Search (170 results, page 9 of 9)

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Footnote

Rez. in: JASIST 55(2004) no.2, S.178-179 (M.-Y. Kan): "In their latest book, Chowdhury and Chowdhury have written an introductory text an digital libraries, primarily targeting "students researching digital libraries as part of information and library science, as well as computer science, courses" (p. xiv). It is an ambitious work that surveys many of the broad topics in digital libraries (DL) while highlighting completed and ongoing DL research in many parts of the world. With the revamping of Library and Information Science (LIS) Curriculums to focus an information technology, many LIS schools are now teaching DL topics either as an independent course or as part of an existing one. Instructors of these courses have in many cases used supplementary texts and compeed readers from journals and conference materials, possibly because they feel that a suitable textbook has yet to be written. A solid, principal textbook for digital libraries is sorely needed to provide a critical, evaluative synthesis of DL literature. It is with this in mind that I believe Introduction to Digital Libraries was written. An introductory text an any Cross-disciplinary topic is bound to have conflicting limitations and expectations from its adherents who come from different backgrounds. This is the rase in the development of DL Curriculum, in which both LIS and computer science schools are actively involved. Compiling a useful secondary source in such Cross-disciplinary areas is challenging; it requires that jargon from each contributing field be carefully explained and respected, while providing thought-provoking material to broaden student perspectives. In my view, the book's breadth certainly encompasses the whole of what an introduction to DL needs, but it is hampered by a lack of focus from catering to such disparate needs. For example, LIS students will need to know which key aspects differentiate digital library metadata from traditional metadata while computer science students will need to learn the basics of vector spare and probabilistic information retrieval. However, the text does not give enough detail an either subject and thus even introductory students will need to go beyond the book and consult primary sources. In this respect, the book's 307 pages of content are too short to do justice to such a broad field of study.
This book covers all of the primary areas in the DL Curriculum as suggested by T. Saracevic and M. Dalbello's (2001) and A. Spink and C. Cool's (1999) D-Lib articles an DL education. In fact, the book's coverage is quite broad; it includes a Superset of recommended topics, offering a chapter an professional issues (recommended in Spink and Cool) as well as three chapters devoted to DL research. The book comes with a comprehensive list of references and an index, allowing readers to easily locate a specific topic or research project of interest. Each chapter also begins with a short outline of the chapter. As an additional plus, the book is quite heavily Cross-referenced, allowing easy navigation across topics. The only drawback with regard to supplementary materials is that it Lacks a glossary that world be a helpful reference to students needing a reference guide to DL terminology. The book's organization is well thought out and each chapter stands independently of the others, facilitating instruction by parts. While not officially delineated into three parts, the book's fifteen chapters are logically organized as such. Chapters 2 and 3 form the first part, which surveys various DLs and DL research initiatives. The second and core part of the book examines the workings of a DL along various dimensions, from its design to its eventual implementation and deployment. The third part brings together extended topics that relate to a deployed DL: its preservation, evaluation, and relationship to the larger social content. Chapter 1 defines digital libraries and discusses the scope of the materials covered in the book. The authors posit that the meaning of digital library is best explained by its sample characteristics rather than by definition, noting that it has largely been shaped by the melding of the research and information professions. This reveals two primary facets of the DL: an "emphasis an digital content" coming from an engineering and computer science perspective as well as an "emphasis an services" coming from library and information professionals (pp. 4-5). The book's organization mirrors this dichotomy, focusing an the core aspects of content in the earlier chapters and retuming to the service perspective in later chapters.
Chapters 5 through 9 discuss the basic facets of DL implementation and use. Chapter 5, entitled "Collection management," distinguishes collection management from collection development. The authors give source selection criteria, distilled from Clayton and Gorman. The text then discusses the characteristics of several digital sources, including CD-ROMs, electronic books, electronic journals, and databases, and elaborates an the distribution and pricing issues involved in each. However, the following chapter an digitization is quite disappointing; 1 feel that its discussion is shallow and short, and offers only a glimpse of the difficulties of this task. The chapter contains a listing of multimedia file formats, which is explained clearly, omitting technical jargon. However, it could be improved by including more details about each fonnat's optimal use. Chapter 7, "Information organization, " surveys several DLs and highlights their adaptation of traditional classification and cataloging techniques. The chapter continues with a brief introduction to metadata, by first defining it and then discussiog major standards: the Dublin Core, the Warwick Framework and EAD. A discussion of markup languages such as SGML, HTML, and XML rounds off the chapter. A more engaging chapter follows. Dealing with information access and user interfaces, it begins by examining information needs and the seeking process, with particular attention to the difficulties of translating search needs into an actual search query. Guidelines for user interface design are presented, distilled from recommendations from Shneiderman, Byrd, and Croft. Some research user interfaces are highlighted to hint at the future of information finding, and major features of browsing and searching interfaces are shown through case studies of a number of DLs. Chapter 9 gives a layman's introduction to the classic models of information retrieval, and is written to emphasize each model's usability and features; the mathematical foundations have entirely been dispensed with. Multimedia retrieval, Z39.50, and issues with OPAC integration are briefly sketched, but details an the approaches to these problems are omitted. A dissatisfying chapter an preservation begins the third part an deployed DLs, which itemizes several preservation projects but does not identify the key points of each project. This weakness is offset by two solid chapters an DL services and social, economic, and legal issues. Here, the writing style of the text is more effective in surveying the pertinent issues. Chowdhury and Chowdhury write, " The importance of [reference] services has grown over time with the introduction of new technologies and services in libraries" (p. 228), emphasizing the central role that reference services have in DLs, and go an to discuss both free and fee-based services, and those housed as part of libraries as well as commercial services. The chapter an social issues examines the digital divide and also gives examples of institutions working to undo the divide: "Blackwells is making all 600 of its journals freely available to institutions within the Russian Federation" (p. 252). Key points in cost-models of electronic publishing and intellectual property rights are also discussed. Chowdhury and Chowdhury mention that "there is no legal deposit law to force the creators of digital information to submit a copy of every work to one or more designated institutions" for preservation (p. 265).
Chapter 13 an DL evaluation merges criteria from traditional library evaluation with criteria from user interface design and information retrieval. Quantitative, macro-evaluation techniques are emphasized, and again, some DL evaluation projects and reports are illustrated. A very brief chapter an the role of librarians in the DL follows, emphasizing that traditional reference skills are paramount to the success of the digital librarian, but that he should also be savvy in Web page and user interface design. A final chapter an research trends in digital libraries seems a bit incoherent. It mentions many of the previous chapters' topics, and would possibly be better organized if written as summary sections and distributed among the other chapters. The book's breadth is quite expansive, touching an both fundamental and advanced topics necessary to a well-rounded DL education. As the book is thoroughly referenced to DL and DL-related research projects, it serves as a useful starting point for those interested in more in depth learning. However, this breadth is also a weakness. In my opinion, the sheer number of research projects and papers surveyed leaves the authors little space to critique and summarize key issues. Many of the case studies are presented as itemized lists and not used to exemplify specific points. I feel that an introductory text should exercise some editorial and evaluative rights to create structure and organization for the uninitiated. Case studies should be carefully Chosen to exemplify the specific issues and differences and strengths highlighted. It is lamentable that in many of the descriptions of research projects, the authors tend to give more historical and funding Background than is necessary and miss out an giving a synthesis of the pertinent details.

