Sharing and re-use of classification systems: the need for a common data model

Abstract

Classifications can help to overcome difficulties in information retrieval of heterogeneous and multilingual collections for which linguistic and free text searching is not sufficient or applicable. However, there are problems in the machine readability of classification systems which do not facilitate their wider use and full exploitation. The authors focus on issues of automation of analytico-synthetic classification systems such as Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), Bliss Bibliographic Classification (BC2) and Broad System of Ordering (BSO). 'Analytico-syntheticâ means here classification systems that offer the possibility of building compound index/search terms and that lend themselves to post-coordinate searching.