It's a long time since we profiled our indexes but I remember we realised
we could not mix MeSH and LCSH in the same index. Cross references can
get the user into a loop although I cannot remember the exact example of
this. We decided not to index MeSH (in a separate index) because we did
not have that many records where a MeSH search would be preferable to a
LCSH search.
On INNOPAC there is only one authority file, so LCSH, MeSH and name
authorities are all be kept in the same file but they will be indexed
differently. You are correct that if a name authority is used as name
and as subject the same authority record must be held in duplicate but
they will be indexed differently. However LCSH and MeSH are quite
separate authority records so the same record won't be held in duplicate.
On Wed, 28 Mar 2001, Davey ,Mr Paul wrote:
> I would welcome advice from any sites using two topical subject schemes (in
> our case, MeSH and LCSH). I would be interested to know whether you have
> separate indexes, and also how you index other subject fields. In our case,
> we do not use strings or rotated indexing. We put in geographics as separate
> headings (as 651), and we use a local field for time periods. And we input
> genres into 655. The point is that - take an example - a 651 might appear in
> a bib containing MeSH headings, or LCSH headings, or neither. So might a
> time period, and so might a 655.
>
> I am simply unsure whether we need to maintain separate indexes for the
> latter three types; or a combined one for them; or there has even been a
> suggestion that they should not be indexed separately at all, but included
> in both the topical indexes, i.e. duplicated and indexed in both.
>
> There are also of course repercussions for searching, and for putting some
> of these options in at the opening screen versus making them limits.
>
> Any examples you might give of your own practices and especially links to
> your OPAC would be great.
>
> As yet we have no authorities loaded. If the same authority is loaded in two
> indexes, does it have to be maintained twice over (e.g. when amending,
> adding crossrefs?) My question also applies to names when they are loaded
> both in author and in subject indexes.
Mieko
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Mieko Yamaguchi [log in to unmask]
Technical Services Manager/System Coordinator +44 (0)1248 382970
Main Library, University of Wales Bangor, UK +44 (0)1248 382979 (Fax)
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