The level of exploitation of Universal Decimal Classification in library OPACs: a pilot study

Abstract

This is an English translation of the article published in Vjesnik bibliotekara Hrvatske (Croatian Library Journal). The paper reports on a pilot study observing the level to which library classification, Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) specifically, is exploited in searching and browsing library OPACs. The study was conducted in 2004-2005. A selection of 30 Web OPACs using UDC from 22 countries were observed. The OPACs were representative of 5 in-house and 10 vendor library systems. Interface areas examined were: UDC access points, searching, browsing and display. In total, 23 designated interface functionalities were identified. From these observations, it transpires that there is a great discrepancy in the number of functions available, ranging from two to sixteen. The majority (87%) of OPACs have between seven and sixteen UDC related access points and functions enabled. Only four out of thirty catalogues offer top/down systematic browsing (i.e. knowledge area browsing), and only fourteen catalogues have a classification number in the bibliographic description hyperlinked to allow access to other titles in the same class. The study shows that Web OPACs offer different selections and a different number of functions in supporting searching or browsing UDC - even if libraries use the same vendor system. This study is only a pilot and does not analyse the differences between interface options in relation to the 'strength' of library systems and does not rank them according to their importance in IR. However, the study provides an insight into this, usually neglected, segment of library OPACs and establishes a framework for further research. At this stage the research does not include analysis of classification authority data on which the searching and browsing is based. Further research is planned to shed more light on IR specific functions and their relation to authority control and library systems.