International trends in subject analysis research

This paper describes a survey of subject analysis research over the ten yea r period 1988 to 1998. Data are drawn from the "research environment" encom passing publications, conference papers, major bibiographic resources in th e field of Library and Information Science and selective searches of the In ternet. Findings reveal major and minor areas of research activity. Trends and developments are identified and conclusions drawn. Strengths and weakne sses in the approaches taken to subject analysis research are discussed and suggestions for improvements are made with a view to future research direc tions.