========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 09:39:47 GMT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Alex Noel-Tod Subject: Re: Printers that hang How about the solution of going out and getting yourself a printer that doesn't hang and getting on with the rest of the index ? =========================================================== Alex Noel-Tod University of East Anglia Library Norwich NR4 7TJ UK email a.noel-tod@uea.ac.uk phone 01603-592428 fax 01603-259490 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 06:35:03 -0500 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Turner James Subject: Re: sounds unpleasant... In-Reply-To: <199502142118.AA06891@condor.CC.UMontreal.CA> "Restart" is often used instead of "Reboot" jt ================================================================ = James Turner, professeur adjoint = = Ecole de bibliotheconomie et des sciences de l'information = = Universite de Montreal = = Case postale 6128 Telephone +1 514 343 2454 = = succursale Centre-ville Telecopie +1 514 343 5753 = = Montreal (Quebec) H3C 3J7 turner@ere.umontreal.ca = ================================================================ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Feb 1995 20:57:52 -0500 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: John Chapot Subject: Re: Library Thesauri Dear friends: Here is an excerpt from a letter I received from Ralph D. Gee, on the subject of thesauri and classification schemes. It seems relevant to Peter Meyer's query last week. Mr. Gee is the co-author with Helen Townley of a wonderful little book called "Thesaurus Making - Grow Your Own Word Stock" (London,1980, Andre Deutsch). The book is out-of-print but available thru ILL, and a few unsold copies are still available in Australia - see the end of this post for that info. The conflict between thesauri and classification schemes was fought on false premises - although it occupied many professional pages at the time. While a thesaurus categorizes labeled concepts, a classification scheme codifies words and phrases, often conjectural. A library classification scheme, such as Dewey, does not in fact classify books, nor even subjects. It caters for books that may never exist, and for subjects within the imagination, like unicorns, so it is a schedule of words, reflecting the philosophies of the compiler. Both devices are aspects of the same creature, with historical diverse origins. they are not diverging bifurcations, but a confluence. This becomes obvious with a faceted thesaurus, the best example some years ago being the "Thesaurofacet" of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (British). Words classified in the alphabetical section represent the development o the subject, and with codes assigned to their classes, there is the framework of a subject classification scheme. Meanwhile a comprehensive index to the Dewey Decimal Classification, with comprehensive cross-references, presents the vestige of a thesaurus. The two should, therefore, be developed together - particularly if they are then used to provide automatic triggers to display documents or abstracts. These are the planks for a very powerful browsing device capable of revealing pertinent material not consciously thought of as relevant, and impervious to 'false drops'. Couple this with a citation index (listing the papers cited in each paper) and full-text processing and you have a machine apparently capable of conducting state-of-the-art research by itself! If you want to get a copy of Gee and Townley's book, try Gower Publishing Australia Pty. Ltd., Units 1-6 Level 2,100 Harris Street, Pyrmont, NSW,2009, Australia. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Feb 1995 01:52:38 +1000 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Dwight Walker Subject: Re: Dialog w/an indexer >My grad date is this May, and I am very interested in a career in indexing >or abstracting. I would like to establish dialog with someone who is in >this profession--the dialog can be in whatever form you prefer: email, >snail mail, telephone, in person, whatever. > I live in Sydney, Australia but wouldn't mind talking about my first and only index. I left Uni in 1991 and did an index from 1992-94 part-time from home. There are lots of lessons re business dealings and organising your day. >Essentially I would like to talk about the best ways to get started and >other professional discussion. Ideally I would like to visit and see >what is a "typical" day in the life of an indexer. > If e-mail is OK go ahead... Cheers Dwight Sydney, Australia ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Feb 1995 02:00:14 +1000 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Dwight Walker Subject: CINDEX at Australian Society of Indexers International Conference Indexing Research, producers of CINDEX, are sending Peter and Frances Lennie to Melbourne, Australia to be at the first International Conference put on AusSI. They will be demonstrating Windows and Macintosh prototypes. Exact release dates and prices are not yet available. (AusSI Newsletter Jan/Feb 95) It is rumoured also that Garry Cousins, the Australian/NZ rep for CINDEX, will be writing a CINDEX tips column in the AusSI Newletter in the near future. AusSI's e-mail is: AusSI@isb.csiro.au See you there... Dwight AusSI NSW Conference Liaison ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 08:50:42 +0600 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Dellen Van {x65392 CF/DEV} Subject: Re: sounds unpleasant... RE: rebooting printers It's fairly common to have an entry such as: troubleshooting - printers and printers - troubleshooting Although I prefer the term 'problem-solving', 'trouble-shooting' seems to be the more popular term here. