Research Paper: The level of exploitation of Universal Decimal Classification in library OPACs: a pilot study
The level of exploitation of Universal Decimal Classification in library OPACs: a pilot study
by Aida Slavic, 2006
Source: Vjesnik bibliotekara Hrvatske 49(3-4), English Translation
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 FreePint Family is a family of resources to help information workers be more effective, raise the value of information in their organisations and contribute to success.
'FreePint... provides most of my professional development because it won't come through work and [other resources] just don't cut it.'
FUMSI Forum: Do you have a research question? Post it to the FUMSI Forum, where professionals share Q&A and useful tips on how to Find, Use, Manage and Share Information. It's free.