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

摘要

This paper discusses the different conceptions of 'Subject' in scattering of literature in scientific journals in relation to Bradford's Law. The study highlights the ambiguity found in the understanding of the 'subject' in Bradfordian scattering. It also looks at the controversy found in the law regarding its theoretical and mathematical explanations. The study suggests that different ways of operationalizing 'subjects' play an important role, therefore it should be given due consideration. In addition empirical variables such as size, areas of specialization etc should also be looked in before dividing the journal into Bradford zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]