Graphical table of contents for library collections: The application of universal decimal classification codes to subject maps

Abstract

The representation of information content by graphical maps is an extended ongoing research topic. The objective of this article consists in verifying whether it is possible to create map displays using Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) codes (using co-classification analysis) for the purpose of creating a graphical table of contents for a library collection. The application of UDC codes was introduced to subject maps development using the following graphic representation methods: (I) multidimensional scaling; (2) cluster analysis; and (3) neural networks (self-organizing maps). Finally, the authors conclude that the different kinds of maps have slightly different degrees of viability and types of application.