This document discusses subject analysis and the challenges involved in determining the subject or "aboutness" of information resources. It describes the process of subject analysis, which involves conceptual analysis of content, assigning controlled vocabulary terms, and classification numbers. Determining aboutness can be difficult, especially for complex, non-textual, or interdisciplinary materials. The document also discusses factors like cultural differences, consistency, exhaustivity, objectivity, and different methods that information professionals use for subject analysis.
for library and information Science learners group, LCSH, Library of Congress, library of congress, subject headings, Subject Headings, Cataloguing, catalogue
Canons of cataloguing are the specific normative principles applicable to cataloguing that is Drafting a catalogue code including the formulation of each rule. Interpretation of the rules to meet new situation brought out by a particular document or by the change in the practice of book production
RDA (Resource Description and Access) is a new standard for describing library resources, designed to replace AACR2. Library staff, including public services, systems personnel, and catalogers, may have heard mention of RDA but not know much about it or how it will change their daily work. You may have many questions. What is RDA? We'll give a very little bit of history and theoretical background. What is this going to mean for catalogers, ILS managers, and users in the near term? What are the future implications, or, why are we doing this? What are the juicy bits of controversy in cataloger-land? And finally, Do we HAVE to? We'll talk for a while, have some activities that get you thinking, and find out your thoughts on RDA.
Presented at "Captains & Crew Collaborating," the 8th annual paraprofessional conference at J.Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University.
Serial control is the important function in Library and Information Centre by which obtaining, controlling and retaining the periodicals, which occupies major part of Information Sources in Libraries today. This ppt will throw overview over subscribing, receiving, registering and making ready to use at library.
for library and information Science learners group, LCSH, Library of Congress, library of congress, subject headings, Subject Headings, Cataloguing, catalogue
Canons of cataloguing are the specific normative principles applicable to cataloguing that is Drafting a catalogue code including the formulation of each rule. Interpretation of the rules to meet new situation brought out by a particular document or by the change in the practice of book production
RDA (Resource Description and Access) is a new standard for describing library resources, designed to replace AACR2. Library staff, including public services, systems personnel, and catalogers, may have heard mention of RDA but not know much about it or how it will change their daily work. You may have many questions. What is RDA? We'll give a very little bit of history and theoretical background. What is this going to mean for catalogers, ILS managers, and users in the near term? What are the future implications, or, why are we doing this? What are the juicy bits of controversy in cataloger-land? And finally, Do we HAVE to? We'll talk for a while, have some activities that get you thinking, and find out your thoughts on RDA.
Presented at "Captains & Crew Collaborating," the 8th annual paraprofessional conference at J.Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University.
Serial control is the important function in Library and Information Centre by which obtaining, controlling and retaining the periodicals, which occupies major part of Information Sources in Libraries today. This ppt will throw overview over subscribing, receiving, registering and making ready to use at library.
presentation on "CATALOGUING" during Training workshop in library science for staff of muktangan school libraries organised by muktangan school teacher reference library, mumbai on 15th November 2010
The presentation discusses a definition of cataloging, ISBD, AACR2 and the future of cataloging, with acronyms like FRBR and RDA and what they might mean for school libraries.
Classified Catalogue Code ,Classified catalogue code (CCC), S.R. Ranganathan, Information system, OPAC, Database management system (DBMS) card catalogue and online catalogue, and emphasises on the need of developing computer-based library information systems and services. It describes database technology, kinds of databases, database management system, computerised library information system, and management information system. It coven in detail the database design and compatibility of cataloguing codes for developing databases of computer-based library information systems.
DDC Number Building for shelf arrangementsreejatunnu
DDC Number Building for shelf arrangement
Methodology
Part 1. Elements of typical call numbers
Part 2. Class numbers
Part 3. Book numbers and other methods of sub arrangement
RELATIONSHIP OF LIBRARY SCIENCE WITH INFORMATION SCIENCELibcorpio
LS relationship IS, Library and Information Science, LIS, Library Science and Information Science, LS vs IS; Relationship of Library science with Information science, Library science, Information science, Library Science Vs Information Science, Similarities and Differences, Library Science vs Information Science, Similarities and Differences, LS relationship IS, Library science, Information science,
Relationship of information science with library scienceSadaf Batool
Relationship of information science with library science
Presentation by Sadaf Batool
MPhil 1st semester
Table of contents
1. Definition of information science
2. Definition of library science
3. Primary history of library
4. Primary history of information
5. Progress of library science as (Library and information science)
6. IS &LS concerned task
7. Relationship of Information science with library science
8. According to S.R Nathan’s five laws
9. Difference of Information science &Library science
10. Conclusion
11. References
Definition of information science
Information science is that discipline that investigates the properties and behavior of information, the forces governing the flow of information, and the means of processing information for optimum accessibility and usability.
