Computer-Based Subject Authority Files at the University of Minnesota Libraries

Abstract

A computer-based system to produce listings of topical sub;ect terms and geographically subdivided terms is described. The system files and their associated listings are called the Subject Authority File (SAF) and the Geographic Authority File (GAF). Conversion, operation, problems, and costs of the system are presented. Details of the optical scanning conversion, with illustrations, show the relative ease of the technique for simple upper case data files. Program and data characteristics are illustrated with record layouts and sample listings.