Cross-referencing and Thesaurus maintenance

Abstract

The development of thesauri in science and technology is briefly discussed. The important aspects of the structure and format of a thesaurus are mentioned. The need for revising a thesaurus, the structural changes that may occur in course of time, and the problems of maintaining a thesaurus are indicated. It is the need that should determine the frequency of revision, rather than any other exigency. The types of relations implied in the cross-reference structures in thesauri are briefly discus- sed. The cross-reference structures in TEST, Thesaurofacet, INIS The Stresses the point that the policy regarding saurus etc, are examined. the cross-referencing in thesauri should be stated explicitly, if proper and useful studies are to be undertaken regarding the cross-reference structures, and points out that such a policy statement is of help in the maintenance of thesauri and usable form. The two types of approaches suggested Kochen and others for the study of properties of cross-reference of structures are mentioned.