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 12:44:19 EST Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Lori Lathrop <76620.456@COMPUSERVE.COM> Subject: Re: sounds unpleasant... The responses to the question of a "hung" printer have been quite amusing :-) As a technical writer and indexer, I agree with Pam Rider (INTERNET:prider@POWERGRID.ELECTRICITI.COM), who suggested: > printer > stalled > > printer > rebooting > > printer > and file overloads Lori Lathrop ----------> INTERNET:76620.456@compuserve.com Lathrop Media Services, P.O. Box 808, Georgetown, CO 80444 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 12:39:00 -0500 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "logendra (l.) naidoo" Subject: Courses or Seminars Hi! Is anybody aware of interesting courses or seminars that are coming up for Indexers and other document specialists. Preferably in Eastern North America? Please post detailed information (if convenient) and I'll collect the data and redistribute in a week. Thanks. -----====*====------ Logendra Naidoo naidoo@nt.com or naidoo@bnr.ca Northern Telecom, Ottawa 613-765-3376; FAX: 613-765-2719 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 13:05:41 -0500 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Dick Evans Subject: Re: Dialog w/an indexer I am a professional indexer in the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. I specialize in software manuals for publishing houses or corporate publishers. There is a very active community of indexers in the Writer's Message Board on America Online. If you have access, drop in there. I'll correspond with you by e-mail or INDEX-L. I'm just a bit pressed for time at the moment. Richard Evans Infodex Indexing Services ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 13:10:33 -0400 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "george w. whitbeck" Subject: faculty search The School of Library and Information Science at Indiana University seeks applications for a full-time faculty position with appointment at the assistant or associate level with salary commensurate with experience. Demonstrable research and teaching capabilities in the following areas required: classification and categorization theory, applied classification and indexing, and knowledge representation and organization. Highly desirable qualifications include: Ph. D (or pending) in information and library science or relevant field, evidence of scholarly activity or potential, ground-breaking research agenda and grantsmanship skills, rigorous grounding in relevant theory base, and ability to work collaboratively in a multi- disciplinary environment. Teaching responsibilities would be four courses per academic year and participation in doctoral student research and seminars. Starting date will be August of 1995. Applications to be reviewed starting March 1st, 1995. To apply, send letter of application to Dr. George Whitbeck, Chair, Search Committee, School of Library and Information Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 14:12:25 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group Comments: Resent-From: Charlotte Skuster Comments: Originally-From: "Linda K. Fetters" From: Charlotte Skuster Subject: Corrected Wilson Award announcement The American Society of Indexers Now Accepting Submissions for the 1995 ASI-H.W. Wilson Award for Excellence in Book Indexing The American Society of Indexers (ASI) is pleased to announce that it is now accepting books with a 1994 publication date for judging in the annual ASI-Wilson Award Indexing competition. The Award was established in 1978. The winning indexer will receive a plaque and a $1,000 check. The winning publisher will receive a plaque. Either indexers or publishers may submit books for judging. Only one submission can be accepted from an individual indexer (or indexing team). Each publisher may submit a single index for each division or imprint. All submissions must be accompanied by an official application form and the submission fee and must be received by ASI no later than MARCH 1, 1995. The Award will be presented at the 27th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Indexers June 8-10, 1995, in Montreal, Quebec. For additional information or forms, contact: ASI Administrative Office P.O. Box 386 207 W. Avenue C Port Aransas, TX 78373 (512) 749-4052 asi@well.sf.ca.us CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD The criteria for the ASI-H.W. Wilson Company Award shall comply with the standards established by the American National Standards Institute. Introductory Note An introductory note should be present if any aspect of the index requires explanation. It should be clear and well expressed, and it should establish the basis of selection and omission of indexable matter. Physical Format, Typography and Style The index entries should be presented in a format, typography, and style that provides maximum ease of scanning the index and locating individual entries. A clear and logical organization should be evident. Spacing, indentations, and general page design should present a page that is aesthetically pleasing. The index should be appropriate in size to the number of pages in the publication and the type of material contained therein. Content of the Index The index must bring together references to similar concepts that are scattered in the text, or that are expressed in varying terminology. This can be done through the establishment of a single heading and a set of subheadings, through the use of cross-references, or through other appropriate devices. All significant items in the text