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Content

Enthält die u.a. die Beiträge: DEWEY, M.: Catalogs and cataloging; BLISS, H.E.: Principles and definitions; LaMONTAGNE, L.E.: Historical background of classification; RICHARDSON, E.C.: Classification: theoretical and practical; RANGANATHAN, S.R.: Library classification as a discipline; SHARP, J.: Classification; SHERA, J.H. Classification: current functions and applications to the subject analysis of library materials; SAYERS, W.C.B.: The nature and purpose of classification; DEWEY, M.: Decimal classification and relativ index; MILLS, J.: Classification as an indexing device; RICHMOND, P.A.: The future of generalized systems of classification; PAINTER, A.F.: Modern classification theory; VICKERY,: Faceted classification schemes; BORKO, H.: Research in automatic generations of classification systems; FARRADANE, J.: Classification and mechanical selection; RICHMOND, P.A.: Some aspects of basic research in classification; RICHMOND, P.A.: Transformation and organization of information content: aspects of recent research in the art and science of classification; STROUT, R.F.: Development of the catalog and cataloging codes; CUTTER, C.A.: Library catalogs; CUTTER, C.A.: Rules for a dictionary catalog; LUBETSKY, S.: Design for a code; JOLLEY, L.: The function of the catalog; WEBER, D.C.: The changing character of the catalog in America; COOPER, W.S.: The potential usefulness of the catalog access points other than author, title and subject

