Dissertation Information for Jan Dee Crowe NAME: - Jan Dee Crowe
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- University of California, Berkeley (USA) (1986)
ADVISORS: - Patrick Wilson
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Robert D. Harlan - Wallace Leseur Chafe
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF INDEXING A WORK'S SUBJECTIVE VIEWPOINT
Abstract: Book selection policy places an obligation on the librarian to represent differing viewpoints in its collection. Yet viewpoint information is not systematically recorded in the catalogue or index record and is not accessible to researchers who might find such information relevant to their choice of research materials. This is because the library profession resists 'labeling,' is concerned about level of analysis, and maintains a self-image of 'neutrality,' which, it is feared, might be compromised by attempts to index a work's subjective viewpoint.
A solution is offered throughout the study in a definition of 'viewpoint' which is developed in three stages. In the first stage, two types of viewpoint are recognized. The first type of viewpoint, as a dimension of the author's belief system, presents the librarian with an ethical dilemma and is eliminated from consideration. The second is a dimension of the subject matter and is expressed textually in two forms: the first is in the open position taken by the author and supported by a deliberate line of argument which is usually easily recognizable; the second is in the underlying assumptions made by the author regarding his topic and is not so easily recognizable. In the final stage of viewpoint definition, these crucial assumptions are made practically recognizable as 'closed questions'.
In order to create a suitable climate for recognizing these closed questions, a change in index theory is suggested. 'Traditional' indexing has as its focus the summarization of content for the text in hand. It is suggested instead that the focus of the indexer should be upon the particular problem situation (i.e. topic plus questions addressed in the work on that topic) addressed by the author. Current procedures would not necessarily change a great deal. This new focus, if adopted, would improve many weak aspects of current theory and would, almost by the way, provide a natural and unforced space for a consideration of author viewpoint.
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MPACT Scores for Jan Dee Crowe A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-05-29 13:51:45
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