Charles Ammi Cutter

Bio: Charles Ammi Cutter is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: History of the United States & Resource Description and Access. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 5 publications receiving 184 citations.

Rules for a dictionary catalogue

Abstract: Volume of cataloging rules created prior to the widespread availability of Library of Congress cataloging. Includes definitions and instructions on entry and style. Additional articles describe cataloging of special publications such as manuscripts, music, and maps and atlases.

Subject access in online catalogs: A design model

Abstract: A model based on strikingly different philosophical as. sumptions from those currently popular is proposed for the design of online subject catalog access. Three design principles are presented and discussed: uncertainty (subject indexing is indeterminate and probabilistic beyond a certain point), variety (by Ashby’s law of requisite variety, variety of searcher query must equal variety of document indexing), and complexity (the search process, particularly during the entry and orientation phases, is subtler and more complex, on several grounds, than current models assume). Design features presented are an access phase, including entry and orientation, a hunting phase, and a selection phase. An end-user thesaurus and a front-end system mind are presented as examples of online catalog system components to improve searcher success during entry and orientation. The proposed model is “wrapped around” existing Library of Congress subject-heading indexing in such a way as to enhance access greatly without requiring reindexing. It is argued that both for cost reasons and in principle this is a superior approach to other design philosophies.

Understanding Metadata and Metadata Schemes

Abstract: SUMMARY Although the development and implementation of metadata schemes over the last decade has been extensive, research examining the sum of these activities is limited. This limitation is likely due to the massive scope of the topic. A framework is needed to study the full extent of, and functionalities supported by, metadata schemes. Metadata schemes developed for information resources are analyzed. To begin, the author presents a review of the definition of metadata, metadata functions, and several metadata typologies. Next, a conceptualization for metadata schemes is presented. The emphasis is on semantic container-like metadata schemes (data structures). The last part of this paper introduces the MODAL (Metadata Objectives and principles, Domains, and Architectural Layout) framework as an approach for studying metadata schemes. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on the value of frameworks for examining metadata schemes, including different types of metadata schemes.

Document structure and digital libraries: how researchers mobilize information in journal articles

Abstract: This paper explores how academic researchers disaggregate and reaggregate scientific journal articles in both print and digital environments. Journal article disaggregation refers to the ability to access and manipulate individual components of a document, such as its figures, conclusions or references. In reaggregation, article components are compiled and integrated into a new written work. Data gathered in the NSF/DARPA/NASA Digital Libraries Initiative (DLI) project at the University of Illinois are analyzed to describe how components are mobilized in the work of researchers as they identify, retrieve, read and use material in articles of interest. Results lead to a discussion of the nature of metadata, the role of context in constraining component use, the complex assemblage of information system use and implications for digital library system design and user education.

The information user: past, present and future

Abstract: The emergence of research on various aspects of `information behaviour' is explored and its growth as a subject of academic research is documented. The origin of the field as a potential aid to the development of library and information services is noted, as is the transition from this status to that of a subject for research at PhD level and beyond. The development of the field has thus led to a division between the needs of academia for theoretically grounded work, and the needs of the field of practice for guidance for service development. There is, today, a disconnection between research and practice, to a significant extent: early research was undertaken by practitioners but today academic research dominates the scene. Suggestions are made as to how this disconnection can be repaired.

Practical potentials of Bradford's law: a critical examination of the received view

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine the practical potentials of Bradford's law in relation to core‐journal identification.Design/methodology/approach – Literature studies and empirical tests (Bradford analyses).Findings – Literature studies reveal that the concept of “subject” has never been explicitly addressed in relation to Bradford's law. The results of two empirical tests (Bradford analyses) demonstrate that different operationalizations of the concept of “subject” produce quite different lists of core‐journals. Further, an empirical test reveals that Bradford analyses function discriminatorily against minority views.Practical implications – Bradford analysis can no longer be regarded as an objective and neutral method. The received view on Bradford's law needs to be revised.Originality/value – The paper questions one of the old dogmas of the field.