How does COMPASS handle subject analysis compared to PRECIS?

The Correct answer is Subject analysis is done only once when preparing the COMPASS input string.

Key Points

• Computer Aided Subject System (COMPASS):
  • ​COMPASS, introduced in 1991 by the British Library, is a simplified version of the PRECIS indexing system.
  • It was developed to reduce cataloguing costs and improve subject indexing for both print and online systems.
  • The primary change in COMPASS was the removal of complex role operators used in PRECIS, making it more suitable for online searching.
  • Unlike PRECIS, which used role operators like (0), (1), and (5), COMPASS simplifies the indexing process by removing many of these operators.
  • It also uses a single entry point for the subject string, facilitating easier subject analysis and integration with DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification).
  • Historical periods are now included directly in the input string, and the system avoids using dates as a differentiating factor.
  • Instead, it aligns subject data directly with DDC numbers.
• Merits-
  • With the introduction of COMPASS, the printed subject index of BNB appears to be much shorter than the earlier one.
  • Codes and role operators used in COMPASS are very simple in comparison to PRECIS.
  • COMPASS is used not only for the generation of printed indexes for BNB, but it is also amenable to online searching. 
  • COMPASS appeared to be more user-friendly as users could find their way through the file without being unduly reliant on the class numbers.