G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 No. 105, First Floor, Everest Apartments, 153, 8th Main, 9th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore 560 003, IN

Abstract

Explains the concepts of Profession, and Self-consciousness of a Profession. Establishes the fact that, from the point of view of professionalism, continuing education'is a professional obligation of any profession induding that of library and information work and services. Develops a general reference framework of the essential categories of professional knowledge and skiffs. Claims its application value for designing and continuous revising of the syllabus for any professional course. Shows its usefulness in identifying new topics for organizing continuing education programmes.

Keywords

Continuing Education, Library & Information Profession.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

Strveys some of the significant works of the period 1945-1968 on these of a scheme for classification in designing a mechanised System for Document Finding (SDF). Concludes that a harmonious combination of the potentiality of the New Methodology of designing a scheme for depth classification developed in DRTC with the ability of a computer for fast search, in the design of a SDF world be able to meet more efficiently the document needs of specialists.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Information Studies for Africa (SISA), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, ET

Abstract

The study centres round a systematic strategy for formulating a definition of the term INFORMATION, which can be deemed to be appropriate for application by the professionals engaged in carrying out secondary information (information about sources of information, directly or indirectly) work for rendering information services based on professional activities, such as, subject classification and indexing, abstracting, and information analysis and consolidation. For this purpose, it starts with the proposition. "where there is "communication", there is "information" integrally associated with it". Considers "communication" to be a generic term to comprehend "self-communication" (SC), and "communication with others" (CO). Analyses both the processes thoroughly by taking note of the technical significance of each of the psycho-intellectual processes involved in being prepared for communicating by the communicator; and in receiving the essence of the communication by the communicate. Finds that in both the cases, SC plays the most significant role; and it involves several psycho-intellectual processes, such as, that of perception, analysis, classification, integration, interpretation, evaluation, conclusion, consolidation, conception, organization. association, knowing, remembering, learning, learning for knowing, and learning for remembering, to the extent these processes are warranted, and they are deemed to be necessary and sufficient. Finds also a close relationship between the essence of communication and "knowledge "and" data" in some specific senses. The essence of any piece of communication is its "MESSAGE"(M), which signifies one or mere intentions of its communicator. For all practical purposes, the "M" of a piece of communication, is inseparable from its "medium of expression" (ME), which is always a language; the complete sense-making units of which all are systematized bodies of concepts. Concludes that "ME" is "M" conveyed or intended to be conveyed by a systematized body of concepts, or by its accepted or acceptable substitutes.

Keywords

Information, Definition, Information and Communication, Self-Communication, Communication with Others, Psycho-Intellectual Processeses and Communication, Knowledge and Information, Data and Information, Message and Medium of Expression.

Full Text

     

A. Neelameghan ¹, G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

Mentions the need for providing facility of browsing among the Main Entries for micro documents. Demonstrates the unhelpfulness of the Class Index Entry (CIE) with Multiple Headings derived by applying the Chain Procedure to the full class number of a micro subject. Suggests (1) deeming a micro subject as a multi-focal one; (2) its division into convenient smaller compound subjects going with one and the same Basic Subject; (3) preparing a Main Entry for each of these compound subjects; and (4) deriving (CIE) from each Class Number by applying the Chain Procedure. Also demonstrates a method of rendering the (CIE) by cyclic permutation of the terms in the Heading and reading it keeping the syntax of its language in tact.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

The helpfulness of distinguishing between work in the idea plane and in the verbal plane is stated. After listing the structural elements in a catalogue code, the rule-level, the chapter-level, and the part-level of the Principle of Unity of Idea are examined and the qualities necessary in the idea plane and in the verbal plane are listed. In the light of these principles, a comparative study of Rule 58 of ALA 1908 and the corresponding rules of the other codes is made, indicating the impact, if any, received by any code from earlier codes.

Full Text

     

S. R. Ranganathan ¹, G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

Emphasises the need for a special technical terminology in the field of cataloguing in order to make the rules of cataloguing and discussions and teaching in cataloguing precise and free from refraction due to noise. Enumerates some Canons of Technical Terminology. Gives a census of the "Net" Technical Terms relating, to the cataloguing problems covered by CCC 1964 and by ALA 1967. Compares the definitions of some important terms given in ALA Code and CCC. Indicates their mutual impact in their successive editions. Brings out the avoidable faults in ALA 1967 and CCC 1964. Wherever necessary, gives an amended version of the definitions in CCC 1964 for inclusion in CCC Ed 6 in preparation, so as to avoid such faults. But no attempt is made to propose any amended version of any rule of ALA 1967.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

