Käsiteviittaus

Käsiteviittaus, often translated as conceptual reference or conceptual linkage, is a term used in information science and library and information science to describe the relationship between different concepts within a knowledge organization system. It refers to the way concepts are linked together to form a coherent structure that facilitates information retrieval and understanding. These linkages are not simply semantic co-occurrences but rather represent a deeper, intentional connection based on shared characteristics, hierarchical relationships, or other logical associations.

In practice, käsiteviittaus is often realized through the use of controlled vocabularies, thesauri, and ontologies. These tools systematically define concepts and establish relationships between them, such as "broader term" (BT), "narrower term" (NT), "related term" (RT), and "use for" (UF) or "preferred term" (PT). For example, in a library catalog, "fiction" might be a broader term for "science fiction," and "science fiction" might be a narrower term for "fiction." A "related term" linkage could connect "climate change" to "environmental policy."

The effectiveness of a knowledge organization system hinges on the quality and clarity of its käsiteviittaukset. Well-defined conceptual references enable users to navigate complex information spaces, discover relevant resources, and understand the underlying structure of knowledge. They are crucial for indexing, cataloging, and searching, ensuring that users can find what they need even when they use different terminology than the original creators of the information. The study and implementation of käsiteviittaus contribute to more robust and user-friendly information systems.