It primarily concerned with the analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval, movement, dissemination, and protection of information.
This includes the investigation of information representations in both natural and artificial systems, the use of codes for efficient message transmission, and the study of information processing devices and techniques such as computers and their programming systems.
It is an interdisciplinary science derived from and related to such fields as mathematics, logic, linguistics, psychology, computer technology, operations research, the graphic arts, communications, library science, management, and other similar fields. It has both a pure science component, which inquiries into the subject without regard to its application, and an applied science component, which develops services and products." (Borko, 1968, p.3The study of – the use of information, – its sources and development; – usually taken to refer to the role of scientific, industrial and specialized libraries and information units – in the handling and – dissemination of information. (Prytherch, 2005)
The systematic study and analysis of the – sources, – development, – collection, – organization, – dissemination, – evaluation, – use, and – management of information in all its forms, including the channels (formal and informal) and technology used in its communication. – –(Reitz, 2004) Definition of library science
The study of principles and practices of library care, and organization and administration of a library, and of its technical, informational, and reference services.
Library science as “a generic term for the study of libraries and information units, the role they play in society, their various component routines and processes, and their history and future development. (Harrods ‘Librarian’s Glossary)
Collection of reading material, its processing, organization and dissemination started with the advent of library. The knowledge and its implementation in respect of library may therefore be called library science.
The professional kn
presentation on "CATALOGUING" during Training workshop in library science for staff of muktangan school libraries organised by muktangan school teacher reference library, mumbai on 15th November 2010
The presentation discusses a definition of cataloging, ISBD, AACR2 and the future of cataloging, with acronyms like FRBR and RDA and what they might mean for school libraries.
Classified Catalogue Code ,Classified catalogue code (CCC), S.R. Ranganathan, Information system, OPAC, Database management system (DBMS) card catalogue and online catalogue, and emphasises on the need of developing computer-based library information systems and services. It describes database technology, kinds of databases, database management system, computerised library information system, and management information system. It coven in detail the database design and compatibility of cataloguing codes for developing databases of computer-based library information systems.
DDC Number Building for shelf arrangementsreejatunnu
DDC Number Building for shelf arrangement
Methodology
Part 1. Elements of typical call numbers
Part 2. Class numbers
Part 3. Book numbers and other methods of sub arrangement
RELATIONSHIP OF LIBRARY SCIENCE WITH INFORMATION SCIENCELibcorpio
LS relationship IS, Library and Information Science, LIS, Library Science and Information Science, LS vs IS; Relationship of Library science with Information science, Library science, Information science, Library Science Vs Information Science, Similarities and Differences, Library Science vs Information Science, Similarities and Differences, LS relationship IS, Library science, Information science,
Relationship of information science with library scienceSadaf Batool
Relationship of information science with library science
Presentation by Sadaf Batool
MPhil 1st semester
Table of contents
1. Definition of information science
2. Definition of library science
3. Primary history of library
4. Primary history of information
5. Progress of library science as (Library and information science)
6. IS &LS concerned task
7. Relationship of Information science with library science
8. According to S.R Nathan’s five laws
9. Difference of Information science &Library science
10. Conclusion
11. References
Definition of information science
Information science is that discipline that investigates the properties and behavior of information, the forces governing the flow of information, and the means of processing information for optimum accessibility and usability.
It primarily concerned with the analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval, movement, dissemination, and protection of information.
This includes the investigation of information representations in both natural and artificial systems, the use of codes for efficient message transmission, and the study of information processing devices and techniques such as computers and their programming systems.
It is an interdisciplinary science derived from and related to such fields as mathematics, logic, linguistics, psychology, computer technology, operations research, the graphic arts, communications, library science, management, and other similar fields. It has both a pure science component, which inquiries into the subject without regard to its application, and an applied science component, which develops services and products." (Borko, 1968, p.3The study of – the use of information, – its sources and development; – usually taken to refer to the role of scientific, industrial and specialized libraries and information units – in the handling and – dissemination of information. (Prytherch, 2005)
The systematic study and analysis of the – sources, – development, – collection, – organization, – dissemination, – evaluation, – use, and – management of information in all its forms, including the channels (formal and informal) and technology used in its communication. – –(Reitz, 2004) Definition of library science
The study of principles and practices of library care, and organization and administration of a library, and of its technical, informational, and reference services.