The document finding system devised by Dewey took the form of a Classified Catalogue. Cutter's system took the form of a Dictionary Catalogue. The efficiency of both the systems was largely dependent on the procedure of constructing subject headings to be used in them. Cutter gave a set of explicitly stated rules for this purpose. Dewey wanted the Relative Index to DC to be used as a substitute for the subject index. There was no explicit statement of the procedure followed by Dewey in the construction of the subject headings for the schedule entries, used in the Relative Index. An examination of the Relative Index shows that Dewey'S Procedure conforms to Cutter's Procedure to a large extent; but it introduces the novel feature of using distinctively the 'Yord or word-group having the "contextual function". Chain Procedure of Ranganathan is essentially different from Dewey's Procedure. In this procedure, the expressive name of a specific subject is represented in terms of its fundamental components. The sequenceoi these components is uniformly and uniquely determined in all cases, according to a set of postulates and principles. Each component is standardised. The Chain, bitving the "name-of-subject in standard ternls" as the last link, is determined. The different. kinds of links, such as, sought link, unsought link, and . false link-are distinguished. A subject heading is derived from each of the sought links in the chain according to a set of rules formulated to suit the purpose in band.  Obviously, the class number fora compound subject also may form the basis for applying Chain Procedure; but this is not an essential feature of Chain Procedure. Dewey's Procedure and Chain Procedure mark two distinct successive stages of developnient in the theory of subject headings.l

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

A classified catalogue lias to be based oil a scheme for classification. The basis of the design of a classified catalogue is "Classifying". UDC is primarily meant to serve as a basis for designing a classified catalogue. Classifying according to UDC is examined in the light of the postulates for facet analysis and the principles for determining facet sequence, forming part of the General Theory of Library Classification developed by S R Ranganathan in his Prolegomena to library classification. For this purpose, the principles, governing the development of UDC in its formative stage, are distilled out from the "General Introduction", Outline Structure, Auxiliary Tables and from the schedules. Each distinctive feature of UDC is correlated to the relevant basic principles. The devices prescribed by UDC for classifying in conformity with its basic principles are discussed with illustrative examples. Classifying according to TJDC, for designing a Multiple Entry Classified Catalogue is demonstrated and the disadvantages of the latter are mentioned. The Single Entry System prescribed by the Guide to UDC (1963) is discussed. The principles for determining the Facet Sequence in a compound subject, prescribed by the Guide, are examined. It is shown that each of these principles has a corresponding postulate or principle, as the case may be, in the General Theory of Library Classification. This General Theory may be adopted by any scheme for classification for its design and development. For example, CC has adopted this. This General Theory has prescribed the Postulational Method of Classifying. An examination of the principles, for determining the facet sequence in a compound subject, as prescribed by the Guide indicates that it intends to recommend the Postulational Method of Classifying, though inadequately, as prescribed by the General Theory of Library Classification. It is shown that UDC has the necessary "flexibility" for being adapted for this purpose, though at the cost of some economy and effectiveness. To ensure economy and effectiveness, much rethinking on the design and development of UDC will be necessary. The use of the Postulational Method of Classifying by UDC is demonstrated with an example.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore 560003, IN

Abstract

The theoretical foundation of the Chain Procedure is discussed. Its intimate relationship with the postulates about the structures of names-of-subject is shown. The application of these postulates for semantic cum syntactic analysis of names-of-subject is demonstrated. The problems of subject headings are enumerated. The term 4 Chain Procedure is defined. The variables that contribute to the development of the different versions of the Chain Procedure are distinguished. The different versions of the Chain Procedure are illustrated. The contributions on the Chain Procedure since 1934 are reviewed to show the different stages of its development.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, 31 Church Street, Bangalore 560001, IN

Abstract

Aims at examining the fundamentals and procedure of POPSI (Postulate-based Permuted Subject Indexing) on the basis of an experiment. For this purpose, (1) enumerates the empirical facts of experience generalised from the experiment; (2) explains the fundamentals-Idea; Information, Informative formulation, Indicative formulation, Subject, Groups of subjects, Classification of subjects; Organizing classification and Associative classification Structures of subjects; Semantic structure; Elementary structure; and Syntactic structure-forming part of the intellectual foundation of POPSI. Formulates the set of general postulates pertaining to the elementary and syntactic structures of compound subject. Marks out the essential attributes of subject indexing languages; Define's POPSI in terms of the steps involved in the procedure. Concludes as follows The idea of a purpose-oriented, postulate-based organisation Classification serving as the source of derivation by permutation of all possible associative classifications to supplement it in a definite context, is the characteristic feature of POPSI. Naturally it has a highly generalised, hospitable, versatile, and therefore adaptable intellectual foundation capable of guiding the formulation of consistent specific procedures of subject indexing for retrieval of (1) information qua information, (2) information ab-Ont the location of a body of information in the text of a document, and (3) information about the surrogates of documents. POPSI is amenable to computerisation. The potentiality of POPSI, as discovered till today, suggests that it can be regarded as an all-purpose indexing procedure so far as "information retrieval" is concerned.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, 31 Church Street, Bangalore 560001, IN

