Challenges and issues in terminology mapping: a digital library perspective

Abstract

Purpose

In light of information retrieval problems caused by the use of different subject schemes, this paper provides an overview of the terminology problem within the digital library field. Various proposed solutions are outlined and issues within one approach – terminology mapping are highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

Desk‐based review of existing research.

Findings

Discusses benefits of the mapping approach, which include improved retrieval effectiveness for users and an opportunity to overcome problems associated with the use of multilingual schemes. Also describes various drawbacks such as the labour intensive nature and expense of such an approach, the different levels of granularity in existing schemes, and the high maintenance requirements due to scheme updates, and not least the nature of user terminology.

Originality/value

General review of mapping techniques as a potential solution to the terminology problem.

Citation

McCulloch, E., Shiri, A. and Nicholson, D. (2005), "Challenges and issues in terminology mapping: a digital library perspective", The Electronic Library, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 671-677. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470510635755