Library science as “a generic term for the study of libraries and information units, the role they play in society, their various component routines and processes, and their history and future development. (Harrods ‘Librarian’s Glossary)
Collection of reading material, its processing, organization and dissemination started with the advent of library. The knowledge and its implementation in respect of library may therefore be called library science.
The professional kn
Using a Semantic Analysis Tool to Generate Subject Access Points: A Study us...Marcia Zeng
Presented at ISKO2014 Conference by Marcia Lei Zeng, Karen F. Gracy, and Maja Žumer. The paper attempts to explore an approach of using an automatic semantic analysis tool to enhance the “subject” access to materials that are not included in the usual library subject cataloging process. Using two research samples the authors analyzed the access points supplied by OpenCalais, a semantic analysis tool. As an aid in understanding how computerized subject analysis might be approached, this paper suggests using the three-layer framework that has been accepted and applied in image analysis, developed by Erwin Panofsky.
Here is an in-depth presentation that overviews twenty two (22) qualitative data methods that can be used in marketing research. For more great FREE resources, join us on facebook today at www.facebook.comb2bwhiteboard.
Or visit our website: www.b2bwhiteboard.com
5Statistical Methods in Qualitative Research Statistical.docxtroutmanboris
5
Statistical Methods in Qualitative Research
Statistical Method
What is measured by this method
Circumstances for Use
Examples of use in Research Studies
Qualitative Content Analysis
Analyzes narrative data, and in-depth interviews. Can evaluate large volumes of data with intent to identify recurring themes and patterns. Attempts to break down elements of data into clusters. May be concurrent or sequential (Polit &Beck, 2017).
Good method for evaluating personal histories, perspectives, experiences. Best method for studying personal, sensitive situations (Sauro, 2015).
Examples of this methodology include evaluation of the experience of a rape victim, what it feels like to have an abortion, how it feels to have lived through a disaster.
Ethnographic analysis
Evaluates cultural phenomena, patterns, perspectives. Requires “participant observer” technique. No preconceived hypothesis. May take months or years to complete. Maps and flowcharts are tools to help illustrate findings (Polit & Beck, 2017).
Method to “acquire a deep understanding of the culture being studied” (Polit & Beck, 2017 p. 538).
An example of ethnographic analysis could include a research study with ethnographers integrating with Native Americans living on a reservation while observing everyday life seeking to extrapolate overlying cultural issues.
Phenomenologic Analysis
Attempts to understand the essence of experiencing a particular phenomenon by observation, interviews, and outside research. Descriptive analysis
Method for understanding individual perspectives of experiencing a certain phenomenon. Seeks to extrapolate commonalities and themes among subjects (Sauro, 2015).
Conducting interviews with persons who have experienced hallucinations, with the intent to understand their perspective and experience of the phenomenon, is an example of this method of research.
Grounded Theory Analysis
Aim is to provide theories and explanations for phenomena based on previously coded information Uses interviews and previous accepted research. Unlike Qualitative content analysis, which seeks to break down information, Grounded theory strives to put information back together (Polit & Beck, 2017).
Method for development of theories, Could be used meta-analyses or systematic reviews.
An example of a grounded theory analysis is” Beck’s (2002) model of mothering twins” as cited in Polit & Beck (2017).
Focus Group Analysis
Analyzes group data in relation to a specific topic. Group interviews, recordings, and field notes .are instruments for conducting this type of research.
May be used for evaluation of a potential survey tool, consensus on a new product. Researchers seek to extrapolate recurring themes.
An example of a focus group analysis might be to evaluate perceptions of a new product being marketed to test for general consensus of its desirability.
Quasi-statistics: a tabulation of the frequency with which certain themes or insights are supported by the data
Qualitat.
It seems like you're referring to Indo-American Journal of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and its commitment to providing excellent service to authors and maintaining a fair peer review process. While the specific details of AJLB's peer-review policies are not provided of the journalism journals.
The necessity of related literature search and review exercises in dissertati...inventionjournals
The systematic and scientific study of the related literature is the life cycle of every dissertation/thesis research proposal and research writing process. It is a form of secondary data collection, data analysis, and data presentation. The content we are dealing with here is textual, and the form of secondary data analysis is a form of phenomenologically qualitatively data analysis.
