Functions of a thesaurus, Humanities

Assignment Help:

Functions of a Thesaurus 

The major functions of a thesaurus include the following : 

a) it provides a standard vocabulary for a given subject field by exercising control on the vocabulary of terms used in an indexing language. Methods of controlling the vocabulary are: 

  1. out of all possible synonyms and quasi-synonyms, only one term is selected as a descriptor, 
  2. the scope of the meaning of the term is clearly indicated in a scope note for the best suitability of the selected meaning, 
  3. a definite rule is followed for compound terms, word-forms, number (singular/plural) and spellings are standardized, and 
  4. homonyms are differentiated by qualifiers;

b) it shows the intrinsic, semantic relationship existing between, terms, and thus provides system of references between terms; 

c) it helps the indexer and the searcher in the choice of preferred terms; 

d) it provides hierarchical display of terms so that a search can be broadened or narrowed systematically; 

e) it increases the speed of retrieval by use of indexing terms and search terms; and 

f) it provides a map of a 'given subject field, which helps to understand the structure of the field. 


Related Discussions:- Functions of a thesaurus

Thesauri and subject headings list, Thesauri and Subject Headings List   ...

Thesauri and Subject Headings List   Both thesauri and subject headings lists are vocabulary control devices, but they are used in different situations. The essential character

the main aspects of freud''s argument , In Civilization and its Discontent...

In Civilization and its Discontents, Sigmund Freud argues that civilization is actually an obstruction towards humanity attaining happiness. (a)    Identify the main aspects of F

The World of George Washington Plunkitt, What role does Plunkitt see for po...

What role does Plunkitt see for political party bosses to play within the Democratic Party? Why does he feel that way?

Catalogue codes, Catalogue Codes   When we prepare a catalogue for a li...

Catalogue Codes   When we prepare a catalogue for a library collection, we follow a set of principles and rules to prepare the entries and to arrange and file them. Sets of rul

Common paterns for conducting operational research, in around 1500 words , ...

in around 1500 words , describe the commonly used pattern of conducting operational research in the field of health , give illustration to describe the common pattern.

Cataloguing-in-publication, Cataloguing-in-Publication   The cataloguin...

Cataloguing-in-Publication   The cataloguing-in-Source given up by the LC in 1959 was revived in July 1971. The entries were prepared from galley proofs and data returned to pu

Institutions, why schools endure over time?

why schools endure over time?

Levels of description - data elements, Levels of Description   Even tho...

Levels of Description   Even though AACR-2 provides for the eight areas of description and for certain elements of information in each area, it is not necessary that every docu

Darwnism theory, what is the conclusion Darwinism theory

what is the conclusion Darwinism theory

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd