Examines some of the most frequently cited criticisms of keyword indexing, including (1) the absence of general subject headings, (2) limited entry points, and (3) irrelevant indexing. Six references are cited. (FM)

Describes the functions of book and periodical indexes and characteristics of varieties of book indexes. Problems related to periodical indexing including indexing policy, indexing language, depth of indexing, authors' names, titles, the physical form of indexes, indexes to single volumes of periodicals, and cumulative indexes are discussed.…

Discusses recent changes in the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), arguing that the adoption of the well-recognized codes for thesauri has created confusion because the LCSH is not a true thesaurus. The distinction between subject headings and terms are clarified and a possible solution to the problems with the LCSH is suggested. (5…

Proposes a method for alleviating entry and filing problems arising from the practice of using initialisms that abbreviate full periodical titles, and, on the basis of a survey of periodical publishers, recommends using consistent entry under full form. (Author/FM)

Discusses problems and costs involved in the use of the Library of Congress List of Subject Headings (LCSH) and speculates on how these problems can be minimized once the traditional card catalog is replaced with computer technology. (LLS)

Examines the need for cataloging of microform collections, the means of supplying this bibliographic information, and the meshing of users' and suppliers' desires to maintain bibliographic control of microform products with respect to University Microfilms International's decision to begin inputting cataloging for its products onto the OCLC…

Describes the development of a thesaurus for indexing the databases of Engineering Information, Inc., that improved the former precoordinate indexing vocabulary with postcoordinate descriptors and an appropriate set of thesaurus relationships. Problems of incompatibility with old indexing are addressed, and the use of an outside consultant versus…

Discussion of indexing needs for film and video images focuses on appropriate access points for the storage and retrieval of individual shots which have not yet been included in a production. A study at the National Film Board of Canada is described that investigated ways to index non-art images. (18 references) (LRW)

Discusses the evolution of the Great Comprehensive Electronic Encyclopedia (GCEE) which would contain everything known to humanity and its potential impact on research and education. The question of who should control access to GCEE and indexing, validation, and selection procedures for materials in its data banks are considered. (AM)

Proposes an argumentation-based method for information retrieval that involves representing a scholarly article by means of rhetorical structure rather than by a semantic representation of content. Topics addressed include problems with indexing practices, the argumentative nature of articles, rhetoric as an information categorizing schema, and…

Examines some nonbook materials with respect to an aboutness model of indexing, showing that there are instances that defy subject indexing. These occur not so much because of the nature of the medium but because it is being used for nondocumentary purposes or because the subject referenced is nonlexical. (Contains 20 references.) (KRN)

Surveys the field and literature of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data representation as it relates to GIS. Highlights include GIS terms, data types, and operations; vector representations and raster, or grid, representations; spatial indexing; elevation data representations; large spatial databases; and problem areas and future…

This essay addresses issue of uniformity or consistency in application of subject headings--as distinct from consistency among headings--to books on any given topic. Discussion covers purpose of subject headings or descriptors, reliability of choices made by catalogers when assigning subject headings, and card and online catalogs. (18 references)…

Discusses problems in access to journals and conference proceedings published in Third World countries, including government roles, the lack of use of information networks due to costs, serials agents' roles, poor distribution and marketing, poor bibliographic control, postal service and telecommunications, language barriers, and lack of…

Explores how theories of Afrocentricity can affect the arrangement of knowledge and the dissemination of information in libraries. Various aspects of cataloging are discussed, including controlled vocabularies, computer applications, and classification schemes; historical collections are reviewed; and examples of problems with Library of Congress…