Faceted classification allows one to model applications with complex classification hierarchies using orthogonal dimensions. Recent work has examined the use of faceted classification for browsing and search. In this paper, we go further by developing a general query language, called the entity algebra, for hierarchically classified data. The entity algebra is compositional, with query inputs a...

Faceted search is a powerful tool that enables searchers to easily and intuitively take advantage of controlled vocabularies structured metadata. has been widely implemented in library discovery interfaces provided many benefits users. The effectiveness facets catalogs depends on complex interaction between facet vocabularies, metadata quality structure, the interface’s capabilities. This artic...