must appear in the index. However, if there is a category of material that is not indexed, this should be stated in the introduction. Items and concepts in the text must be represented in the index by appropriate, precise, accurate, unambiguous headings. The index entry headings should be consistent in form and in usage. Inclusion of synonymous headings and spelling variations, if used, should be intentional to facilitate access. The index should represent the text and not be a vehicle for expressing the indexer's own views and interests. Structure and Accuracy of the Index Entries The index entries should be arranged in a recognizable, or stated searchable order, such as alphabetical, classified, chronological, or numerical order. The locators given in the index should tally with the text. Strings of undifferentiated locators should generally be avoided by use of appropriate subheadings or other appropriate devices. If the number of locators in a given entry is so large that aspects of the heading are not adequately differentiated, additional headings, subheadings, or modifiers should be introduced. Headings should be as specific as the nature of the collection permits, and the purposes of the users require. There must be a sufficient number of cross-references in the index so that related items are connected, and obsolete or idiosyncratic terms in the text are related to terms in current use. Abbreviations, acronyms, symbols, or other abridgment of a word or phrase should be explained in an appropriate manner. MECHANICS OF THE AWARD Explanation of the Award The American Society of Indexers will award annually the ASI-H.W. Wilson Company Indexing Award for excellence in indexing of an English language monograph or other nonserial publication published in the United States during the previous calendar year. The Society reserves the right to withhold the award in any year. Purpose of the Award For indexers, the purpose of the award is to provide and publicize models of excellence in indexing. For the publishing industry, the award is intended to elicit interest and involvement, and to encourage greater recognition of the importance of quality book indexing. Description of the Award The award will consist of two parts: the first, awarded to the indexer(s), will be $1,000 in cash together with a citation; the second, awarded to the publisher, will be a citation. Submission Each index submitted for consideration for the award must be submitted with a copy of the publication that was indexed, and must be accompanied by a copy of an official ASI-H.W. Wilson Company Indexing Award form. The index and accompanying materials must be received by the American Society of Indexers Administrative Office by the submission deadline. The index must have been published within the preceding calendar year. Formal presentation of the award will take place at the American Society of Indexers Annual Meeting. Anyone may submit an index for consideration, limited to one submission from a single indexer or indexing team and one from a single publisher; however a publisher may submit one index per division or imprint. On request, all materials submitted for consideration will be returned. Those materials not requested by applicants will be donated to a library open to the public. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 11:37:45 -0800 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: James R Farned Subject: Opening for live-in vegetarian indexer at B&B Inn Subject: Job Opening for vegetarian Newsgroups: rec.food.veg Organization: RAIN Public Access Internet (805) 967-RAIN Summary: Keywords: * Opening for a Vegetarian (Vegan preferred). * Live-in helper at Bed and Breakfast Inn in the Santa Barbara, CAw area. * Computer literacy and interest desired for the following projects: - internet access assistance. - helping with ongoing freelance book-indexing. - post-structural philosophic studies. - mathematical studies, primarily graph theory. ******************************************************************** * Interested persons send email to: jfarned@rain.org * ******************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 21:29:50 GMT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Carol Roberts Subject: Re: sounds unpleasant... >I'm indexing a low-level text on computers, and I found myself creating this >entry: > > printer > rebooting a hung > >There has to be a better a way. So I considered: > > printers > rebooting hung > I see others have already advised dropping "hung," and I agree. I would add a troubleshooting entry, too (esp. if there are other "fixes" scattered throughout the text). troubleshooting printer doesn't work I don't know who you're intended audience is, but "hung" doesn't work for me at all. Cheers, Carol Roberts, indexer and copy editor | Live long and prosper. Carol.Roberts@mixcom.com | Milwaukee, WI | ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 20:03:57 -0500 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Jeff Finlay, NYU" Organization: St. Peter's College, US Subject: Re: sounds unpleasant... > The responses to the question of a "hung" printer have been quite > amusing :-) and a little disturbing if you were trained by someone who always insisted on prepositional connectives in the subs 8-( Jeff ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 00:29:58 +1000 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Dwight Walker Subject: Re: sounds unpleasant... > printer > rebooting a hung > > printers > rebooting hung > >printer." I've never seen "That printer is hung" -- for intriguing reasons I would put printer hung, rebooting a The main concept is 'hung' or 'seized' to use