Inherent semiotic aspects to the indexation of information resources

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the semiotic elements which conform the theoretical basis for indexing information resources. The methodology used in this research was based in the semiotic model of Charles Sanders Pierce and his comparison with the indexation process according with the theory posed by Isidoro Gil Leiva. It was found that the indexation of information resources underlies the following semiotic elements: an Object (what is represented), a representative (he who represents), a Sign (the representation) and an interpreter (what the sign creates in someone to whom it directs). The subject representation of resources includes the fundamental semiotic elements at the same time which is characterized by an abstract Object and is imbued in a bibliographical support, a representative with a professionalizing profile and a Sign, limited by the frequent use of artificial languages for symbolizing the Object. It is concluded that the study of semiotics is important for librarians, in view that the theory of sign refers to the representation and communication of information entities. Departing from the representing function, the Sign (linguistic and numerical) materializes in bibliographic records which substitute the resources in a system. Emanating from the communicative function, the sign is a bridge between the needs of information of users and the resources.