added entry
C1Specialised / Formal / Academic
Definition
Meaning
An additional item recorded in a list, catalogue, or database.
In library and information science, a secondary or alternative point of access to a bibliographic record, such as an alternative title, joint author, or series title, that guides a user to the main entry.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term from cataloguing and database management. It implies a supplementary, non-primary record. In less technical contexts, it can be understood literally as 'an extra item that has been added to a list'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in professional library and information science contexts in both regions. In general usage (non-technical), the phrase follows standard UK/US spelling conventions ('catalogue' vs. 'catalog').
Connotations
Technical, precise, administrative.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language, but standard and common within its professional domain.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + added entry (create/make)[preposition] + added entry (by/via an added entry)added entry + [preposition] + [noun] (added entry for the editor)added entry + [verb] (added entry referring to...)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in the context of adding a new line item to a database or log.
Academic
Common in library science, archival studies, and information management literature.
Everyday
Very rare. Could be used literally, e.g., 'I made an added entry in my address book.'
Technical
The core context. A standard term in bibliographic cataloguing rules (e.g., AACR2, RDA) and database design.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cataloguer will add an entry under the editor's name.
- We need to add entries for all joint authors.
American English
- The system allows you to add an entry for the series title.
- They decided to add an entry under the alternate title.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a single adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a single adverb.
adjective
British English
- The added-entry field is mandatory for this material type.
- We reviewed the added-entry creation rules.
American English
- This is an added-entry record, not the main one.
- The added-entry function is located in the tools menu.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I wrote his birthday in my calendar as an added entry.
- The secretary made an added entry in the meeting log to correct the time.
- In the library database, the film's director is listed in an added entry, while the main entry is under the title.
- According to cataloguing standards, an added entry must be created for every illustrator of a children's book to ensure multiple access points for users.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a library card catalogue. The MAIN card is the 'main entry' (under the author). Any other cards that help you find the same book (under title, editor, series) are ADDED ENTRIES – they have been ADDED to help you ENTRY (access) the information.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIGNPOST (an added entry directs you to the main destination). A NETWORK NODE (it's an alternative connection point within a system of information).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct, word-for-word translation like 'добавленная запись' in a library context, as it sounds like a newly created record. The correct library term is 'дополнительная точка доступа' or 'вспомогательная запись'.
- Do not confuse with 'приложение' (appendix/supplement).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'added entry' to mean simply 'an entry that was added recently' rather than its technical sense of a secondary access point.
- Misspelling as 'add entry' (the verb form) when the noun phrase is required.
- Confusing it with 'main entry'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of an 'added entry' in library science?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are opposites in cataloguing. The 'main entry' is the primary, complete record for an item (usually under the author or title). An 'added entry' is any secondary or supplementary point of access that leads to that main record.
It would sound very formal or technical. In everyday situations, phrases like 'I added it to the list', 'another item on the list', or 'an extra note' are more natural.
Common types include entries for joint authors, editors, translators, illustrators, series titles, alternative titles, and subject headings. All of these act as signposts to the main catalogue record.
The concept is analogous to having multiple index fields or foreign keys that point to a primary record. While the specific term 'added entry' is most rooted in library catalogues, database designers use similar principles of providing multiple access paths to data.