Representing Concepts Through Description Logic Expressions For Knowledge Organization System (Kos) Mapping

Mapping among KOS can be achieved by representing the concepts in each KOS through a canonical expression: DDC: Canonical expression GND 386.8 Inland waterway > Ports <- < isa > Traffic station (sic)< inEnvironment > Inland water transport -> Binnenhafen We explored representing concepts through description logic expressions using a sample of 150 library KOS classes and subject headings, 50 each from the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), the Regensburg Verbundsklassifikation (RVK), and the German Integrated Authority File (GND). Working from the ground up, we compiled a small vocabulary of relationships/roles and the beginnings of a faceted classification of elemental concepts. Large-scale application of this approach requires a large hierarchically structured vocabulary of relationships/roles and a universal faceted classification. We discuss the task of developing these tools drawing on many sources.