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Abstract

Is this book sociology, anthropology, or taxonomy? Sorting Things Out, by communications theorists Geoffrey C. Bowker and Susan Leigh Star, covers a lot of conceptual ground in its effort to sort out exactly how and why we classify and categorize the things and concepts we encounter day to day. But the analysis doesn't stop there; the authors go on to explore what happens to our thinking as a result of our classifications. With great insight and precise academic language, they pick apart our information systems and language structures that lie deeper than the everyday categories we use. The authors focus first on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), a widely used scheme used by health professionals worldwide, but also look at other health information systems, racial classifications used by South Africa during apartheid, and more. Though it comes off as a bit too academic at times (by the end of the 20th century, most writers should be able to get the spelling of McDonald's restaurant right), the book has a clever charm that thoughtful readers will surely appreciate. A sly sense of humor sneaks into the writing, giving rise to the chapter title "The Kindness of Strangers," for example. After arguing that categorization is both strongly influenced by and a powerful reinforcer of ideology, it follows that revolutions (political or scientific) must change the way things are sorted in order to throw over the old system. Who knew that such simple, basic elements of thought could have such far-reaching consequences? Whether you ultimately place it with social science, linguistics, or (as the authors fear) fantasy, make sure you put Sorting Things Out in your reading pile.

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Date

15. 7.2018 16:22:16

Footnote

Rez. in: Mitteilungen VÖB 48(1995) H.1, S.66-68 (K. Niedermair) - Vgl. auch Lepsky, K. in: Bibliotheksdienst 29(1995) H.3, S.500-519; Bibliothek: Forschung u. Praxis 19(1995) H.2, S.251-254 (G. Hartwieg; auch in: LDV-Forum Bd. 12, Nr. 2, Jg. 1995, S.22-29 [unter: http://www.jlcl.org/1995_Heft2/Rezensionen_19-27.pdf]) .

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Abstract

This short guide is intended to help librarians and OPAC system designers to make decisions about the design of displays of more than one subject heading. The authors stress that they offer guidance rather than standards or prescriptions; their clear prose is cautious and even the number of recommendations is limited. A 12-page introduction contrasts the "structural approach" and "strict alphabetical approach" to filing, showing examples and stating arguments for each. 7 chapters cover display of subdivisions, inverted headings, display of qualified headings, arrangement of numerical headings, display of subjects interfiled with names and titles, punctuation and messages to the user. Within each chapter, questions involving choices between two or more approaches are followed by brief statements of current practice (LC rules, ALA rules, and systems in existing OPACs) extensive examples demonstrating such choices, and arguments for and against each. The authors warn against ever assuming that the user knows the needed subject headings, and acknowledge that the best OPAC design often depends on the setting and on the user's understanding of the system. Although the topic may be beyond the purview of the authoring committee, the discussion here makes one yearn for interactive OPACs that can analyze the user's needs and provide appropriate guidance to whatever system is adopted