• Classification, Controlled Vocabularies, and Syntactic Relations: Philosophical Perspectives On Information Search

    Author(s):
    William Buck (see profile)
    Date:
    2019
    Group(s):
    Library & Information Science, Philosophy
    Subject(s):
    Library science, Information science, Libraries, History, Ontology, Semantics, Philosophy
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    classification, Library and information science, Library history
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/v0yh-2971
    Abstract:
    Semantic and syntactical judgments play a central role in the development of classification systems. Syndetic relationships are relationships between indexing terms, sometimes referred to as cross references. Due to the extensiveness of synonyms for different concepts in natural languages, subject indexing has historically focused on developing controlled vocabularies. A controlled vocabulary limits and prioritizes the terms that a searcher can choose from. This strategy has certain limitations in that it can redirect searchers away from the items that would best fulfill their information needs. Matching relationships tend to focus on nouns and noun type verbs. This article discusses how modern search engines have expanded the syntactical aspect of searching, opening new avenues beyond purely semantic concerns. The discussion then turns to an ontological inquiry into certain philosophical implications of these developments. An assessment of the direction for future research is provided.
    Notes:
    Philosophical perspectives on information search.
    Metadata:
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    4 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
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