Open Classification System

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A Comprehensive Classification Solution by OARS

The Open Association of Research Society (OARS) is pioneering the development of the Open Classification System (OCS), an ambitious project aimed at unifying and connecting various established classification systems. The OCS aspires to classify not only researchers but also research projects and fields, promoting a collaborative and community-driven approach.

To join the beta-testing phase of the OCS, please make a request to our development forum or slack with your expertise.

Purpose

The Open Classification System is a groundbreaking, open-source classification solution designed to classify and facilitate the organization of a wide array of resources, including documents, library materials (books, serials, audiovisual materials, computer files, maps, manuscripts, realia), and research projects, according to their subject area. The OCS aims to allocate a unique call number to each resource, streamlining the organization process.
Existing classification systems can be grouped based on their scope and application:

Universal schemes covering all subjects, such as Dewey Decimal Classification, Universal Decimal Classification, and Library of Congress Classification.
Specific classification schemes for particular subjects or types of materials, including Iconclass, British Catalogue of Music Classification, Dickinson classification, and the NLM Classification for medicine.
National schemes specifically tailored to certain countries, exemplified by the Swedish library classification system, SAB.

The OCS distinguishes itself as a universal classification scheme, but unlike other systems, it embraces an open-source approach, fostering adaptability and flexibility.

Scope

The OCS strives to create a new standard for classifying research domains and fields. While numerous classification systems already exist, there is a growing demand for an open-source classification system that encourages customization and collaboration.

Objectives of the Project

The main objective of this project is to design an innovative, open classification system that can effectively keep track of various journals, research projects, and resources published by scientists, engineers, managers, doctors, and professors across disciplines.

Product Perspective

The OCS serves as a cutting-edge alternative to traditional classification systems, offering a more dynamic and adaptable solution for organizing research.

Product Functions

The Open Classification System boasts several key features that set it apart from existing classification systems:

Hierarchical Relationships

The OCS supports multiple parent-child relationships, visualizing a navigable graph-tree structure that reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of research fields.

R-Graph Integration

Utilizing a JavaScript-based HTML file chart library, the OCS incorporates the canvas tag for dynamic and interactive visualizations.

Automated Classification

The OCS harnesses the power of data mining techniques to automate the classification coding of research articles, streamlining the categorization process.

API Access

The OCS provides APIs for accredited organizations within the OARS network, encouraging collaboration and data sharing.

Open-Source and Non-Profit

As a publicly managed system, the OCS fosters community-driven development, ensuring that it remains adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of researchers.

By developing and implementing the Open Classification System, OARS aims to revolutionize the way research is organized and classified. This innovative system will promote greater accessibility, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing within the global scientific community, enabling researchers to build upon each other's work and drive progress across disciplines.