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Footnote

Rez. in: JASIS 50(1999) no.8, S.728-730 (J.-E. Mai); Indexer 21(1999) no.3, S.148 (P.F. Booth); Managing information 6(1999) no.1, S.48 (S.T. Clarke); Electronic library 17(1999) no.3, S.193 (F. Parry)

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Abstract

This book provides a coherent account of the theory of classification. It discusses the contributions made by theoreticians like E.C. Richardson, J.B. Brown, W. Hulme, W.C. Berwick Sayers, H.E. Bliss and S.R. Ranganathan. However, the theory put forward by S.R. Ranganathan predominates the whole book because his contribution is far more than anybody else's. Five major schemes - DDC, UDC, LCC, CC, and BC - have also been discussed. Library classification is a specialized area of study. In recent years, library classification has become a vast and complicated field of study using highly technical terminology. A special attempt has been made to provide descriptions as simple and direct as could be possible. To illustrate the theory of classification, large number of examples have been given from all major schemes so that an average student ould also grasp the concepts easily. This book has been especially written to meet the requirements of students, preparing for their library science, documentation, information science diplomas and degrees.

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Abstract

Looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one guide to RDA that keeps it simple and provides exactly what you need to know? This book covers planning and training considerations, presents relevant FRBR and FRAD background, and offers practical, step-by-step cataloging advice for a variety of material formats. - Supplies an accessible, up-to-date guide to RDA in a single resource - Covers history and development of the new cataloging code, including the results of the U.S. RDA Test Coordinating Committee Report - Presents the latest information on RDA cataloging for multiple material formats, including print, audiovisual, and digital resources - Explains how RDA's concepts, structure, and vocabulary are based on FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) and FRAD (Functional Requirements for Authority Data), both of which are reviewed in the book

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Series

Library and information science text series

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Content

This work is a comprehensive guide to Edition 21 of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC 21). The previous edition was edited by John Phillip Comaromi, who also was the editor of DDC 20 and thus was able to impart in its pages information about the inner workings of the Decimal Classification Editorial Policy Committee, which guides the Classification's development. The manual begins with a brief history of the development of Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) up to this edition and its impact internationally. It continues on to a review of the general structure of DDC and the 21st edition in particular, with emphasis on the framework ("Hierarchical Order," "Centered Entries") that aids the classifier in its use. An extensive part of this manual is an in-depth review of how DDC is updated with each edition, such as reductions and expansions, and detailed lists of such changes in each table and class. Each citation of a change indicates the previous location of the topic, usually in parentheses but also in textual explanations ("moved from 248.463"). A brief discussion of the topic moved or added provides substance to what otherwise would be lists of numbers. Where the changes are so dramatic that a new class or division structure has been developed, Comparative and Equivalence Tables are provided in volume 1 of DDC 21 (such as Life sciences in 560-590); any such list in this manual would only be redundant. In these cases, the only references to changes in this work are those topics that were moved from other classes. Besides these citations of changes, each class is introduced with a brief background discussion about its development or structure or both to familiarize the user with it. A new aspect in this edition of the DDC study manual is that it is combined with Marty Bloomberg and Hans Weber's An Introduction to Classification and Number Building in Dewey (Libraries Unlimited, 1976) to provide a complete reference for the application of DDC. Detailed examples of number building for each class will guide the classifier through the process that results in classifications for particular works within that class. In addition, at the end of each chapter, lists of book summaries are given as exercises in number analysis, with Library of Congress-assigned classifications to provide benchmarks. The last chapter covers book, or author, numbers, which-combined with the classification and often the date-provide unique call numbers for circulation and shelf arrangement. Guidelines in the application of Cutter tables and Library of Congress author numbers complete this comprehensive reference to the use of DDC 21. As with all such works, this was a tremendous undertaking, which coincided with the author completing a new edition of Conversion Tables: LC-Dewey, Dewey-LC (Libraries Unlimited, forthcoming). Helping hands are always welcome in our human existence, and this book is no exception. Grateful thanks are extended to Jane Riddle, at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Library, and to Darryl Hines, at SANAD Support Technologies, Inc., for their kind assistance in the completion of this study manual.

