BRADFORD'S LAW OF SCATTERING: UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF 'SUBJECT.

摘要

This paper discusses the different conceptions of 'Subject' in scattering of literaturenin scientific joumals in relation to Bradford's Law. The study highlights the ambiguitynfound in the understanding of the 'subject' in Bradfordian scattering. It also looks at thencontroversy found in the law regarding its theoretical and mathematical explanations. Thenstudy suggests that different ways of operationalizing 'subjects' play an important role,ntherefore it should be given due consideration. In addition empirical variables such asnsize, areas of specialization etc should also be looked in before dividing the joumal intonBradford zones.