Use of Computer for the Synthesis of Class Number: A Case Study with a Freely Faceted Version of Colon Classification (Non-conventional Methods in Document Retrieva1. 7)

Abstract

In an entry in the Catalogue-on-Tape (See Paper Q), slightly over 50 per cent of the space is taken up by tHe Feature Headings. Omitting the Feature Headings in the entries increased the number of entries scanned by the computer from about 6,000 per minute to 9,000 per minute. However, the provision of Feature Headings in the list of entries selected in response to a query facilitated scanning and picking out, by the reader, the entries for the most appropriate documents. To serve all these purposes, the Kernel Ideas of the subject df the document expressed in standard terms were fed into the computer when making the entry for a document forming the input. On the basis of a depth version of CC made available to the computer, it picked out and synthesised into a Class Number the corresponding Basic Facet number and Isolate numbers. Each entry in the Catalogue-on-Tape thus contained only the Class Number and the specification of the host document. The Class Number for the query was similarly synthesised by the machine, and compared it with the Class Numbers in the entries on the Catalogue-on-Tape. For each of the entries selected, the Basic Facet number and each of the Isolate Numbers in the Class Number is to be translated by the machine into the corresponding terms on the basis of the depth version of CC made available to it. These form the Feature Heading for the entry. The Steps and the Flow-charts for the synthesis of the Class Number alone are given. It is shown that, although classification as a whole is deemed an intellectual process there are a number of steps which are of a clerical nature and therefore, could be performed by the machine more efficiently and quickly. The particular advantage of a Freely-faceted version of CC in facilitating the synthesis of Class Number by the machine is pointed out.