Reviews

This manual is a comprehensive publication which is suitable for use by both librarians and computer systems staff engaged in applying PRECIS to library cataloguing systems. It has particular application as an operational manual for librarians responsible for subject indexing. The manual is well structured and contains numerous examples related to all aspects of the theory being discussed. The student is taken gently through the whole complex subject in the most painless mAnner possible. Provided the reader thoroughly understands each section before moving on to the next no difficulty should be experienced in mastering the PRECIS method of subject indexing. One aspect of using the system which could benefit by additional emphasis is that relating to second and subsequent use of a string. This is dealt with on page 394 of the manual. This section of the manual recommends that if an indexer locates a pre‐existing string on the PRECIS file then, if there are no grounds for the creation of a new string, the indexer ‘should quote the existing SIN without further ado’. Failure to follow this principle will result in the creation of multiple strings varying only in very specific detail. The effect of this is to create very large files with little dual usage of individual strings. This can result in very high computer processing costs.