an old term. Rebooting is a very common way of resetting a device e.g. printer, monitor/screen, modem. Usually it is the switch!! The main idea is hung. It means frozen, not moving. The computer and printer have become deadlocked. I hope that helps. I was curious when you'd never heard of a hung printer before!! In computing, that is the first touch with reality. All the blackboard stuff faulters on getting the printer to print out your results or a listing of a program. It's rather frustating stuff. The next worst is when the paper runs out a page or two before the end of a long printout!! Bye Dwight ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Feb 1995 18:59:48 +0000 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "A.H. Calvert" Subject: MACREX representation at the Autralian Society of Indexers Conference Drusilla Calvert will be at the conference and will be happy to demonstrate MACREX to anyone who is interested. She will also be able to give information on current and planned future versions. Hilary Calvert will be back in England doing some work (sigh). Drusilla looks forward to meeting all current and prospective MACREX users at the conference. Hilary Calvert ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Feb 1995 16:00:21 -0500 Reply-To: mhughes@indyunix.iupui.edu Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Michael Hughes Subject: Re: Sounds unpleasant seth@ora.com writes: >I'm indexing a low-level text on computers, and I found myself creating this >entry: > > printer > rebooting a hung > >There has to be a better a way. So I considered: > > printers > rebooting hung > >but let's be honest. It's not much better. > > The text deals with turning off and turning on a printer that is >"stuck" on a particular file. The words "reboot" is key but not necessarily >demanded. The word "hung" is never really seen, either, since it's often used >in active tense: "A file can hang a printer," or "A file will sometimes hang a >printer." I've never seen "That printer is hung" -- for intriguing reasons >:-). > > Any suggestions? Personally, I would settle for: printers rebooting and even an additional entry of: rebooting printers OR rebooting printers I think that the word "hung" is in a way understood, just as the "you" in "Go to your room!" is understood. You probably wouldn't need to reboot your printer if it was working properly, so I don't think that it would unreasonable to expect the reader to infer that this operation could apply to a hung or otherwise non-functioning printer. Just my two cents worth. Michael ******************************** Michael Hughes Que Indexer and Patriot "Spreading Joy through HTML" URL: http://www.mcp.com/people FUN: mhughes@indyunix.iupui.edu WORK: mhughes@mcp.com VOICE:(317) 844-5406 ******************************** ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Feb 1995 20:21:18 -0500 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: GinnaD@AOL.COM Subject: Re: Courses or Seminars Just the BIG one - 6/8 - 6/10 ASI/IASC Annual Convention and Workshops in Montreal. Contact ASI at asi@well.sf.ca.us for details. GinnaD ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 06:58:09 -0500 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Doris Clack UNSUBSCRIBE index-l@bingvmb.bitnet doris clack ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 16:20:28 CST Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: David T Terry Subject: AD: (6) Library Seminars at U. of Texas /////This message is being cross-posted to numerous library-related listservs. Please excuse the inevitable duplicates. Thanks for your interest./////////// Graduate School of Library and Information Science The University of Texas at Austin CONTINUING EDUCATION SEMINARS (6) Update February 17, 1995 All will be in Austin, Texas, at the Joe C. Thompson Conference Center. 1) Friday, March 3, 1995, one-day seminar, "Sci/Tech Collection Development: Meshing Traditional Sources with Electronic Access." Fee is $50 ($45 group rate). Speakers are Susan Ardis, head of The University of Texas at Austin McKinney Engineering Library and Balcones Library Service Center, and Nancy I. Elder, head of the UT Austin Natural Sciences Library. This class will give attendees a basic understanding of sci/tech selection and how librarians can determine what the various segments of their collection should have (YA, E, and adult). We will cover the basic selection tools for each audience and how to use each efficiently so that your collection is the best that you can afford. The class will also cover techniques for coping with "unconventional science" and the controversial. Among the areas to be covered are: The electronic future and what's available now; What every reference collection should have; Book selection; and Sci/tech and public policy collecting. 2) Friday, March 24, 1995, one-day seminar, "Inside the Library PC." Fee is $50 ($45 group rate). Speaker is Tom Ardis, president of Computexas, a computer manufacturer based in Austin, Texas. This course is designed for the beginner to intermediate PC user. No technical background or experience is required. Advanced users and those responsible for specifying and buying library PCs may also want to enroll. All participants will get a complete overview and update on current practices in the selection and use of library PCs. Topics covered will include: DOS & Windows in the Library; PC Chassis; Cases & Power Supplies; Microprocessors; Bus Requirements; Input & Storage Devices; Monitors & Video Adapters; Printers; Modems & Network Adapters; CD-ROM, Sound & Video; Maintaining & Upgrading Library PCs; and Internet Access. 