1. The online "Grand dictionnaire terminologique" published by the Québec
"Office de la langue francaise" (http://www.granddictionnaire.com/ ) may be
of some help.
2. It offers a specific definition in the book domain.
3. This "Grand dictionnaire" is a technical and bilingual dictionary.
4. Under "Tête-bêche" (look for it in French, not in English), they give
five domains where this word is used: publishing, computer, leisure, stamps
and information sciences.
5. Under "publishing" we have "tumbled" and, as a similar term:
"head-to-tail"
Here is the French definition and my translation: "Qualifie une publication
dont les textes commencent à l'opposé l'un de l'autre et se rejoignent au
centre. L'un est renversé par rapport à l'autre." (My translation: "A
publication with texts beginning opposite one another and rejoining at the
centre. One is reversed comparing to the other).
6. Under "information sciences": we have "head to foot" (similar term: head
to tail)
Definition: "Se dit d'un livre placé la tête en bas sur les rayons." (My
translation: a book placed head down on the shelf"
7. Hope that helps (and sorry for poor the translation).
Jean-Paul Dupré
Québec, Canada
----- Original Message -----
From: "Caroline Keizer" <keizer@email.unc.edu>
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <exlibris@library.berkeley.edu>
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2002 3:38 PM
Subject: meaning of tete-beche
I am cataloging a work and the term "tête-bêche" is used in the MARC
record. I have only found a definition in reference to stamps but not
books. Is it an appropriate term to use with books and does anyone know
where I can find a definition for it in relation to books?
--
Caroline Keizer
General Librarian
Cataloger, North Carolina Collection
UNC-CH