There has been much interest in recent years in developing a subject classification system that could be utilized across galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM). This paper will argue that the solution lies in a synthetic approach to classification grounded in basic concepts: those for which there is broadly shared understanding across communities. The paper analyses the classification systems utilized in archives, galleries, and museums, shows how a synthetic approach using basic

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... cepts would enhance user access while easing classificatory challenges. It then applies a synthetic approach to samples of archival documents, museum artifacts, and works of art. It is hoped that this exercise both establishes the feasibility of a synthetic approach and identifies strategies for pursuing this approach across GLAM.