Comments are given on: the 18th edition of the Decimal Classification, the MARC Automated Serials System (MASS) project, and the Cataloging and Indexing Group's survey of catalog use. (11 references) (NH)

The Laurentian University Library has evolved a bilingual classified catalogue consisting of a public shelflist supplement by a French/English subject index. This produces an effective tool for locating all materials pertaining to a given topic in either or both of two languages. (Author/NH)

The possibilities of merging the terminology of the Universal Decimal Classification System with that of a term system - Engineers Joint Council's Thesaurus - for nuclear science and technology are explored. (12 references) (Author/NH)

Two indexes in the social sciences are discussed. Both indexes were begun on the basis of a review of existing class cards and undergo continual revision and expansion. (Author/NH)

Provides an annotated listing of 23 selected subject cataloging tools to supplement the widely used Library of Congress Subject Headings, and to assist catalogers in developing related heading schemes by converting common synonyms into cross references to increase subject accessibility. (RAA)

Reports the results of experiments using colon classification for the analysis, representation, and retrieval of primary information from the full text of documents. Recall, precision, and search length measures indicate colon classification did not perform significantly better than Boolean or simple word occurrence systems. Thirteen references…

Designed for use with a computer-produced subject index, PRECIS assigns clerical procedures in subject heading work to computer programs. The subject headings represent a unique combination of several different characteristics, permitting several coextensive forms of a subject name for each work. Final choice amongst alternatives is made by the…

Describes a research project that studied the indexing of moving image collections for storage and retrieval. Highlights include techniques and tools used for representing the content of moving image collections that are indexed shot by shot; indexing languages used, including keywords, classification; thesauri, and subject headings; and lexical…

Discusses the need to retrieve ideas in addition to content retrieval by such means as classification, subject headings, and keywords. Three models for idea retrieval are described, and a new model is proposed which combines selection, a controlled vocabulary, and logical structure. (seven references) (CLB)

Explains seven types of subject descriptions commonly used in databases--hierarchical classification, category codes, subject headings, descriptors, faceted classification, post-controlled vocabulary, and natural language--and describes specific search techniques for taking advantage of the strengths of particular types of vocabularies. An overall…

Review of the 1987 subject access literature covers: (1) general works; (2) organization, history, theory, and method of classification; (3) classification systems; (4) subject headings and the Library of Congress; (5) subject authority control through the Library of Congress Subject Headings; (6) subject searching in online catalogs; and (7)…

Presents exploratory research evaluating a conceptual structure for the description of visual content of images. The structure classifies visual attributes into a "Pyramid" containing four syntactic levels and six semantic levels. Experiments performed suggest the Pyramid is conceptually robust and can be used to: organize visual content…

This paper traces the development of classification at the Library of Congress in terms of its broader context and by accounting for changes in the present system since its initial period of creation between 1898 and 1910 and the present. Topics covered include: (1) Early Growth of the Collections; (2) Subject Access During the Early Years; (3) A.…

This study of the variation in use of uniform titles from one library to another and even within a card catalog, a practice sanctioned by Anglo American Cataloging Rules (AACR), examines the validity of this variation in use of uniform titles, and explains how a uniform title is selected and its preferred form is determined. A discussion of the…