# /research/projects/fastac/default.htm

originally: http://www.oclc.org/research/projects/fastac/default.htm

# FAST as a knowledge base for automatic classification

## Goal

Evaluate FAST as a database to support automatic classification.

## Description

FAST is based on LCSH and is designed for ease of use in the online environment. This project will assess the suitability of FAST authority records as a knowledge base for automatic classification, employing techniques that were developed for creating, testing, and evaluating Scorpion databases derived from the Dewey Decimal Classification and the Library of Congress Classification.

A successful outcome of this investigation would be a knowledge base for automatic classification derived from a standard that is already in widespread use in digital libraries, which is also scalable, publicly accessible, and compatible with Open Source software.

## Research methodology

The approach to this project will include system building and empirical evaluation.

## Why OCLC is conducting this research and how it helps libraries

This project rates high on four OCLC Research project-selection criteria because it has the potential to:

1. enhance existing assets
2. promote collaboration and consensus
3. leverage the value of the cooperative
4. contribute to scholarship.

## Anticipated deliverables

The main outcome anticipated for this project is the creation of automated systems of use to the library community. More specific results include:

1. publicly accessible Scorpion databases
2. a research paper
3. algorithms and software for recovering concept hierarchies
4. algorithms and software for mapping terms to records from an external source.

## Schedule

- March 2003
  - Create baseline Scorpion databases.
  - Collect baseline statistics.
  - Distribute final draft of white paper for internal review.
  - Verify self-evaluation software.
  - Code algorithms for mapping terms to records.
- April/May 2003
  - Test algorithms for term mapping and concept hierarchy extraction.
  - Conduct self-tests with enhanced Scorpion databases.
  - Define criteria for an evaluation that is not based on self-tests.
  - Identify a set of test records.
- June 2003
  - Code algorithms for recovering concept hierarchies and applying them to concept records.
  - Finish March/April tasks.
  - Conduct an evaluation with the test records.
- July 2003
  - Write up technical report.

## Risks/Assumptions

1. Hierarchies in FAST records may have internal inconsistencies or may not be easily recovered.
2. Methods for creating subsets of FAST records may produce ad-hoc results.
3. Automatic classification requires editorial support.

## References

- Godby, Carol Jean, and Jay Stuler. 2001. "The Library of Congress Classification as a Knowledge Base for Automatic Classification." IFLA Preconference [presentation paper]. Accessible at: http://staff.oclc.org/~godby/auto_class/godby-ifla.html.
- O'Neill, Edward T., et al, 2001. "FAST: Faceted Application of Subject Terminology." IFLA Preconference [presentation paper]. Accessible at: http://www.oclc.org/research/projects/fast/dc-fast.doc (Word:63K/7pp.)

## Project team

- Jean Godby, Consulting Research Scientist (Lead)
- Jay Stuler, Technical Intern (stulerj@oclc.org)