Page 17 - DLIS103_LIBRARY_CLASSIFICATION_AND_CATALOGUING_THEORY

Library Classification and Cataloguing Theory

Notes Modern classification research must find order in even greater chaos, with many more
intellects and a more complex cosmos, especially in the context of Internet.

Notes “A chaotic repository for the collective output of the world’s digital printing presses”.
In this situation Library classification can create cohesion across diverse information stores
by linking up conceptual contexts.
2. Web organization: Value and relevance of subject descriptor systems were being ques-
tioned during the early days of networked information services. The increasing number of
automatic full indexing systems added to this kind of a criticism.
But as the amount of information stored on the Net was increasing, this conception got
changed. “The more successful the Web, the greater the problem of information and
resource discovery” . Two distinct ways of finding resources on the Internet emerged. One
was the use of robot or spider-based search engines and the other approach started with
producing ‘hot lists’, which would encourage users to browse the Web. This production of
hierarchically arranged lists brought in the concept of Library classification schemes into
the Web environment. Subject directories like Yahoo! and other quality-controlled subject
gateways started to understand how a browsing structure-based on classification schemes
would enhance searching the Net.
3. Use of library classification schemes: Classification is an intellectual activity requiring
much time and energy and also an understanding of the scope and dimensions of the
subject concerned. The advantages of using classification schemes to Internet services should
be seen in connection with this point. A site that organizes information according to
classification schemes may have the following advantages over others:
Enhanced browsing and navigation
More recall and precision through broadening and narrowing search terms
Contextual representation of search terms
Potentiality to permit multilingual access to a collection if required
The partitioning and manipulation of a database
Use of a common classification scheme could make search easier across databases.
Users may find it easier to browse, because of the familiarity with the classification
scheme (which they might have been using in libraries).

Criticism of Classification schemes
The division of logically related materials.
Difficulty in assimilating new areas of interests: classification schemes, since they are
usually updated through formal processes by organized bodies, often find it difficult to
react to or accept new areas of studies quickly.
4. Types of classification schemes: There are several different types of classification schemes
around, varying in scope, methodology and other characteristics. The division could be
based on subject coverage, language, geography, use, or even the structure of the scheme.
Actually, none of these categories are dichotomy; a classification scheme can fit into more
than one category. In reality, the most frequently used types of classification schemes are:
(a) Universal Schemes
(b) National Schemes
(c) Subject specific schemes, most often international
(d) Homegrown systems and
(e) Local adaptations of all types

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