Development of the PRESNET subject descriptor thesaurus

Abstract

The PRESNET Thesaurus is a controlled vocabulary of subject descriptors employed in indexing the descriptions of archival materials entered in PRESNET (the Presidential Libraries Information Network). An archivist involved in its development and use discusses the decision to employ a thesaurus, the steps involved in designing and creating it, subsequent modification of the thesaurus after usage began, and the experience of the Gerald R. Ford Library in using it.