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have many advantages for use in a retrieval system. Experience in its practical application was desired.
Tests had already been carried out with a Uniterm system for cataloguing aircraft structural data (2), and on the N.L.L. card catalogue of aerodynamic measurements (3, 4). Similar evaluation of a peek-a-boo device based on a suitable subject classification was considered desirable.
It was hoped to ascertain whether an analytical indexing and retrieval project in the complex subject of aerodynamics could be designed and operated by professional librarians without specialist subject knowledge, to the satisfaction of the aerodynamicists requiring the information.
PHYSICAL FORM OF THE INDEX
In its final form, the index would be made up of (1) a register, i.e., a list of all documents indexed by the system, in register serial number order; (2) a manual, consisting of (a) an introduction to the system, (b) a list of subject headings in classified order, (c) an alphabetical index to the subject headings; (3) index sheets—one for each subject heading and for each designated aircraft and aerofoil; register serial numbers of documents to be indicated by the positions of punched holes.
For testing purposes, however, it was decided to use only the classification schedule itself and standard 80-column Hollerith cards. Special cards or plates having a higher capacity might later be desirable, but their design, and that of suitable punching and viewing devices, could be left until the retrieval capabilities of the system had been investigated.
Choice of classification
After consideration of the known enumerative classifications of aerodynamics, including U.D.C., N.A.C.A., and the N.L.L. (all of which are used to some extent in the Establishment), it was decided to adopt the classification system devised by Mr. Seymour with this project in mind. After comments had been sought from subject experts, the classification was adopted with slight modifications; it appears as Table 2, together with the number of times each code was used in indexing the first 700 documents. It was expected that further modifications would follow an initial trial period of indexing.
Indexing
THE INDEXERS
The six indexers were professional librarians employed in the Main and Departmental libraries of the Establishment. One of them (A) was librarian
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