Toward a framework for visual nomen

• Published in: Electronic library Vol. 41; no. 6; pp. 787 - 800
• Main Author: Coladangelo, L P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Emerald Group Publishing Limited 22.11.2023
• Subjects: Authority control; Bibliographic Databases; Bibliographic description; Communities of Practice; Definitions; Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records-FRBR; Glossaries; Information retrieval; Information systems; International Organizations; Knowledge Representation; Libraries; Library associations; Linguistic Theory; Linguistics; Multilingualism; Representations; Semiotics; Specifications; Symbols; Visual aspects; Visual Perception
• ISSN: 0264-0473; 1758-616X
• DOI: 10.1108/EL-05-2023-0104

PurposeThrough examination of the Library Reference Model (LRM) specifications for nomen and the potential challenges visual nomen might present for their description and use in information systems, the purpose of this study was to investigate two questions: (1) how do nonlinguistic or nonalphanumeric signs or symbols act as nomen to identify entities? and (2) what details or attributes are relevant to describe and classify such nomen to integrate them into information systems?Design/methodology/approachThis research was built on an exploratory, qualitative instrumental case study design using multiple (or comparative) cases. Using the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions LRM conceptualization of nomen as the basis, this research explored the similarities and differences between the LRM definition, its attributes and the use of nonlinguistic and nonalphanumeric “strings” for visual nomen to represent a res, moving iteratively between the LRM documentation, visual nomen identified in previous research and additional examples. This study used a constant comparative method to conduct a structured, focused comparison across different cases found in the source survey.FindingsA close review of the history of the development of the nomen entity was made to understand the semiotic relationship between entities and their symbolic representation, how those symbols are then reified to be further classified and described and how such definitions in the LRM offer a path forward for better understanding the role and function of visual nomen. Based on the foundation of the nomen entity and its attributes established in the LRM, this research then looked at visual representations of concepts and entities to suggest a nascent framework for describing aspects of visual nomen which may be relevant to their use and applicationOriginality/valueThis exploratory study of the use of supralinguistic ways of referencing entities delineates novel insights into a potential framework for describing and using visual nomen as a way of labeling or naming entities represented in information systems. By examining the specifications of the nomen entity and its attributes as delineated by the LRM, this study reinforces the applicability of LRM-defined attributes in the use of visual nomen in addition to offering other attributes or dimensions.