An Application of the Outline of Cultural Materials to Film Information

Abstract

I describe here a coding and retrieval system to integrate film informa tion with printed social science material. The system is based on the Outline of Cultural Materials (OCM) (Murdock et al. 1971), a topical classification scheme. I use the Human Relations Area Files and its Automated Biblio graphic System (HABS) format as the means of integration. To get a film ready for OCM coding, the video tape is divided into sections containing both visual and aural information; then HRAF File slips are prepared on the basis of the video tape divisions; an OCM video index describes each video tape section. The result, a HABS film profile, provides information about the structure of the film, funding institution, names and backgrounds of the film makers. Appendix A explains experimental modification with the OCM; Appendix B contains an OCM video tape index of the film "Kenya Boran"; Appendix C presents a HABS film profile for "Kenya Boran."