Layers of meaning: disentangling subject access interoperability

In order to facilitate subject access interoperability a mechanism must be built that allows the different controlled vocabularies to communicate meaning, relationships, and levels of extension and intension so that different user groups using different controlled vocabularies could access collections across the network. Switching languages, the tools of controlled vocabulary compatibility, consist of a single layer that does not allow for a flexible control of the semantic levels of meaning, relationships, and extension or intension. This paper proposes a multilayered conceptual framework wherein the levels of meaning, relationships and extension and intension are each controlled as individual parameters, rather than in a single switching language.

Ranganathan’s Layers of Classification Theory and the FASDA Model of Classification

Describes four waves of Ranganathan’s dynamic theory of classification. Outlines components that distinguish each wave, and porposes ways in which this understanding can inform systems design in the contemporary environment, particularly with regard to interoperability and scheme versioning. Ends with an appeal to better understanding the relationship between structure and semantics in faceted classification schemes and similar indexing languages.