Toward a Common Language: Proposed Index Categories to Enhance Dissemination and Retrieval of Interior Design Scholarship

Abstract

Dissemination and retrieval of scholarship within any given discipline and profession are necessary when defining the body of knowledge. Effective dissemination and retrieval of scholarly work is dependent upon selecting appropriate index categories to describe a publication. Therefore, an accurate categorization system is critical in guiding that dissemination/retrieval process necessary when building a comprehensive body of knowledge for a discipline and profession. The goal of this research was to develop a proposed categorization for systematizing dissemination and retrieval of scholarly work for the discipline and profession of interior design. As a first step in achieving this goal, this study intended to develop a revised categorization for systematizing the dissemination and retrieval of scholarship for the Journal of lnterior Design. The proposed categories would contribute to the interior design discipline and profession by providing: 1) consistency in subject matter categorization for interior design scholarship; 2) a common language within the shared body of knowledge of interior design that includes such disciplines as art, architecture, and social sciences; and 3) clearer identification of topics for future scholarship within the knowledge base for interior design and related areas. For this study, a framework developed by Marshall–Baker (2000) was used in the development of criteria and analysis. Her framework depicted overlapping and unique knowledge within and among fields related to interior design: art, architecture, and social science. Findings supported Marshall–Baker's research and further identified a common language among elated disciplines. This common language enhances communication among publishers, educators, researchers, practitioners, students, and employers. The body of knowledge in interior design will continue to require definition as new knowledge emerges and refinement takes place. Consistent index categorization of scholarship will enable scholars and reviewers of scholarly work to trace the evolution of research on particular topics, thereby assessing the contribution of scholarly work to the expansion and application of the body of knowledge in interior design. The findings offer a proposal for key words and categories identiking interior design scholarship for the purpose of dissemination and retrieval, as well as, providing a platform for common language across related disciplines.

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