Indexing Consistency: the Input/Output Function of Thesauri

This study measures inter-indexer consistency as determined by the number of identical terms assigned to the same documents by two different indexing organizations using the same thesaurus as a source for the entry vocabulary. The authors derive consistency figures of 24 percent and 45 percent for two samples. Factors in the consistency failures include variations in indexing depth, differences in choice of concepts for indexing, different indexing policies, and a highly specific indexing vocabulary. Results indicate that broad search strategies are often necessary for adequate search yields. he purpose of this study is to determine how well subject authority lists control index-ing vocabulary. Successful re-trieval of stored information depends, to a significant extent, on consistent-and therefore predictable-representation o