[Dissertation]A Study on Developing a Faceted Classification Scheme Integrated with a Thesaurus for Literature

Yonsei University, Dept. of Library and Information Science
Dissertation “A Study on Developing a Faceted Classification Scheme Integrated with a Thesaurus for Literature”
Adviser Taesoo Kim [Link]

ABSTARCT
The purpose of this study is to develop a faceted classification scheme with a thesaurus (FCT) to more effectively organize documents by subject matter than a legacy classification scheme, namely, the Korean Decimal Classification (KDC). For achieving this purpose, the requirements of the new scheme are as follows:

1) improving the subject representation power of a classification scheme to effectively represent multidimensional subjects, such as compound and complex subjects
2) representing the characteristics of division applied to the classification scheme
3) specifying the conceptual level of the classification scheme to be suitable for various information resources

In Facet analysis, knowledge structure is analyzed into a multidimensional aspect called a “facet” that provided a device to represent subjects in a logical and detailed method through a facet and phase relation. Furthermore, by linking a thesaurus to the classification scheme, it was possible to share facets and expand the conceptual level of headings through the thesaurus descriptors.

The KDC is selected as the base scheme for developing the FCT and the National Library Subject Headings (NLSH) is used for the linked thesaurus. The scope of the classification scheme is literature because that particular field of study was suitable for applying the facet analysis and link with a thesaurus, but it is not properly treated in the enumerative classification scheme, KDC. Mixed notation is used instead of pure notation to improve the representative power of the classification number for the arrangement and display of the information materials, as well as expanding the search terms during information retrieval.

As a result, the FCT includes a classification rule, facets, a chain index, and a linked thesaurus. The classification rule provides usage of notation system for representing the comprehensive structure of the FCT and subject relations. In addition, six facets, including discipline, language, place, period, person, and form facet, were derived for literature classification and each facet has its own facet indicator and symbol. The features of the new classification scheme are as follows:

1) It is possible to represent compound subjects more clearly through facet relation and to represent complex subjects that can not be expressed in the KDC through phase relation.
2) It is possible to change citation order and transform the structure of a classification scheme or browsing method, unlike the rigidly structured hierarchy in the KDC.
3) It is possible to synthesize the class number without determining the main class because disciplines are treated as a facet (not a basic class), and it is simple to add new classification numbers to the FCT.
4) Mnemonics is improved using facet indicator, facet symbol, relation indicator separately unlike KDC that has no indicator except ‘0’.
5) It is possible to treat an ambiguous subject that is difficult to handle as a facet or phase relation by using subject device.
6) The chain index and thesaurus descriptors linked with facets are provided instead of the relative index in the KDC.

The FCT is limited in that it is developed only for the field of literature and has a complicated notational system. However, the basic framework, such as facet analysis, thesaurus linking, and classification rules, can be applied to other areas, too. Additionally, although the notational system can initially be considered a bit complicated, its representational power is more important than simplicity because this is a criterion for the intellectual and physical arrangement and relative position of the materials. Furthermore, users recognize the subjects of documents through the terms, not the notation, and use a document subject itself, rather than the number, in the search results.

In the future, the proposed classification scheme needs to be applied to additional areas of study and modified according to the results. A follow-up action for developing the classification scheme management system is also desirable.

Key Words : classification scheme, Colon Classification(CC), facet analysis, facet relationship, Korean Decimal Classification(KDC), National Library Subject Headings(NLSH), phase relationship, subject headings, thesaurus