A technology architecture for managing explicit knowledge over the entire lif...William Hall
This slide set summarizes my work at Tenix Defence from around 1992 through 2002 to manage the authoring and delivery of maintenance documentation and engineering technical data to support life-cycle management of the 10 ANZAC frigates Tenix built for the Australian and New Zealand Navies and more than 300 M113 light-armored vehicles rebuilt as-new for the Australian Army. Today (in 2013) this is still a state-of-the-art application of the content management technology. So far as I know, the full benefit of this technology (as described in this 2002 presentation) has not yet been realized anywhere in the world.
Arguably, implementation of this technology played a major role in the successful completion of the ANZAC Ship Project 17 years after its stringently fixed-price contract was negotiated in 1989. Finished on-time, on budget, with every ship delivered on-time to happy customers and a healthy corporate profit. Unfortunately, Tenix Defence management failed to understand how this system worked, and chose to implement new, supposedly less expensive technology they thought they understood for their next major project. As a consequence of this choice and the failure to transfer human knowledge developed in the ANZAC Project the company’s performance on their next large project (but still less than 10% the size of the ANZAC Project) was so bad that Tenix Defence was closed and its assets sold to the highest bidder. See Hall, W.P., Nousala, S., Kilpatrick B. 2009. One company – two outcomes: knowledge integration vs corporate disintegration in the absence of knowledge management. VINE: The journal of information and knowledge management systems 39(3), 242-258 - http://tinyurl.com/yzgjew4; and Hall, W.P., Richards, G., Sarelius, C., Kilpatrick, B. 2008. Organisational management of project and technical knowledge over fleet lifecycles. Australian Journal of Mechanical Engineering. 5(2):81-95 - http://tinyurl.com/5d2lz7.
A Domain Based Approach to Information Retrieval in Digital LibrariesFulvio Rotella
The current abundance of electronic documents requires automatic techniques that support the users in understanding their content and extracting useful information. To this aim, improving the retrieval performance must necessarily go beyond simple lexical interpretation ofthe user queries, and pass through an understanding of their semantic content and aims. It goes without saying that any digital library wouldtake enormous advantage from the availability of effective Information Retrieval techniques to provide to their users. This paper proposes an approach to Information Retrieval based on a correspondence of the domain of discourse between the query and the documents in the repository. Such an association is based on standard general-purpose linguistic resources (WordNet and WordNet Domains) and on a novel similarity assessmenttechnique. Although the work is at a preliminary stage, interesting initial results suggest to go on extending and improving the approach.
A presentation of an ongoing "re-visioning" of traditional Cultural Heritage cataloging theory in terms of significant ideas from Physics, Anthropology, and Mathematics.
How to depict and reason about analog & digital resources using a diagrammatic method.
The complexity and quantity of interrelated analog and digital resources (and their descriptions) requires the creation of better "thinking tools." A technique that draws upon ideas embodied in Feynman diagrams is used to depict bibliographic relationships among version of a popular literary work.
(Presented in "flipbook" form to allow progressive buildup of slideshow ideas. Keep on clicking...)
Similar to LIS 703 Subject Analysis by Malgorzata Kot (20)
Acetabularia Information For Class 9 .docxvaibhavrinwa19
Acetabularia acetabulum is a single-celled green alga that in its vegetative state is morphologically differentiated into a basal rhizoid and an axially elongated stalk, which bears whorls of branching hairs. The single diploid nucleus resides in the rhizoid.
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
it describes the bony anatomy including the femoral head , acetabulum, labrum . also discusses the capsule , ligaments . muscle that act on the hip joint and the range of motion are outlined. factors affecting hip joint stability and weight transmission through the joint are summarized.
Normal Labour/ Stages of Labour/ Mechanism of LabourWasim Ak
Normal labor is also termed spontaneous labor, defined as the natural physiological process through which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled from the uterus through the birth canal at term (37 to 42 weeks
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
A review of the growth of the Israel Genealogy Research Association Database Collection for the last 12 months. Our collection is now passed the 3 million mark and still growing. See which archives have contributed the most. See the different types of records we have, and which years have had records added. You can also see what we have for the future.
Thinking of getting a dog? Be aware that breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds can be loyal and dangerous. Proper training and socialization are crucial to preventing aggressive behaviors. Ensure safety by understanding their needs and always supervising interactions. Stay safe, and enjoy your furry friends!
