Indexing for Fine Arts Monographs: A Comparison Between User Queries and Controlled Vocabularies

ABSTRACT Prior research suggested the empirical approach to indexing for fine arts based on users' search queries. This study examined the characteristics of user queries submitted to the library catalog of a fine arts academy, and compared users' search terms with controlled vocabularies to assess their levels of matching. Based on search‐log analysis, this study identified eight categories of user queries and 10 subcategories, indicating that the information needs of the fine arts community are diverse in language and culture and focus on named entities, disciplines, and various types and levels of fine arts. The mapping between user queries and controlled vocabularies found that around 20% of user search terms were non‐matching. Based on the findings, this study provided suggestions for improving the search functions of library catalogs and enhancing controlled vocabularies to support the retrieval of fine arts monographs.