Footnote

Rez. in: Managing information 6(1999) no.2, S.49 (J. Bowman)

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Footnote

Rez. in: JASIST 57(2006) no.8, S.1132-1133 (H. Che): "The World Wide Web has been the main source of an important shift in the way people communicate with each other, get information, and conduct business. However, most of the current Web content is only suitable for human consumption. The main obstacle to providing better quality of service is that the meaning of Web content is not machine-accessible. The "Semantic Web" is envisioned by Tim Berners-Lee as a logical extension to the current Web that enables explicit representations of term meaning. It aims to bring the Web to its full potential via the exploration of these machine-processable metadata. To fulfill this, it pros ides some meta languages like RDF, OWL, DAML+OIL, and SHOE for expressing knowledge that has clear, unambiguous meanings. The first steps in searing the Semantic Web into the current Web are successfully underway. In the forthcoming years, these efforts still remain highly focused in the research and development community. In the next phase, the Semantic Web will respond more intelligently to user queries. The first chapter gets started with an excellent introduction to the Semantic Web vision. At first, today's Web is introduced, and problems with some current applications like search engines are also covered. Subsequently, knowledge management. business-to-consumer electronic commerce, business-to-business electronic commerce, and personal agents are used as examples to show the potential requirements for the Semantic Web. Next comes the brief description of the underpinning technologies, including metadata, ontology, logic, and agent. The differences between the Semantic Web and Artificial Intelligence are also discussed in a later subsection. In section 1.4, the famous "laser-cake" diagram is given to show a layered view of the Semantic Web. From chapter 2, the book starts addressing some of the most important technologies for constructing the Semantic Web. In chapter 2, the authors discuss XML and its related technologies such as namespaces, XPath, and XSLT. XML is a simple, very flexible text format which is often used for the exchange of a wide variety of data on the Web and elsewhere. The W3C has defined various languages on top of XML, such as RDF. Although this chapter is very well planned and written, many details are not included because of the extensiveness of the XML technologies. Many other books on XML provide more comprehensive coverage.
The next chapter introduces resource description framework (RDF) and RDF schema (RDFS). Unlike XML, RDF provides a foundation for expressing the semantics of dada: it is a standard dada model for machine-processable semantics. Resource description framework schema offers a number of modeling primitives for organizing RDF vocabularies in typed hierarchies. In addition to RDF and RDFS, a query language for RDF, i.e. RQL. is introduced. This chapter and the next chapter are two of the most important chapters in the book. Chapter 4 presents another language called Web Ontology Language (OWL). Because RDFS is quite primitive as a modeling language for the Web, more powerful languages are needed. A richer language. DAML+OIL, is thus proposed as a joint endeavor of the United States and Europe. OWL takes DAML+OIL as the starting point, and aims to be the standardized and broadly accepted ontology language. At the beginning of the chapter, the nontrivial relation with RDF/RDFS is discussed. Then the authors describe the various language elements of OWL in some detail. Moreover, Appendix A contains an abstract OWL syntax. which compresses OWL and makes OWL much easier to read. Chapter 5 covers both monotonic and nonmonotonic rules. Whereas the previous chapter's mainly concentrate on specializations of knowledge representation, this chapter depicts the foundation of knowledge representation and inference. Two examples are also givwn to explain monotonic and non-monotonic rules, respectively. "To get the most out of the chapter. readers had better gain a thorough understanding of predicate logic first. Chapter 6 presents several realistic application scenarios to which the Semantic Web technology can be applied. including horizontal information products at Elsevier, data integration at Audi, skill finding at Swiss Life, a think tank portal at EnerSearch, e-learning. Web services, multimedia collection indexing, online procurement, raid device interoperability. These case studies give us some real feelings about the Semantic Web.