1. LIS 703 Taverekere Kanti Srikantaiah Chapter 9 Part 1 Małgorzata Kot Subject Analysis
2. Subject Analysis Historically, subject access has been one of the most challenging aspects of organizing information. Even with the most traditional information resources, determining and identifying what an item is about can be difficult and time-consumming. With non-textual, imaginative, or complex materials, the process can be even more demanding.
3. Subject Analysis Despite the difficulties and costs associated with subject analysis, information professionals still see the value inherent in identifying precisely an item’s subject matter (often referred as aboutness in the library and information science literature), and then carefully choosing the most suitable terms and symbols from a subject language to represent the item’s aboutness in its surrogate record. In the recent years with advance in search engine technology and high costs of the original cataloging, the necessity for subject analysis has been questioned.
4. In the recent years with advance in search engine technology and high costs of the original cataloging, the necessity for subject analysis has been questioned. Some have suggested that information resources no longer need to be analyzed because when users are searching for information, computers can can identify the documents, and therefore the time an money could be diverted to other activities such as digitization projects. Others have suggested that computers can analyze the documents and assign classification numbers and/or descriptors from a list of controlled vocabulary terms.
5. Despite the improvements in search engines and the recent development of user tagging, many professionals are reluctant to turn over all subject analysis to machines.
6. Machines are not yet good with identyfying the aboutness of information resources and they still cannot assign controlled vocabulary and classification with any satisfactory degree of acuracy. While a computer can determine what words are used in a document and the frequency of those words, at this time it cannot understand the nuanced concepts represented by those words. Even the most sophisticated algorithms cannot replace the human mind. (automatic translations via Google).
7. Subject analysis – including analyzing content and creating and applying subject headings and classification numbers – is a core function of cataloging; although expensive, it is notheless critical. In 2008, the Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control, a group organized by the Library of Congress to examine the role of cataloging in the 21st century reaffirmed the importance and need for this human-centric task.
8. Determining aboutness requires controlled vocabulary and classification Computers can count words and the number of times they appear but cannot determine their meaning. Aboutness is dependent upon who is using the document and for what purpose.
9. Questions addressed in the chapter: What is subject analysis? What are some difficulties associated with the subject analysis process? How is the process performed? What bibliographic features are useful in the determination of aboutness? How is subject content determined for nontextual materials?
10. Subject analysis is creating metadata about an information package by determining its aboutness to create controlled vocabulary terms and classification notations. The process includes: conducting a conceptual analysis to determine what the item is about, describing the aboutness in a written statement, using that aboutness statement to assign controlled vocabulary terms and/or classification notations. (In the 3rd step – authorized therms from Library of Congress Subject Headings, DD Classification, LCC, Universal Decimal Classification, or another classification scheme.
11. Subject analysis: Provides meaningful subject access to information. Provides for collocation of information resources of a like nature. Provides a logical location for similar information resources on the shelves. Saves users’ time.
12. Challenges in subject analysis Determining what an information resource is about can be difficult, and not everyone agrees on how it should be done or even where the difficulties lie. With the burgeoning relationships among various fields, topics, and ideas in this increasingly interdisciplinary world, the result can be some very challenging materials to analyze. For example, a highly technical dissertation may be more difficult to analyze than a work of popular science.
13. Cultural Differences There are numerous other factors that influence the conceptual analysis process. Some are related to the nature of the resource being analyzed and others are related to the persons who perform the analysis. An understanding of the place of one’s culture as well as one’s education in determining subject matter is important. George Lakoff has written about the research on the understanding the color depending upon one’s language. There are 11 basic color cathegories in English, but in some other languages there are fewer categories. (Some languages have only 2 basic color terms - black and white, or cool and warm). Differences among Western cultures are perhaps not quite so dissimilar as those between Western and non-Western cultures.
15. Consistency That is another challenge associated with the subject analysis process. Evidence of the difficulty in consistently determinig and articulating aboutness is found in a number of studies in which people have been asked to list terminology that they would use to search for specific items. In a 1954 study by Oliver Lilley, 340 students looked at 6 books and suggested an average of 62 different terms that could be used to search for each book. This is not a failure of controlled vocabulary, it is a failure of people to determine aboutness. Catalogers using the same controlled vocabulary and the same rules for it will produce consistent subject headings.
16. Nontextual Information Is even less clear-cut than the process for textual ones. For visual resources, several levels of conceptual analysis are possible. In 1939, art historian Erwin Panofsky identified 3 levels of meaning in works of art: The primary or natural subject matter The secondary or conventional subject matter The intrinsic meaning or content
17. Nontextual Information The primary or natural subject matter. This is the preiconographic or factual level, in which objects and events are identified. This is a painting of 13 long-haired men in robes gathered around a long table for dinner. The secondary or conventional subject matter. This is the iconographic level, in which some cultural knowledge of themes and concepts manifested in stories, images, and allegory is needed. It is not just an image of 13 men gathered for dinner, it is a representation of the Lord’s supper.
