Drawing on the research of experts from the fields of computing and library science, this ground-breaking work will show you how to combine two very different approaches to classification to create more effective, user-friendly information-retrieval systems.
A much-needed analysis of the intersection of information organization and technology, this interdisciplinary work encompasses both current and potential methods of organizing information by subject. It examines traditional approaches as they are used in the online environment and explores computer science approaches, such as ontologies and automated tools for subject information organization. Entries review the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches, showcase their applications today, and project what those applications may be in the future.
Content ranges from background on the importance of information organization in general to the importance of information organization by subject in particular. Traditional and modern knowledge-organization systems are covered, as are technological standards, selected topics in automated tools, and interdisciplinary research and cooperation. By tackling varied approaches, the work provides you with an appreciation of the tools—and an understanding of common aims.
Features
- Provides an interdisciplinary overview of current and potential approaches to organizing information by subject
- Covers both pure computer science and pure library science topics in easy-to-understand language accessible to audiences from both disciplines
- Reviews technological standards for representation, storage, and retrieval of varied knowledge-organization systems and their constituent elements
- Suggests a collaborative approach that will reduce duplicate efforts and make it easier to find solutions to practical problems
Koraljka Golub, PhD, is associate professor in the Department of Library and Information Science, School of Cultural Sciences, Linnaeus University, Sweden. Koraljka also teaches at the School of Information Studies, Charles Stuart University, Australia, as well as at several universities in Croatia. She has been involved in international research projects related to knowledge organization since 2003, including five years at UKOLN, University of Bath, United Kingdom.
Reviews
"Exceptionally well written, organized and presented . . . Subject Access to Information: An Interdisciplinary Approach is a valuable instructional guide. . . . Very highly recommended for Library Science reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists."—Midwest Book Review, January 1, 2015
"This book would be worthwhile for cataloging/metadata librarians and systems/technology librarians who are interested in subject-based access to information and how discovery systems work. It would probably be of most use to academic librarians and library schools, but public and special librarians (and others) who are interested in the discovery of resources based on subjects would benefit from this book as well."—Technical Services Quarterly, September 1, 2015
"Subject Access to Information: An Interdisciplinary Approach succeeds in conveying, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the breadth and complexity of issues associated with providing subject access to information. The pedagogical features of the book (review questions, glossaries, and lists of references) are excellent. Beyond its targeted student audience, practicing catalogers and metadata librarians, as well as those involved in the development of library resource discovery tools, may benefit from reading this book."—Technicalities, March 14, 2016