3) Friday, April 28, 1995, one-day seminar, "Internet Servers: Building a Gas Station on the Information Superhighway." Fee is $50 ($45 group rate). Speaker is Kevin Marsh, executive director of Information Access Institute. This seminar will address the justification, creation, organization, and administration of an Internet Server. Specific topics will include: Why serve on the Internet; How to connect to the Internet; What hardware and software is required; What kinds of information can be provided; Which protocols are best for different kinds of access; How to configure the system for subject-based searching; and Where to obtain software and additional information. Information professionals in libraries, archives or museums interested in providing public Internet access to their collections are encouraged to attend. 4) NEW Wednesday, June 28, 1995, one-day seminar, "Advanced Online Cataloging with the Integrated MARC Format, Internet, ...". Fee is $55. The speaker is Dr. Joanna Fountain, head of technical services at Austin Independent School District and instructor at The University of Texas at Austin, Graduate School of Library and Information Science. (Program not available to me at this time.) 5) DATE CHANGE, NEW TITLE Thursday, June 29, 1995, updated one-day seminar, "Global Library Update: Reference and the Internet." Fee is $55. The speaker is Mary Lynn Rice-Lively, doctoral fellow and instructor at The University of Texas at Austin, Graduate School of Library and Information Science. The workshop will be an update on providing reference services on and from the Internet. This will include powerful new Internet tools, web browsers (including Netscape and Mosaic), and information on alternatives for Internet access (including SLIP and ISDN). Knowledge of the use of basic Internet tools is recommended. The workshop will be particularly useful to those with an interest in integrating use of the Internet into reference and information services. 6) NEW Friday, June 30, 1995, one-day seminar, "Teaching the Internet: What to Teach and How to Plan." Fee is $55. Speaker is Mary Lynn Rice-Lively, doctoral fellow and instructor at UT Austin, GSLIS. (Program not available to me at this time.) Group rate applies for 3 or more participants from the same organization or association who register (mail, phone, or fax their forms) together. For more information, contact me at (512) 471-8806, fax (512) 471-3971, email gldt@utxdp.dp.utexas.edu David Terry Continuing Education GSLIS SZB 564 / MC D7000 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 78712-1276 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 15:28:01 -0800 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: bc hydro Subject: Re: MACREX representation at the Autralian Society of Indexers Conference Signoff Shelley Hourston From Bill Fernihough, ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 15:28:55 -0800 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: bc hydro Subject: Re: Courses or Seminars Signoff BChydro From Bill Fernihough, ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Feb 1995 00:34:42 CST Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Will Hires Subject: Indexing software Indexers of the World UNITE!...See also "Get Together" Now that I have your attention, I have a request for information about indexing software. Has anyone heard of something called "Indexing Spider" by a company called "Verity"? If so, what can you tell me about it? Any reference sources? I have an interest in indexing software in general, so any information related to the subject might be helpful. Please let me know anything you know. Thanks very much. cihire@lsuvm.sncc.lsu.edu (Louisiana State University, graduate student) ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Feb 1995 14:40:11 -0600 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Dick Vacca Subject: Re: Indexing software >Indexers of the World > UNITE!...See also "Get Together" > >Now that I have your attention, I have a request for information about >indexing software. Has anyone heard of something called "Indexing Spider" >by a company called "Verity"? If so, what can you tell me about it? Any >reference sources? I have an interest in indexing software in general, >so any information related to the subject might be helpful. Please let me >know anything you know. Thanks very much. > >cihire@lsuvm.sncc.lsu.edu (Louisiana State University, graduate student) The spider is part of Verity's World Wide Web information server. It's a component that will allow the live indexing of text and hypermedia on WWW sites. It's interesting stuff, tied into their work with information agents; you tell an info agent you're interested in topics A, B, and C and the agent software filters and searches for information on those topics and either sends it to you or tells you where it is. Verity is better known as the the creator of TOPIC text retrieval software. You can find them at http://www.verity.com. --Dick 608-246-0219 (at The Monona Group) 608-246-0831 (fax) mononagrp@aol.com 608-262-4341 (at Univ of Wisconsin Engineering Professional Development) 608-263-3160 (fax) dvacca@macc.wisc.