[Sigia-l] Student hoping to interview designer of controlled vocabulary

[DeGracia, Jeremy]

Hello,

I am a current LIS student, and as part of a class project, I need to interview a person who has designed in-house a controlled vocabulary, taxonomy, subject-heading system, or some other type of classification scheme.  Please note that the only requirement is that the vocabulary was designed in-house; it can be used publicly (I am not seeking someone who has adapted a previously existing system).  At the risk of stating the obvious, if you have organized sections of a Web site or intranet based on subject or any other "ambiguous" scheme, then you would be a worthy interviewee.

If you agree to be interviewed, I would like to ask you several questions about the vocabulary and your connection to it, covering the following topics:

- Your job title and general responsibilities
- General description of the vocabulary and the process by which it was created
- Name, location, size, and type of collection
- Whether the vocabulary has certain characteristics (thesaurus, related terms for headings, entry vocabulary, scope notes, etc.)
- Evaluation of the vocabulary's usability

I hope to conduct the interview as soon as possible (before the end of Monday, 11/19, would be ideal).  I can ask the questions by phone or email, whichever you prefer (I suppose instant messaging would be acceptable as well).  I estimate the interview will take up 15-30 minutes of your time.  I am located in Los Angeles.

If you are willing to take part in this, please email me off-list at jdegracia at micronomics.com so we can set up a convenient time.
 
Thank you in advance for your help.

Jeremy DeGracia