Ethically Responsible Knowledge Organization Systems: Towards an Intercultural User Interface

Abstract

PURPOSE/THESIS: This paper discusses the challenges of creating a theoretic framework within the context of an intercultural and ethically responsible knowledge organization system (KOS). APPROACH/METHODS: First, the paper explores ethical and societal concerns linked to the development of KOS. Second, it illustrates a way to tackle this ethical factor by proposing an applicable architecture for intercultural interfaces which respects cultural diversity on a global scale. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The author emphasizes the importance of opening up the notion of cultural inclusiveness, to weigh not only linguistic diversity but also other cultural and social aspects, such as geography, religious affiliations, tradition, historical elements, ethnic. This kind of approach should be attentive to intersectionality and cultural interoperability. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: By addressing local circumstances, the author offers insights into essential approaches that take into account cultural diversity when designing KOS and access interfaces to knowledge.

Cultural Frames of Ethics, a Challenge for Information and Knowledge Organization

“…Experience showed that authors who write on information ethics deal mainly with the impact of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and of the Internet on information flows with only several studies devoted to the cultural, social and linguistic dimensions of ethics in information and knowledge organization (e.g. Guimares et al, 2016;Guitierez, 2002;Mustafa El Hadi, 2017;Smiraglia, 2012;Tennis, 2012;Tran, 2018a;2018b). I will first give a critical review of the use of the term "ethics", its coverage and its scope, and clarify the main focus of my examination.…”

Knowledge Organization Systems and cultural interoperability in open humanitarian settings

“…The need for global and local access to information in any language in any culture is an essential aspect of ethics in KO. Some authors in the literature have called for culturally warranted intercultural ethics and the goal of respecting cultural and linguistic diversity (Adler et al 2016;Beghtol 2002Beghtol , 2005Hudon 1997;Mustafa El Hadi 2015;Tran 2017).…”