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The preconstructed vocabulary: a Procrustean bed
Bulletin of the Medical Library Association
|January 1, 1973
Summary
Bibliographic services are now rigidly structured due to computerization, limiting user flexibility. We should leverage advancing computer technology to restore lost bibliographic conveniences and improve vocabulary development.
Area of Science:
- Library and Information Science
- Bibliographic Control
- Information Retrieval
Background:
- Mechanization of bibliographic services shifted vocabulary development from retrospective to prospective approaches.
- This shift resulted in rigidly structured vocabularies designed for multiple, often incompatible, purposes.
- Users experience inflexibility, a lack of cross-references, and overly specific subject headings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the drawbacks of current prospective vocabulary development in mechanized bibliographic services.
- To advocate for the reintegration of bibliographic conveniences lost due to rigid structures.
- To explore how advancing computer technology can address these limitations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the impact of computerization on vocabulary development approaches.
- Evaluation of user-reported issues with current bibliographic frameworks.
- Conceptualization of solutions leveraging modern computer technology.
Main Results:
- Current mechanized bibliographic systems create inflexible vocabularies.
- Users face challenges due to rigid structures, limited cross-references, and overspecific headings.
- Advancements in computer technology offer potential solutions.
Conclusions:
- The rigid structure of vocabularies in mechanized bibliographic services hinders usability.
- There is a need to re-evaluate and adapt current systems.
- Leveraging computer technology can restore essential bibliographic conveniences and improve user experience.