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Feb 1995 10:29:29 +1100 Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Peter W Meyer Subject: Re: Library thesauri Ned Bedinger wrote: >>>1. Has anyone had experience with graphical displays of subject terms in a >>>hierarchy and if so, can it work at the necessary scale? > > I sense some crossed purposes in you inquiry, which I find > intriguing even if they are only an artifact of editing and not > your original question. My original enquiry could create confusion. My query may have confused the interface issues with the need to create the hierarchical thesaurus system behind it. > My perception is that thesauri use a horizontal relationship > among words, and do not have any direct relationship to vertical > subject hierarchies. The intriguing idea, that you could facilitate > searches by targetting a vertical zone of information in an explicit > hierachy, is an intriguingly marvelous idea that suggests information > _roles_. I picture a search that produces no results, leading the > searcher to examine thesaurus entries for the search term. This > is SOP in almost any medium of information retrieval. But then > the lucky searcher can access a list of all information trees that > contain each given synonym, and even unfold each tree to examine the > structures in search of one that matches the expectation of where the > sought-after information should lie. > > My first reaction is 'Index 2100 AD', but in fact, what it amounts > to is really only a database of heirarchies and synonyms. The logic > required for such a system is readily available in everyday shrink- > wrapped software. The thing that is missing is the explicit heirarchies, > and perhaps the thesauri. You are quite correct, which is why I want to pursue this line. The example I gave in my original posting was of a display I had created using the Macintosh Finder. I created a hierarchical classification of legal resource documents for a law firm. The basic hierarchy of subject terms is filled out with the use of aliases to provide synonym cross references. (Aliases are pointers which appear like file records in a hierarchy but which in fact point to a record in anther hierarchy). These aliases do not even need the same names as the original items. > > Now, the intrigue: How extensive are today's classification systems? > Would they really contribute much at the subject level to a thesaurus/ > heirarchical information system? Your questions are well directed. In my own experience with the few systems I have used, thesaurus systems utilise limited hierarchies within a horizontal structure. I have not yet seen a fully hierarchical system in a large library. The software application BasisPlus from Information Dimensions supports multiple hierarchical thesauri for its library and document management functions. There is obvious support for the concept. Based on intuition and the responses I have received so far, I conclude that a truly hierarchical classification system can be created, at least for specialised areas of knowledge such as medicine or law. I have not seen it but am told that the US National Library of Medicine uses a hierarchical system with their Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). (My thanks to Susan E Katz for this information.) I am not suggesting that it is possible to create 1 thesaurus to suit all. A thesaurus must be relevant to its searcher community. "Off the shelf" thesauri packages do not transport well across cultural boudaries. A group of people expert in their discipline (but not necessarily expert searchers) are likely to develop a large part of their own language for describing their knowledge, work practices and topics. At the same time they will share a basic set of terms with other similar groups. This is probably very strong in the law. The language used to describe similar things certainly varies from state to state within Australia. These states share the same near identical common law tradition. This situation is more pronounced across more obvious national and cultural boundaries. The point is that the best thesaurus must be localised to suit its search community. It seems to me that all classification schemes are limited by this. My thanks to all the respondents to my original message. You have been most helpful. Peter Meyer ______________________________________________________________________ Peter W Meyer pmeyer@magna.com.au Desktop Law Pty Limited Mobile: 61 18 245 128 10 Frances Street, Lindfield, NSW 2070 Fax: 61 2 416 9995 Australia ______________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Feb 1995 15:34:55 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Gary M Klein (bear-at-heart)" Subject: Question for producers of INDEXING or ABSTRACTING services ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Do you work for an Indexing or Abstracting service? Does your indexing service have a policy for reviewing nominations for inclusion in your indexing services? I am trying to focus on general purpose periodical indexing & abstracting services which cover the following types of publications: -Current events magazines (Time, Newsweek, U.S.News) -Social & political commentary (Dissent, Commentary, Amer Spectator) -Alternative views of society (Mother Earth, Utne Reader, Sierra) -Mens or womens magazines (Mens Fitness, Ms Magazine, GQ, Vogue) Can you please send me a copy of your guidelines for considering the addition of these types of publication into your indexing or abstracting services. You can contact me by e-mail, regular mail, or by phone (listed in my signature panel). This project has arisen out of my prior work in researching the history of certain types of subject headings. If you are interested in that project, you can find my article in: REFERENCE SERVICES REVIEW, vol 22, no4, 1994, p29-44 "Sex Education and Sexuality Before Stonewall: A Historical Look at Subject Headings Used in the Education Index, 1929--1969" Thank you for your assistance in this project. * * * * "Not your average-business-librarian" * * Gary Klein / P.O. Box 12560 / Toledo, OH 43606-0250 * * WORK #419-537-2629 fac2813@uoft01.utoledo.edu * HOME #419-243-2740 FAX #419-537-2726 B4 t+ w- g s+ k l+