Introduction to Knowledge Organization

The book uses a comprehensive theoretical framework for examining the theories of knowledge organization, the structural principles in knowledge organization, and the impacts of these theories and principles in the construction of knowledge organization systems (KOSs). A very unique component of the book is its coverage of the Semantic Web and linked data in the context of the representation of knowledge organization structures, including convincing cases and examples, as well as the issues and progress of fundamental and advanced applications. The range and scope of the book present a state- of-the-art review of the whole domain of knowledge organization.

-- Marcia Lei Zeng, School of Information, Kent State University

This is a broad and concise introduction to the growing field of knowledge organization. It introduces the most important kinds of knowledge organization systems used, both traditionally in physical libraries and in the digital world. It covers practical as well as theoretical and historical issues. I particularly like the view that the underlying theoretical assumptions of all knowledge organization systems need to be detected.

-- Birger Hjørland, Department of Communication, University of Copenhagen

This book provides a clear but detailed overview of knowledge organization. Its remarkable depth and analytical approach enables it to highlight useful connections between philosophical and theoretical approaches and practical applications. The author’s classic interdisciplinary and encyclopedic knowledge makes it accessible both to a specialized and a general public. Searching first in its historical, philosophical and epistemological depths, Gnoli proposes a work that reads like a novel in spite of the details and technical terms. Introduction to Knowledge Organization will be suitable for established researchers, progressing and advanced students.

-- Widad Mustafa El Hadi, Department of Information Science, University of Lille SHS

In clear and accessible writing, for a broad group of readers regardless of their scientific field, Claudio Gnoli’s new book introduces knowledge organization in a diachronic approach and presents the theoretical foundations and the practice in various contexts. Introduction to Knowledge Organization constitutes an exceptional contribution to the learning of knowledge organization, targeted at students, both undergraduates and postgraduates, and also at researchers.

-- Olívia Pestana, Department of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Porto

This well-written book is an excellent and timely account of the theories, practical applications and discipline of knowledge organization. This book would be invaluable as a textbook for those studying library and information science (LIS), and would also be of interest to those working in knowledge organization and who want to enhance and deepen their understanding of knowledge organization.

-- Deborah Lee, University College Lo