October 24, 2003

Faceted Classification comes to the Library of Congress

Hold on to your hats, kids. You can now use the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) in a faceted classification scheme: FAST (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology): A Simplified LCSH-Based Vocabulary. According to the authors, the FAST schema is:

  • A controlled vocabulary with all headings established in the authority file, with the exception of headings containing numeric values only;
  • Based on the LCSH vocabulary;
  • Designed for an online environment;
  • A post-coordinated faceted vocabulary;
  • Usable by people with minimal training and experience,
  • Compatible with automated authority control.

This looks to be a very interesting option for systems that need a general controlled vocabulary.

(via Christina Wodke)