Series

Cooperative information systems

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Abstract

This book examines a core topic in traditional librarianship: classification. Classification has often been treated as a sub-set of cataloguing and indexing with relatively few basic textbooks concentrating solely an the theory and practice of classifying resources. This book attempts to redress the balance somewhat. The aim is to demystify a complex subject, by providing a sound theoretical underpinning, together with practical advice and promotion of practical skills. The text is arranged into five chapters: Chapter 1: Classification in theory and practice. This chapter explores theories of classification in broad terms and then focuses an the basic principles of library classification, introducing readers to technical terminology and different types of classification scheme. The next two chapters examine individual classification schemes in depth. Each scheme is explained using frequent examples to illustrate basic features. Working through the exercises provided should be enjoyable and will enable readers to gain practical skills in using the three most widely used general library classification schemes: Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification and Universal Decimal Classification. Chapter 2: Classification schemes for general collections. Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classifications are the most useful and popular schemes for use in general libraries. The background, coverage and structure of each scheme are examined in detail in this chapter. Features of the schemes and their application are illustrated with examples. Chapter 3: Classification schemes for specialist collections. Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress may not provide sufficient depth of classification for specialist collections. In this chapter, classification schemes that cater to specialist needs are examined. Universal Decimal Classification is superficially very much like Dewey Decimal, but possesses features that make it a good choice for specialist libraries or special collections within general libraries. It is recognised that general schemes, no matter how deep their coverage, may not meet the classification needs of some collections. An answer may be to create a special classification scheme and this process is examined in detail here. Chapter 4: Classifying electronic resources. Classification has been reborn in recent years with an increasing need to organise digital information resources. A lot of work in this area has been conducted within the computer science discipline, but uses basic principles of classification and thesaurus construction. This chapter takes a broad view of theoretical and practical issues involved in creating classifications for digital resources by examining subject trees, taxonomies and ontologies. Chapter 5: Summary. This chapter provides a brief overview of concepts explored in depth in previous chapters. Development of practical skills is emphasised throughout the text. It is only through using classification schemes that a deep understanding of their structure and unique features can be gained. Although all the major schemes covered in the text are available an the Web, it is recommended that hard-copy versions are used by those wishing to become acquainted with their overall structure. Recommended readings are supplied at the end of each chapter and provide useful sources of additional information and detail. Classification demands precision and the application of analytical skills, working carefully through the examples and the practical exercises should help readers to improve these faculties. Anyone who enjoys cryptic crosswords should recognise a parallel: classification often involves taking the meaning of something apart and then reassembling it in a different way.

Footnote

- Similarly, there is very little space provided to the thorny issue of subject analysis, which is at the conceptual core of classification work of any kind. The author's recommendations are practical, and do not address the subjective nature of this activity, nor the fundamental issues of how the classification schemes are interpreted and applied in diverse contexts, especially with respect to what a work "is about." - Finally, there is very little about practical problem solving - stories from the trenches as it were. How does a classifier choose one option over another when both seem plausible, even given that he or she has done a user and task analysis? How do classifiers respond to rapid or seemingly impulsive change? How do we evaluate the products of our work? How do we know what is the "correct" solution, even if we work, as most of us do, assuming that this is an elusive goal, but we try our best anyway? The least satisfying section of the book is the last, where the author proposes some approaches to organizing electronic resources. The suggestions seem to be to more or less transpose and adapt skills and procedures from the world of organizing books an shelves to the virtual hyperlinked world of the Web. For example, the author states (p. 153-54): Precise classification of documents is perhaps not as crucial in the electronic environment as it is in the traditional library environment. A single document can be linked to and retrieved via several different categories to allow for individual needs and expertise. However, it is not good practice to overload the system with links because that will affect its use. Effort must be made to ensure that inappropriate or redundant links are not included. The point is well taken: too muck irrelevant information is not helpful. At the same time an important point concerning the electronic environment has been overlooked as well: redundancy is what relieves the user from making precise queries or knowing the "right" place for launching a search, and redundancy is what is so natural an the Web. These are small objections, however. Overall the book is a carefully crafted primer that gives the student a strong foundation an which to build further understanding. There are well-chosen and accessible references for further reading. I world recommend it to any instructor as an excellent starting place for deeper analysis in the classroom and to any student as an accompanying text to the schedules themselves."

Series

Information professional series

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Abstract

Classification is a crucial skill for all information workers involved in organizing collections, but it is a difficult concept to grasp - and is even more difficult to put into practice. Essential Classification offers full guidance an how to go about classifying a document from scratch. This much-needed text leads the novice classifier step by step through the basics of subject cataloguing, with an emphasis an practical document analysis and classification. It deals with fundamental questions of the purpose of classification in different situations, and the needs and expectations of end users. The novice is introduced to the ways in which document content can be assessed, and how this can best be expressed for translation into the language of specific indexing and classification systems. The characteristics of the major general schemes of classification are discussed, together with their suitability for different classification needs.

