A binary opposition discussion on the Functional Requirements for Subject Authority Data (FRSAD)

ABSTRACT

Considering that only a few of the Brazilian studies assumes their positions on biases, this paper proposes to present a critical discussion about biases in subject representation through the Functional Requirements for Subject Authority Data (FRSAD): A Conceptual Model. For this exercise, we adopted a post-structuralist epistemic stance once we are not searching for universal truths, but for another way to understand subject representation and the document surrogates constructed by librarians. Deconstruction (OLSON, 1996) was the method used to descentralize the binary opposition neutrality versus special interests. Thus, we have on one hand the librarian’s belief to avoid interference from his moral values while pursuing a supposed impartiality and, on the other hand, her/his need to make value judgments to better represent specific communities of users. Binaries were descentralized using the FRSAD and power relations as well as underlying assumptions and presumptions inherent to them were highlighted.

Keywords:
Deconstruction; Binary opposition; Neutrality in subject representation; Special interests in subject representation; Functional Requirements for Subject Authority Data (FRSAD)