AUTOMATIC KEY WORD CLASSIFICATION

The former attempted to establish fundamental theoretical principles for

designing an analytico-synthetic classification of the whole of knowledge that can be
used not only for shelf arrangement, but also for computerized information retrieval.
Another approach that can be considered is the use of computer for production of the
classification scheme.
Gerard Salton (Director of SMART Project), and M.E. Lesk have been closely
associated with this kind of work in the United States, to form groups of terms, or of
related concepts, which are showen to occur regularly together, and which would
function in the same way as a classification scheme does.
Some examples of key terms linked in a clump are
1. Associative, Compound, Element, Magnetic, Memory, Recording, Storage.
2. Adjective, Ending, Grammar, Phrase, Style, Text, Tense, Thesaurus, and
3. Lead, Coating, Copper, Pipes

CLASSIFICATION IN ON-LINE SYSTEMS

Classification, as an aid to retrieval, has always played an important role in manual
information systems, and it should be assumed to have at least equal significance in
the on-line systems. However, the effectivity of classification into on-line systems is
yet to be fully exploited. In 1984, IFLA standing committee on classification and
subject cataloguing accepted the challenge to identify and encourage the research and
development needed to provide answers to such questions as:
(i) What kind of research is needed?
(ii) What facilities are there for carrying it out?
(iii) Are these areas where standards are needed?

The first steps taken are indented to lead to further investigation into
classification, and its role in:
(i) On-line catalogues,
(ii) Bibliographic data bases, and
(iii) Full text retrieval systems

Use of Traditional Classification Systems in on-line catalogues:

Traditional classification systems are used in on-line searching advantageously in
three ways. In the first, direct classification search method, the user enters a class
mark and the system displays relevant records for documents entered by that number
or near it. In the second method, using classification as a linked device, a suitable
subject heading is found from the index, the class number attached to these headings
are noted down and then used to locate bibliographic records from the classified
catalogue. This, however, does not obviate the need for constructing subject indexes,
nor does not obviate the need for constructing subject schedules are fairly good
subjects indexes. This, capability of classification for use in on-line Public Access
Catalogue(OPACs) as a third method, was realized way back and was emphasized in
CLR studies but the real impetus to undertake research in this direction was provided
in 1984 when DDC was made available in machine readable from. Consequently,
certain interesting studies were undertaken I which some are discussed below.