Explores the potential usefulness of the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system as a tool in online retrieval. Unique features of LCC are described and a theoretical analysis of its potentials and limitations in terms of subject browsing, enhanced vocabulary, and class number searching are presented. (CDD)

Describes and evaluates several fiction classification systems from the perspective of how well they answer likely reader queries regarding subjects of novels, and their utility for browsing. The usefulness of subject headings for card catalogs and print and online indexes to enhance topical access to fiction is discussed. (Author/MBR)

Techniques for building a world-wide information infrastructure by reverse engineering existing databases to link them in a hierarchical system of subject clusters to create an integrated database are explored. The controlled vocabulary of the Library of Congress Subject Headings is used to ensure consistency and group similar items. Each database…

Describes the role of browsing in online searching and difficulties encountered in attempting to browse call number indexes. The discussion covers the benefits of clustering class number ranges and strategies for overcoming the major problems related to Library of Congress classification use in an online catalog. (11 references) (CLB)

Provides a brief background of the Biological Abstracts' title index, "Biological Abstracts' Subject in Context" (BASIC) "Stop List," or compilation of nonsignificant words that were going to be automatically stopped from printing. Notes that the Stop List provided an improvement over the raw computer output of titles while…

Discusses intellectual issues involved in the indexing of visual images, postulating that the indexing of images should provide access to images based on the attributes of those images and provide access to useful groupings of images. Four categories of image attributes are described, and issues to be considered in creating groups are discussed.…

Written as an introduction to the concepts of creating a personal or reprint file, this workbook discusses both manual and computerized systems, with emphasis on the preliminary groundwork that needs to be done before starting any filing system. A file assessment worksheet is provided; considerations in developing a personal filing system are…

Discusses detailed classification systems, sophisticated alphabetical indexing systems and reasons for the abandonment of complex indexing systems. The suggested structure for indexing the Internet or other large electronic collections of documents is based on that of book indexes: specific headings with coined modifications. (Author/AEF)

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…

Course analysis and course descriptions have been used in a wide range of academic library assessment and decision-making projects; the analysis techniques of getting and representing the information and the descriptive formats (classification schedules, subject headings, and keyword queries) are compared and principles are established for…

Explores aspects of information retrieval complexity, specifically the demands on users and information systems, using a proposed query as an example. Discusses previous writings on subject access, search strategies and retrieval potential, and classification as a retrieval tool. An appendix shows the subject headings assigned to books in a…

Analyzes key problems associated with representation of the intellectual content of digital objects. Presents a framework for analysis based on Peirce's notion of unlimited semiosis. This analysis is based on the assumption that every element in the subject indexing process could be regarded a sign. (AEF)

This paper examines the process of selecting, evaluating, integrating, and cataloging multicultural texts for school libraries. the first part examines the selection and evaluation of culturally authentic texts. Seven sources for locating multicultural literature and several reviewing sources are listed. The following criteria for evaluating…

This set of papers offers insights into some of the major developments in the field of classification and knowledge organization, and highlights many of the fundamental changes in views and theories which have taken place during the last 40 years. This document begins with a series of reminiscences from former delegates of the first International…