Abstract

Furnishes a brief account of the fundamentals and procedure of POPSI (Postulate-based Permuted Subject Indexing) Language. Demonstrates how POPSI Specifics are derived by systematic manipulations of POPSI-Basic. Outlines the features of the vocabulary control device for POPSI called "Classaurus"- a faceted systematic scheme of hierarchical classification having all the necessary features of a conventional theasurus.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, 8th Mile, Mysore Road, RV College P.O., Bangalore 560059, IN

Abstract

In the context of the emerging Information Society, considers the place of the conventional professional software technologies, such as, classification (Notational and verbal), cataloguing (descriptive), and indexing (subject) along with their associated tools, such as, classification schemes, cataloguing codes, vocabulary control devices, and manuals for indexing.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, 8th Mile, Mysore Road, Bangalore 560 059, IN

Abstract

Discusses the need for adaptation of the knowledge and skills of information professional to the changing information environment. Identifies the secondary information work and service as the domain of information professionals. Delineates the variety of knowledge and services needed for appropriate utilisation of information technology in the contemporary library and information systems and services. Provides a curriculum for Information technology for Ubrary and information professionals.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, 8th Mile, Mysore Road, Bangalore 560 059, IN

Abstract

Discusses the contents of Library and Information Science as an intellectual analysis of information for specific purpose or use. Identifies a variety of metheds of teaching the proferssional aspects of Library and Information Science. Demonstrates the approach of information analysis and consolidation as Summum Bonum of teaching and learning.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore 560 003, IN

Abstract

The work of deriving subject headings and the work of classifying have their Common foundation in the classification of the universe of subjects. Classification is always purpose oriented. As a process, it essentially consists of recognising "Groups" to suit the purpose in hand. When the groups are made to relate hierarchically, it is a product of "Organising Classification". Organising claSSification establishes "Coordinate - Superordinate - Subordinate - Collateral Relationships" (COSSCO-relationships) among subjects. Non-hierarchical groups are the product of "Associative Classification". Organising classification is based on the recognition of structures of subjects, wherever warranted, in two dimensions - the dimension of denotation, and the dimension of elementary constituents. The former may be referred to as "SemantiC Structure", and the latter as "Elementary Structure". A co-extensive name-of-subject in a natural language is not readily suggestive of its COSSCO-relationships. According to a coherent set of postulates relating to the elementary structures of names-of-subject, it can be translated into an "Artificial Verbal language" to make it readily suggestive of its COSSCO-relationships. The recognition of the elementary structure of a name-of-subject consists of recogniSing the elementary constituents - the "Base" and the "Complements". A coextensive name-of-subject in an artificial verbal language augmented by introducing the superordinates of the base and of the complements is a "Modulated Name-of-Subject". It is the horizontal version of a "Chain" resulting out of organiZing classification. A modulated name-of-subject can be further translated into an artificial language of ordinal numbers called "Notational Language" to mechanise the determination of COSSCO-relationships. At each stage, it is a name-of-subject. When it is used or intended to be used as a search-name, it becomes a "Subject Heading". The form of a modulated name of subject is readily amenable to transformation for creating groups of associative classification. Thus, the results of organising classification can serve as the source of deriving mechanically the associative classification; while the opposite process can never be reduced into a mechanical job. results of In serving the whole purpose of subject headings, organising classification and associative classification are complementary to each other.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore - 560 003, IN

Abstract

Up to the middle of the 19th century, subject headings had been intimately related with the organisational policies of closed access and of static location. Subject headings were used to store the documents in libraries, and to discover and/or retrieve them, or Information about them. "One document - one entry" was generally the principle In cataloguing practice up to the end of the 14th century. This entry was the subject entry of the systematiC catalogue. "One document - two entries" marked the beginning of multiple entry catalogUing by the end of the 14th century. Of these two, the entry under the subject heading was deemed to be the main entry of the systematiC catalogue, and the entry under the author heading or its substitute was deemed to be the added entry for the index to the systematic catalogue. By the end of the 15th century, the index to the systematiC catalogue used to be consisted of author, subject, and catch-word of title entries arranged in one alphabetical sequence. By the end of the 16th century, catalogues predominantly consisting of author, translator and subject-reference entries became popular; and in such a catalogue the author entries were deemed to be the main entries. From the last quarter of the 17th century, author-title catalogue gained popularity. By the end of the 18th century, the schemes of subject headings forming the foundation of the systematic catalogue were considerably expanded by incorporating new major subjects and their subdivisions. At the beginning of the 19th century, as a means to overcome the disadvantages of the systematic arrangement of subject headings, the alphabetico-classed catalogue was developed. On the other hand, the dictionary catalogue predominantly made up of author, title, and specific subject entries gained popularity. The choice and rendering of subject headings used to be governed by pre-designed schemes, of subject headings (schemes for verbal classification). They were either "literary" schemes or "research" schemes. Evidences are available of the existence of more than 100 such schemes. The subjects recognised by these schemes were mostly deemed as if they were all simple subjects.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore, 560 003, IN

