RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
HEALTHLINK WORLDWIDE
5.3 Assigning keywords
If the resource centre is very small, users will be able to find the materials they need
by browsing (looking at) the shelves. Otherwise, the resource centre will need a
card catalogue or computer database, which contains details of materials in the
collection and indicates where to find them on the shelves. Information on
databases is given in Section 6.8.
A system for describing the content of each material will need to be developed
before details of materials can be included in a catalogue or computer database.
The best way is to have a list of ‘keywords’, and describe each material using
several keywords from the list. For example, the keywords used by Healthlink
Worldwide’s resource centre to describe the book, Where there is no doctor, are:
community health care / traditional health care / community health workers /
diagnosis / diseases / management & treatment
Keywords lists and thesauri (lists of terms used to describe different subjects) are
called ‘controlled vocabulary’, because they specify which terms (words or short
phrases) are used for describing materials. Most keywords lists also specify terms
that are not used, and suggest terms to use instead.
5.3.1 Choosing a keywords list
Resource centres can develop their own keywords lists (see Section 5.3.3), or obtain
and adapt standard keywords lists.
Both general and specialist lists are available. General lists include the Library of
Congress Subject Headings and Sears’ Subject Headings. Specialist lists include the
UNESCO Macro-thesaurus, National Library of Medicine Medical Subject
Headings (MeSH), and Healthlink Worldwide’s Keywords List. Healthlink
Worldwide’s list, which was originally compiled in the mid-1980s, is regularly
revised to incorporate new subject areas reflecting emerging health issues. The list is
used by many organisations in either its original or an adapted form.
5.3.2 How to assign keywords
To assign keywords, look at the material carefully to identify the main subjects
covered. Do not rely on the title. For books and other print materials, look at the
title page, list of contents and introduction. For audiovisual materials, look at the
title, description and any accompanying materials, and by watching a video,
listening to an audio cassette, or looking at slides.
Notice which sections or chapters are longest, or which may be of special interest to
users of the resource centre. Then assign keywords.
Start with general terms and move on to more specific terms to describe the
material’s subject matter. Use as many keywords as necessary. However, remember
that users will expect to find useful information on the subjects indicated by
keywords.
SECTION 5: ORGANISING THE INFORMATION
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