Knowledge organisation in the 1990s: Basics, problems, objectives

Abstract

A major danger today is that computer technology governing now almost all fields focuses on the forms and packaglng of knowledge rather than in its content. Systems based in computers are built on the units of knowledge, on concepts. The tasks of knowledge organisation are to define and to examine these units, and to convert them into a form suitable for storage. Some problems associated with knowledge organisation are discussed in detail, and some key issues are pointed out like the improvement of cooperation at any level, the establishment of a common knowledge base, education of knowledge organisation and classiflcation based on uniformly designed guidelines. The International Society for Organisation Knowledge established in the 1980s is ready to participate in the solution of the problems outlined and to help achieving the common goals.