Abstract

Cutter's procedure of deriving subject headings for syndetic specific subject indexing in a dictionary catalogue is a specific content of the logical form abstracted in the general theory of subject headings. This can be recognised through the interpretation of the abstract logical form. For this purpose an attempt is made to understand precisely the denotations of the pertinent technical terms used by Cutter in relation to subject indexing. The special attributes of the dictionary catalogue envisaged by Cutter are culled out from his various discussions; and they are systematised. Developments in subject headings that took place prior to Cutter are taken note of with reference to the general theory of subject headings. The study of fundamentals of Cutter's procedure as a whole, in this context, reveals that his policy for asyndetic subject indexing consists of associative grouping (classification) deeming each specific subject - individual or general, as the case may be - as a base. In the case of a compound subject, all other components, if any, are the complements. His policy for syndetic subject indexing also consists of the same associative grouping. Additionally it consists of introducing an approximation to organising grouping (claSSification) through references without explicit indications of COSSCO-relationships. His explicit rules of procedure are meant for implementing these poliCies. Evidently, there is an implicit set or postulates about the elementary structures of names of subject, which is distilled out. That there is an implicit systematic scheme of subject headings which becomes evident from Cutter's discussion and examples, is also pointed out. The appliCation of Cutter's basic rules on the basis of the modulated names-of-subject formulated by using the postulates and the implied scheme, is demonstrated.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

The rules in RDC (1904), the different editions of AACR, and in the different editions of CCC, pertaining to the Choice of the Heading of the Main Entry for a Simple Book by a Single Author, are critically evaluated and compared. Impact, if any, of one code on another is indicated. The inadequacy of Rule MD1 in CCC (1964) is detected, and the modification necessary to remove that is suggested.

Full Text

     

A. Neelameghan ¹, G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

Points out the need for a Pre-course Apprenticeship as a preparatory period for the Formal Course, enumerates its objectives, considers the factors involved in the overall as well as detailed planning for it. Gives a proforma of the Instruction Sheet and of the Diary to be used in the Apprenticeship Course.

Full Text

     

A. Neelameghan ¹, G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

Points out that the Discussion Technique provides for keeping each of the students as an active participant, for developing systematic thinking habits in him, for accustoming him to the use of correct terminology, and for inducing in him a co-operative and participative attitude. Mentions the role of the teacher in the discussion.

Full Text

     

G. Bhattacharyya ¹, A. Neelameghan ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

Shows the helpfulness of the Project Technique in teaching Library Science. Enumerates the objectives of adopting such a technique. Lays down the criteria for the choice of the subject for a project. Describes the work on short-term project on the Survey of Names-of-person in Indian Cultural Groups as an example.

Full Text

     

A. Neelameghan ¹, G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

Emphasises that the teaching of cataloguing should be designed in such a way that the knowledge of the theory of catalogue enriches the skill in practical cataloguing and vice versa. Describes a method of developing in the students some practical skills essential for making the formal course productive. Shows the helpfulness of the discussion technique in teaching the theory of cataloguing. Suggests a Rule-Reference Table as an aid for citing the rules in practical cataloguing work. Gives a proforma of the diary form to be used by the student. Mentions the different aspects of teaching to be done in the class and in the tutorial.

Full Text

     

A. Neelameghan ¹, G. Bhattacharyya ¹

Affiliations
1 Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore 3, IN

Abstract

Points out that today due to the dynamic developments in the universe of subjects, the Classier has to play the role of a Classificationist-in-little from time to time, and that the teaching of Classification should be reoriented to give him this capability. Emphasises that the teaching of classification should be designed to blend the study of the theory and practical work. Gives the steps in preparing the student for the work of classifying and for learning the theory of classification. Suggests that the Postulational Method is helpful in learning practical classification and describes the method. Also emphasises that comparative study of two schemes of classification is helpful to the students in grasping the canons and normative principles of classification. Outlines what should preferably be done in the class and in tutorial. Gives a sample list of subjects about which the student should study, an instruction sheet on how to study, and a sample list of subjects for filiatory grouping.

Full Text