Review article

Subjective paradigm in subject indexing

Sonja Špiranec orcid.org/0000-0003-2586-3374 ; Odsjek za informacijske i komunikacijske znanosti Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb

Abstract

Although subject indexing is part of the conceptual core of library and information sciences, it is characterized by theoretical and practical ambiguities. These are a result of the fact that subject indexing is inherently a subjective and interpretative process, while at the same time, neutrality, objectivity and consistency are core principles of subject indexing. Libraries and other information institutions base their subject indexing on objective, nomological and document-centered principles. This paper, based on desk research and literature analysis, will re-examine common theoretical frameworks and practical principles in subject indexing, critically assess standards and guidelines used in libraries and analyse them in the light of user tagging, which implies a conceptual turn towards a subjective, user-oriented and contextual approach to subject indexing.

Keywords

subject indexing; aboutness; subjectivity; user tagging

Hrčak ID:

142161

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/142161

Publication date:

16.3.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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