The classification (typology) problems of lexicographical information resources

Abstract

The lexicographical information resources are being studied by many scientific disciplines: the library science, bibliography, bibliology, lexicography, etc. The author examines the polar-opposite opinions regarding the terms “typo­logy” and “classification”, i. e. their synonymity or absolute demarcation. As a result of scholarly discussions, the terms “bibliotypology” and “typological classification”, “typology of classification”, “typology of typologies”, etc., emerged. The major problems of classification/typology of lexicographical information resources are analyzed. These problems hinder the reference and bibliographic user services. The problems embrace comprehension of modern lexicographical processes, diversity of classifications/typologies, dictionary boom, rise in the number of dictionaries, their types and genres, typological and aspectual synonymity of dictionaries, etc. The solutions for these types of information resources are suggested (integrated studies by lexicographers, linguists, information and library scientists; identification of major groups of characteristics to be used in classification/typology of lexicographical information resources, etc.). The author’s alphabet explanatory synonymic glossary “The vectors of modern national lexicography” [in Russian] and the alphabet union synonymic bibliography “The modern dictionaries of the Russian language” comprise the terms essential for reference and bibliographic services when executing queries of lexicographical and socio-humanitarian character.