Footnote

Rez. in: KO 32(2005) no.1, S.47-49 (M. Hudon): "Vanda Broughton's Essential Classification is the most recent addition to a very small set of classification textbooks published over the past few years. The book's 21 chapters are based very closely an the cataloguing and classification module at the School of Library, Archive, and Information studies at University College, London. The author's main objective is clear: this is "first and foremost a book about how to classify. The emphasis throughout is an the activity of classification rather than the theory, the practical problems of the organization of collections, and the needs of the users" (p. 1). This is not a theoretical work, but a basic course in classification and classification scheme application. For this reviewer, who also teaches "Classification 101," this is also a fascinating peek into how a colleague organizes content and structures her course. "Classification is everywhere" (p. 1): the first sentence of this book is also one of the first statements in my own course, and Professor Broughton's metaphors - the supermarket, canned peas, flowers, etc. - are those that are used by our colleagues around the world. The combination of tone, writing style and content display are reader-friendly; they are in fact what make this book remarkable and what distinguishes it from more "formal" textbooks, such as The Organization of Information, the superb text written and recently updated (2004) by Professor Arlene Taylor (2nd ed. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited, 2004). Reading Essential Classification, at times, feels like being in a classroom, facing a teacher who assures you that "you don't need to worry about this at this stage" (p. 104), and reassures you that, although you now speed a long time looking for things, "you will soon speed up when you get to know the scheme better" (p. 137). This teacher uses redundancy in a productive fashion, and she is not afraid to express her own opinions ("I think that if these concepts are helpful they may be used" (p. 245); "It's annoying that LCC doesn't provide clearer instructions, but if you keep your head and take them one step at a time [i.e. the tables] they're fairly straightforward" (p. 174)). Chapters 1 to 7 present the essential theoretical concepts relating to knowledge organization and to bibliographic classification. The author is adept at making and explaining distinctions: known-item retrieval versus subject retrieval, personal versus public/shared/official classification systems, scientific versus folk classification systems, object versus aspect classification systems, semantic versus syntactic relationships, and so on. Chapters 8 and 9 discuss the practice of classification, through content analysis and subject description. A short discussion of difficult subjects, namely the treatment of unique concepts (persons, places, etc.) as subjects seems a little advanced for a beginners' class.
In Chapter 10, "Controlled indexing languages," Professor Broughton states that a classification scheme is truly a language "since it permits communication and the exchange of information" (p. 89), a Statement with which this reviewer wholly agrees. Chapter 11, however, "Word-based approaches to retrieval," moves us to a different field altogether, offering only a narrow view of the whole world of controlled indexing languages such as thesauri, and presenting disconnected discussions of alphabetical filing, form and structure of subject headings, modern developments in alphabetical subject indexing, etc. Chapters 12 and 13 focus an the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), without even a passing reference to existing subject headings lists in other languages (French RAMEAU, German SWK, etc.). If it is not surprising to see a section on subject headings in a book on classification, the two subjects being taught together in most library schools, the location of this section in the middle of this particular book is more difficult to understand. Chapter 14 brings the reader back to classification, for a discussion of essentials of classification scheme application. The following five chapters present in turn each one of the three major and currently used bibliographic classification schemes, in order of increasing complexity and difficulty of application. The Library of Congress Classification (LCC), the easiest to use, is covered in chapters 15 and 16. The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) deserves only a one-chapter treatment (Chapter 17), while the functionalities of the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), which Professor Broughton knows extremely well, are described in chapters 18 and 19. Chapter 20 is a general discussion of faceted classification, on par with the first seven chapters for its theoretical content. Chapter 21, an interesting last chapter on managing classification, addresses down-to-earth matters such as the cost of classification, the need for re-classification, advantages and disadvantages of using print versions or e-versions of classification schemes, choice of classification scheme, general versus special scheme. But although the questions are interesting, the chapter provides only a very general overview of what appropriate answers might be. To facilitate reading and learning, summaries are strategically located at various places in the text, and always before switching to a related subject. Professor Broughton's choice of examples is always interesting, and sometimes even entertaining (see for example "Inside out: A brief history of underwear" (p. 71)). With many examples, however, and particularly those that appear in the five chapters an classification scheme applications, the novice reader would have benefited from more detailed explanations. On page 221, for example, "The history and social influence of the potato" results in this analysis of concepts: Potato - Sociology, and in the UDC class number: 635.21:316. What happened to the "history" aspect? Some examples are not very convincing: in Animals RT Reproduction and Art RT Reproduction (p. 102), the associative relationship is not appropriate as it is used to distinguish homographs and would do nothing to help either the indexer or the user at the retrieval stage.