Explanation of the Rhizomatic Approach in Knowledge and Information Organization Systems with Emphasis on Web Space

Movahedian, Ghasem; Shabani, Ahmad; Cheshmesohrabi, Mozaffar; Asemi, Asefe

doi:10.35050/JIPM010.2020.040

Explanation of the Rhizomatic Approach in Knowledge and Information Organization Systems with Emphasis on Web Space

Authors

Ghasem Movahedian

Ahmad Shabani

Mozaffar Cheshmesohrabi

Asefe Asemi

10.35050/JIPM010.2020.040

Abstract

Theoretical foundations and philosophical basis of library classification systems have always been important for information science professionals. This research studies the philosophical foundations and logical basis of the classification systems and structure of human knowledge and studies the logical basis of library classifications Scheme. Challenges and problems of traditional ideas about knowledge organization and its hierarchical structure have been studied and rhizomatic thought has been proposed as an alternative model for the tree and hierarchical structure especially for the organization of digital and hypertext information on the web. In Western thought, the tree structure based on Aristotelian logic has been the dominant model of classification and due to its problems, the rhizomatic structure is suggested. Information structure in digital space such as rhizomes moves in many directions and creates a multiplicity of connections and relations. The growth and emergence of interdisciplinary studies can be seen as evidence. Traditional, tree-based and hierarchical discourse of information organization isn’t enabled to understand the nature and characteristics of the digital information space and so to organize it. Necessarily to a paradigm shift, rhizomatic thinking can be a good alternative to traditional information organizing thinking.

Keywords

Knowledge classification

Library Classification

information organization

Hierarchical Approach

Rhizomatic Approach