1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 1. Introducing classification scheme discourse
Knowledge Organization Systems
Classification schemes

5. 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

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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. References
Fox, M. (2016). Subjects in Doubt: The Ontogeny of Intersex in the Dewey Decimal Classification. Knowledge Organization, 43(8),
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, May 2014, Krakow, Poland. Würzburg: Ergon Verlag,
Lee, D. (2015). Consumption, criticism and Wirkung: Reception-infused analysis of classification schemes. Knowledge Organization, 42(7),
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
Mazzochi, F. (2017). Knowledge organization system (KOS). In B. Hjørland & C. Gnoli (Eds.), ISKO Encyclopedia of Knowledge Organization (IEKO). Retrieved from
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, July Granada, Spain. Würzburg: Ergon-Verlag, pp
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, February 2010, Rome, Italy. Würzburg: Ergon Verlag,