Evolutionary Subject Tagging in the Humanities; Supporting Discovery and Examination in Digital Cultural Landscapes by JackAmmerman, Vika Zafrin, Dan Benedetti, Garth W. Green.
Abstract:
In this paper, the authors attempt to identify problematic issues for subject tagging in the humanities, particularly those associated with information objects in digital formats. In the third major section, the authors identify a number of assumptions that lie behind the current practice of subject classification that we think should be challenged. We move then to propose features of classification systems that could increase their effectiveness. These emerged as recurrent themes in many of the conversations with scholars, consultants, and colleagues. Finally, we suggest next steps that we believe will help scholars and librarians develop better subject classification systems to support research in the humanities.
Truly remarkable piece of work!
Just to entice you into reading the entire paper, the authors challenge the assumption that knowledge is analogue. Successfully in my view but I already held that position so I was an easy sell.
BTW, if you are in my topic maps class, this paper is required reading. Summarize what you think are the strong/weak points of the paper in 2 to 3 pages.