Dr Deborah Lee, City, University of London Old schemes, new perspectives: the narrative of classification scheme analysis in the 21st century Dr Deborah Lee, City, University of London ISKO UK conference, 11th-12th September 2017

Schedule Introducing classification scheme discourse Example analysis techniques Stress testing Ontogeny Reception analysis A model of classification scheme analysis

Why consider classification scheme analysis? Useful to think broadly about what we are already doing Potential new analysis techniques Could inform new versions or schemes

1. Introducing classification scheme discourse Knowledge Organization Systems Classification schemes

1. Introducing classification scheme discourse TIME Classification scheme Classification scheme analysis Time and classification scheme analysis Analysis usually takes place at a different time from the scheme’s creation Plus, “versions” of schemes (see Tennis, 2010) based on time

1. Introducing classification scheme discourse Increasing generality Discussions about specific schemes Comparisons between specific schemes Classification of specific subjects The principles of classification schemes

2. Example technique: stress-testing What is stress-testing? Loosely modelled on scientific/engineering Deliberately “breaking” a classification scheme by classifying difficult, complex or “extreme” documents Breaking points used to understand scheme and/or subject Used on single or multiple schemes Originated in Lee (2017)

Example: extreme musical mediums 3 “extreme” works classified in 3 example special schemes Analysis revealed classification “fault-lines” Information about those specific schemes and music classification Of conceptual interest but also could be useful to practitioners when classifying similar works Classification scheme as complex system

2. Example technique: ontogeny What is ontogeny? Studying the development of a subject in classification schemes at different times First developed: Tennis (2002) Used for studies of specific topics, e.g. eugenics, gender Usually multiple editions of the same classification scheme Often studies compare the development in a classification scheme with the subject’s general development Originated in Tennis (2002)

Example: ontogeny of intersex in DDC Fox (2016) Tracks different treatment of intersex people through the history of DDC Results: intersex people moved 14 times in 23 editions of DDC, plus major changes to terminology Information about classification of this topic Of conceptual interest but also examines practical implications of these frequent changes Classification scheme as document

2. Example technique: reception analysis What is reception analysis? Considers how classification schemes have been “received” Includes consumption, criticism and effect (“Wirkung”) E.g. how often a scheme is used; whether the scheme is praised or criticised by librarians; Devised from reception studies, part of critical theory Originated in Lee (2014; 2015)

Example: Hornbostel and Sachs Lee (2017) Analysis considered how a music domain scheme influenced LIS classification schemes One particular area of reception: Wirkung Results highlighted influence of a particular domain classification on LIS, creation of LIS schemes, etc. Information about those specific schemes and music classification Mostly of conceptual interest Classification scheme as aesthetic object

A model of classification scheme analysis Inputs e.g. philosophy, scientific analysis, critical and literary theory, specially devised Classification scheme analysis System Aesthetic object Document Practitioner interest Information about subject Theorist interest Information about scheme

The nature of classification schemes Classification scheme analysis The relationship between classification schemes and classification scheme analysis The nature of classification schemes Classification scheme analysis System Document Aesthetic object

Classification scheme analysis = a narrative of contemporary KO Concluding thoughts A model of classification scheme analysis … … about schemes and subjects … for various audiences … connection between nature of scheme Classification scheme analysis as a fundamental, overarching methodology … a “new” methodology within LIS? Draws together disparate parts of KO but also suggests future analysis techniques/directions Classification scheme analysis = a narrative of contemporary KO

Contact: deborah.lee.1@city.ac.uk Questions? Contact: deborah.lee.1@city.ac.uk

References Fox, M. (2016). Subjects in Doubt: The Ontogeny of Intersex in the Dewey Decimal Classification. Knowledge Organization, 43(8), 581-593. Lee, D. (2014). “Webs of ‘Wirkung’: Modelling the interconnectedness of classification schemes.” In W. Babik (Ed.), Knowledge organization in the 21st century: Between historical patterns and future prospects: Proceedings of the thirteenth International ISKO conference, 19-22 May 2014, Krakow, Poland. Würzburg: Ergon Verlag, 200-207. Lee, D. (2015). Consumption, criticism and Wirkung: Reception-infused analysis of classification schemes. Knowledge Organization, 42(7), 508-521. Lee, D. (2017). Modelling music: a theoretical approach to the classification of notated Western art music (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). City, University of London, London. Retrieved from http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/17445/. Mazzochi, F. (2017). Knowledge organization system (KOS). In B. Hjørland & C. Gnoli (Eds.), ISKO Encyclopedia of Knowledge Organization (IEKO). Retrieved from http://www.isko.org/cyclo/kos. Tennis, J. T. (2002). “Subject ontogeny: subject access through time and the dimensionality of classification.” In M. J. López-Huertas & F. J. Munoz-Férnandez (Eds.).,Challenges in Knowledge Representation and Organization for the 21st Century: Integration of Knowledge across Boundaries: Proceedings of the Seventh International ISKO Conference, 10-13 July 2002 Granada, Spain. Würzburg: Ergon-Verlag, pp. 54-59. Tennis, J.T. (2010). "Measured time: imposing a temporal metric to classificatory structures." In C. Gnoli & F. Mazzocchi (Eds.), Paradigms and conceptual systems in knowledge organization: proceedings of the eleventh international ISKO Conference, 23-26 February 2010, Rome, Italy. Würzburg: Ergon Verlag, 223-228.