The two basic problems for any overarching classification scheme in a rapidly changing and complex field can be described as follows. First, any classificatory decision made now might by its nature block off valuable future developments. If we decide that all instances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are to be placed into a single box (R95 in ICD-10), then we are not recording information that might be used by future researchers to distinguish possible multiple social or environmental causes of SIDS. We are not making it impossible to carry out such studies; but we are making it difficult to retrieve information. Inversely, if every possible relevant piece of information were stored in the scheme, it would be entirely unwieldy. (p. 69)
I might revisit that quote at a later date, but it's a great example of the (to me) fascinating things we are talking and learning about in that class. Part of the requirements for the course is that we do a book report on a book about classifications and/or classificatory behavior. I chose Edward R. Tufte's Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative. Seems like an unusual choice, no? Well, I agree, and it's a good story as to why I picked this book.
Jon Frembling (the Archivist at the Carter) and I were shifting books in the main stacks of the Carter library in order to give certain areas more space. The N section (fine arts) was almost totally out of room, warranting a major shift in the books on either side of that section. While working on the second phase of the shift last week, I came across the section of the stacks that had all of Edward Tufte's books in them - an author previously unknown to me. I stopped, looked at the book, and took a photo with my iPhone for Amazon Remembers and went on my merry way. Later in the week, Dr. Kwasnik reminded us to pick a book to review for the class, and Tufte's books came to mind. I pulled the books off the shelves, and decided that Visual Explanations would probably be a great, but challenging, fit for the assignment.
So that's the how, now for the why. I chose this book first, because it fit broadly into the assignment guidelines. It fit, but linking the visual infographics in the book with classification will be a challenge - but I am making a special effort to challenge myself in this the last semester of my MSLIS. I am trying to move myself out of my relative comfort zones (LCCS, DDC) and into broader areas of thinking about my profession, as well as the skills I am learning this semester. Second, I think you already know of my love for infographics, and this dovetails nicely with that. Finally, it's an interesting book, and a series I very much want to "get into."
If you're interested, here's a presentation by Prof. Tufte to whet your appetite:
I'll share the finished report on Scribd so you all can see it. What have you all been reading? What are you up to this fall? Did you see Jen's invitation to be our pen pals (kinda)? I want to second that - we love sending and receiving mail!
I am still trying to read Isaac's Storm. I think I am writing more than reading right now. I cannot complain though.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I am still waiting for the fall. It's coming soon, right?
Finally, please do check out my post and jump on the post/notecard train!