From book classification to knowledge organization: Improving internet resource description and discovery

Abstract

In the Dewey ETC tree and WordSmith projects we are demonstrating how the DDC knowledge base can be enhanced with supplemental concepts and indexing vocabulary. Mapped headings often represent current and popular topics not represented by existing captions or Dewey index terms but within the scope of Dewey's structure. We further show how terminology imported from free text can form a bridge between prevailing language usage and the Dewey editorial process. The new associations (from free text and controlled indexing systems) can be used in turn to enhance Scorpion Dewey databases capable of automatically generating NetFirst-like metadata. Through these complementary efforts we are trying to explore the true potential of a library classification scheme to organize electronic resources.