PRECIS-PREserved Content Index System-appeared in its definitive form in 1974, expounded in the first edition of its Manual, and has been used in several publications, notably in the British National Bibliography and as a one-stage index in British Education Index. Notable use has been made of it in Canada and Australia. The strengths and weaknesses of the system seen in practice are examined and some major criticisms are reviewed. Prospects for PRECIS look brightest in those countries without a well-established tradition of subject indexing. The second edition of the Manual (1984) contains many improvements but still has too many confusing and apparently inconsistent details. A briefer, clearer handbook is irequired.
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References
1.
Austin, Derek.PRECIS: a manual of concept analysis and subject indexing, 2nd edn. [by] Derek Austin with assistance from Mary Dykstra. London: British Library Bibliographic Services Division, 1984. xi, 397 pp. £7.95. ISBN 0 7123 1008 8.
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Austin, Derek.The development of PRECIS: a theoretical and technical historyJournal of Documentation , 1974, 30 (1), 47-102.
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Austin, Derek.PRECIS: a manual of concept analysis and subject indexingCouncil of the British National Bibliography , 1974.
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Peters, Helen Jane.User reactions to PRECIS indexes: final reportSchool of Library and Information Studies, Liverpool Polytechnic, 1981.
24.
Congreve, Juliet.Research initiatives: UK. 3: Enhancement by PRECISMARC Users' Group Newsletter , 1985 (1), 57-75. Paper given at the Group's 1984 conference.
