacement are included in the table below. 

It is recognized that locating and replacing all occurrences of inactivated codes may not be possible or practical.  With that in mind, please note that:

• Inactivated codes will never be "recycled" and assigned to a different literal.
• There will be a cumulating Appendix of Inactivated Codes at the end of each version of the Subject Heading List. All inactivated codes from all previous versions will appear on this list indefinitely so that the meaning of an old code will never be lost.

Instructions are also included when the scope of a subject has decreased, because this might necessitate the reclassification of titles that have been assigned this subject.  Instructions are not usually included when a subject's scope has increased, but users should note that a scope increase may allow the re-classification of a work that previously fell under a more general subject.

Listed in order of New Literal (if none, then Old Literal)

Trans key:    A = Addition    C = Change    D = Deletion (x-refs only)    I = Inactivation    R = Reactivation