The BookshelF Thesaurus: Treasure or Trauma? Available to Purchase

The thesaurus module of the BookshelF automated system is described briefly. The results are reported of a research survey into the operation of this module. A questionnaire returned by 23 institutions was analysed. Three broad areas of operation are discussed: use of the thesaurus, practices relating to term selection and the value and problems of the module. The results indicate a variety of approaches to using a thesaurus and outline common problems encountered and possible solutions. It is concluded that the module is not being fully utilised or problems satisfactorily resolved.