The PRECIS (Preserved Context Index System) is an indexing system that provides full subject statements at index entry points to preserve context. It uses natural language descriptions instead of a controlled vocabulary. Index entries have a two-line format with the lead term in bold on the first line and related terms on the second. Terms are assigned role codes to generate index strings and entries in a computerized system. PRECIS was used for indexing the British National Bibliography from 1984 to 1990 when it was replaced by the COMPASS system.
The PRECIS (Preserved Context Index System) is an indexing system that provides full subject statements at index entry points to preserve context. It uses natural language descriptions instead of a controlled vocabulary. Index entries have a two-line format with the lead term in bold on the first line and related terms on the second. Terms are assigned role codes to generate index strings and entries in a computerized system. PRECIS was used for indexing the British National Bibliography from 1984 to 1990 when it was replaced by the COMPASS system.
The PRECIS (Preserved Context Index System) is an indexing system that provides full subject statements at index entry points to preserve context. It uses natural language descriptions instead of a controlled vocabulary. Index entries have a two-line format with the lead term in bold on the first line and related terms on the second. Terms are assigned role codes to generate index strings and entries in a computerized system. PRECIS was used for indexing the British National Bibliography from 1984 to 1990 when it was replaced by the COMPASS system.
PRECIS • A system of subject indexing which provides a full subject statement at each significant point of entry in the index. • The context of the terms of a PRECIS is always preserved and each index entry is co-extensive with the subject • The system is an example on the application of syntactical devises in indexing PRECIS • Used natural language description • Instead of a prescriptive list of terms provides a model for subject analysis (known as a paradigm) in each subject area • The subject matter or the input string must already be in a “context dependent” sequence. • Context dependency means that each term in the string is dependent on the term immediately before it History • Development of chain indexing • DDC lacked adequate level of detail • Interest in developing a system with human decision-making and computerized automation • Designed by Derek Austin (1984) • 1960‟s: Research for CRG & NATO • 1970‟s: British Library Bibliographic Services Division • Used for the subject analysis of material in the British National Bibliography and British Catalogue of Music from 1984 • COMPASS (which is also terminated in 1996) replaced PRECIS in 1990. History The British Library compiled an internal thesaurus for PRECIS-indexing of the British National Bibliography from 1950-1987 The PRECIS thesaurus has, unfortunately, never been available online It is one of the few examples of a wide-ranging general thesaurus of considerable specificity PROS and CONS Advantages Flexibility More accurate entries Adapt to change more quickly Can handle multiple languages
Computer does part of the work
Disadvantages Requires a massive amount of careful work Efficiency is debatable In Comparison Vs. LCSH Freedom in assigning subject headings Interrelation of the various headings
Vs. DDC & LCC
Syntacticalstructure Freedom in assigning subject headings Process Examine material Make descriptive phrases Analyze phrases Convert phrase into string Determine tags for Terms Enter into computer Computer makes entries Thesaurus maintained Index Entry Two-line, three part format First line consists of the „lead and the qualifier’ (heading) The lead is the user‟s access point to the index, and the qualifier provides the broader context Second line has the display The display shows the terms of the narrower context The lead is in boldface and is separated from the qualifier by a period-plus-space also it must contain at least one term, but the qualifier or the display may be empty. Index Entry
LEAD . QUALIFIER
DISPLAY
Entries of the general type as in above can be can be generated by a
computer in a context dependent sequence. This procedure of generating the sequence is called shunting. Index Entry Example, the subject statement reads: Management of libraries in India Entries will be as follows: Management Libraries. India Libraries. Management India India. Libraries. Management Coding Task of term categorization is governed by a table of role operators Role operators are the code symbols which show the functions of the component terms and fix its position in the string Input terms are prefixed by role operators Helps in writing the strings in PRECIS Serves as an instruction to the computer in determining the typography, punctuation and format of the input Coding Primary operators (formerly called mainline operators) perform the primary task in syntactical side. It composed of three sets of concepts: Environmental core concepts 0 Core concepts 1, 2 & 3 Extra-core concepts 4, 5 & 6
Secondary operators also have three sets of operators
namely: Coordinate concepts f&g Dependent elements p, q, & r Special Classes of action s, t, & u Coding Other types of codes according to Chowdhury, 1999 Two sets of primary codes: Theme interlink $x, $y & $z Term code $a, $b & $c Two sets of secondary codes: Differences Preceding differences $0, $1 & $2, (a third character 1-9 indicates the level of difference) Dates differences $d Parenthetical differences $n & $o Connectives $v & $w Lastly a typographic codes which is used in bringing typographic form of a given term in the resulting index entry. ---$f, $g $h & $i Codes 0 – location $c – Proper name 1 – Key system; object of transitive action; agent $d – Place name of intransitive action $0 – Non-lead, space generating 2 – Action; effect of action $1 – Non-lead, close up 3 – Performer of transitive action; intake; factor $2 – Lead, space generating 4 – Viewpoint-as-form $3 – Lead, close up 5 – Selected instance, e. g. study, region, sample $n – Non-lead parenthetical difference population $o – Lead parenthetical difference 6 – Form of document; target user $v – Downward reading connective f – „Bound‟ coordinate concept $w – Upward reading connective g – Standard coordinate concept $e – Non-filing part in italic preceded by comma p – Part; property $f – Filing part in italic preceded by comma q – Member of quasi-generic group $g – Filing part in roman r – Assembly $h – Filing part in italic preceded by full point s – Role definer $i – Filing part in italic, no preceding punctuation t – Author-attributed association u – Two-way interaction $x – 1st concept in coordinate theme $y – 2nd/ subsequent concept in theme $z – common concept $a – Common noun REFERENCES • Hjørland, B. (2007). PRECIS (Preserved Context Index System). Denmark. http://www.iva.dk/ bh/lifeboat_ko/SPECIFIC%20SYSTEMS/precis.htm, Accessed 15 July 2010. Chowdhury, G. G. 1999. Introduction to Modern Information Retrieval. London : LA pub. Portraits in cataloging and classification: Theorist, Educators, and Practioners of the Late Twentieth century. (1998). Retrieved January 3, 2010, from Google books website: http://books.google.com.phbooksid?=uM9EZz- GEfsC&pg=PA23&lpg=PA23&dq=preserved+context+indexing+system&source=bl&ots=UV KA5eaPzy&sig=qcOdZilyQ5pp3ryGWvZbIGbGoGE&hl=tl&ei=tLhAS5-8ApDi7A. Sharma C. K. & Sharma A. K. (2007). Information Process and Retrieval. Retrieved January 3, 2010, from Google books website: http://books.google.com.phbooksid?=l7cnWBe1tEoC&pg=PA35&lpg=PA35&dq=preserved +context+indexing+system&source=bl&ots=6jrO8QcI5k&sig=TPZO8B0vFCQjcYEwWVTseq8 n1VU&hl=tl&ei=tLhAS5-8ApDi7A Lancaster, F. W. 2003. Indexing and Abstracting Theory and Practice. London: Library Association Publishing. Smith, C. (2007). PRECIS (Preserved Context Index System). http://www.powershow.com/view/67a1-MjRjN/PRECIS_Preserved_Context_Index_System , Accessed 15 July 2010.