Centralised classification of library materials- a benchmarking study.

Authors

  • Margaret Weaver
  • Eileen Hiller
  • Ian Jennings
  • Jennifer Brook
  • Heather Moreton
  • Elizabeth Jolly

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/lirg327

Keywords:

classifying, cataloguing, Health science, bibliographic records, fuzzy matching process, subject string analysis, shelf arrangement

Abstract

The Library Management Group of The University Of Huddersfield set up a pilot study to examine altemative procedures for classifying and cataloguing library material in the Health sciences. The study tested the impact of using classification and subject index terms in bibliographic records for titles in the health subject area. The work of the group concentrated on two areas: -establishing a benchmark for throughput in Technical Services in terms of speed, cost and availability of externally supplied class numbers -analysis of differences in classification numbers and subject indexing terms between those human assigned and system assigned. Samples of data were analysed using SPSS software; a fuzzy matching process was undertaken for the subject string analysis. The results showed considerable savings to be made in terms of both speed and cost. lt was instrumental in the decision to change the existing method of acquiring classification numbers.The hit rate for records and the impact on the shelf arrangement were at an acceptable level. The study produced reliable information to provide a benchmark for future developments (for exarnple outsourcing shelf ready books) and performance indicators.

Author Biographies

Margaret Weaver

Margaret Weaver (Project Leader) is the Academic Librarian for Human and Health Sciences. She initiated and led the pilot study.

Eileen Hiller

Eileen Hiller,Technicai Services Librarian, steered the project in Technical Services. She costed the processes and set up the shelf ready acquisition system with suppliers.

Ian Jennings

lan Jennings, Senior Cataloguer in the Library, oversaw the various sampling methods - ensuring rigorous data collection methods.

Jennifer Brook

Jennifer Brook, Senior Assistant Librarian for Applied Sciences, was the "human" classifier and subject indexer -providing the benchmark performance.

Heather Moreton

Heather Moreton, Library Assistant in Technical Services, dealt with and designed the sample collection slips.

Elizabeth Jolly

Elizabeth Jolly, Media Resources Librarian, was responsible for the fuzzy matching method for analysing subject strings. She now works at South Bank University Library.

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Issue

Vol. 23 No. 74 (1999)

Section

Research Articles

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