18. The intrinsic meaning or content This is the iconological level, in which the work is interpreteted, based on an understanding of the basic attitudes of a nation, a period, a class, a religious or philosophical persuasion – unconsciously qualified by one personality [the artist] and condensed into one work. This painting is Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper from 1498, a mural in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. It depicts the internal confusion of the twelve disciples after Jesus announced one of them would betray him – each one wondering if it would be him. Meaning of this level depends upon an understanding of the two previous levels. This level requires a sophisticated understanding of world cultures, symbolism, and the significance of the work and its context in art history.
19.
20. The intrinsic meaning or content Sara Shatford Layne relates Panofsky’s first level of meaning to the of-ness of the item (what this is an image of) and his second level to aboutness, she states that the third level cannot be used to analyze visual images with any degree of consistency. With musical works, it is even harder to identify concepts or to enumerate what themes and topics are being represented. It is fairly easy to decsribe how objects look, but identification of intrinsic meaning or iconological significance for any nontextual information resources requires special study and training.
21. Exhaustivity Is the number of concepts that will be considered in the analysis. It is best to know beforehand what level of exhaustivity is required. There are 2 basic degrees of exhaustivity: Summarization – identifies only a dominant, overall subject of the item, recognizing only concepts embodied in the main theme. Depth Indexing – aims to extract all the main concepts addressed in an item, recognizing subtopics and lesser themes.
23. Exhaustivity There is difference in degree between document retrieval and information retrieval. Summarization allows for document retrieval, after which many users consult the document’s internal index to retrieve the relevant information they need from the document. Depth indexing allows retrieval at a much more specific level, even to the retrieval sections or paragraphs in a document.
24. Exhaustivity Exhaustivity affects both precision and recall in retrieval. Precission is the measurment of how many of the documents retrieved are relevant. Depth indexing increase precision because more specific terminology is used. Recall is the measurement of how many of the relevant documents in a system are actually retrieved. Summarization is likely to increase recall because the search terms are broader. Search engines do the ultimate depth indexing because the specific words that come up with results, however it increased recall while greatly decreasing precision.
25. Objectivity Information professionals are expected to remain objective and impartial in all of their work-related activities, but is this realistic? Information professionals and LIS students are only human after all. There is human tendency to judge the information that we encounter. It is important to be aware of one’s biases, prejudices, and beliefs when conducting the conceptual analysis, and to seek the opinions of others when needed. We should attempt to keep our biases in check as much as possible while performing the process.
26. Differences in Methods Used Not everyone agrees on how to approach the determination of aboutness, so there is no single process that is used by everyone. Langridge’s Approach Langridge views process as a series of discrete activities. Cataloger or indexer must keep three basic questions in mind in order to determine the aboutness of an information resource. Those questions are: What is it? Answered by one of the fundamental forms or categories of knowledge. He indentifies 12 forms of knowledge (philosophy, natural science, technology, human science, social practice, history, moral knowledge, religion, art, criticism, personal experience, and prolegomena: logic, mathematics, grammar – the foundations of knowlegde) What is for? Looks at the purpose of document. Why it was created? What is about? A topic or multiple topics is the answer. Topics are not specific to any one form of knowledge or discipline (clothing).
27. Differences in Methods Used Wilson’s Approaches W. has described 4 methods, he did not name them, the authors supplied the names. Purposive Method: one tries to determine the author’s aim or purpose in creating the information resource. Figure-Ground Method: one tries to determine a central figure that stands out from the background of the rest of information resource. Objective Method: method used in most attempts at automated conceptual analysis. One tries to be objective by counting references to various items to determine which ones vastly outnumber the others. Cohesion Method: an approach that looks at the unity of the content. One tries to determine what holds the work together, what content has been included, and what has been left out of the treatment of the topic.
28. Use-based Approaches Aboutness can be determined by looking at how a resource could be used or what questions a resource could answer. Lancaster, concerned about users and how the item might be used, suggests asking 3 questions: What is it about? Why has it been added to our collection? What aspects will our users be interested in? There seems to be no one correct way to determine aboutness. In the following section, the authors and Pamela provide an approach to conceptual analysis.