Page 19 - DLIS103_LIBRARY_CLASSIFICATION_AND_CATALOGUING_THEORY

Library Classification and Cataloguing Theory

Notes divided into facets. All facets are regarded as manifestations of five fundamental categories.
Before us prceed further let us see the meaning of the term introduced in the above para-
graph. The terms are
(i) main classes,
(ii) array,
(iii) facet, and
(iv) fundamental categories.
(i) Main classes: The main classes in CC are like disciplines in DDC and theoretical subjects in
UDC. They are the traditional subjects, which you are well-acquainted with, like math-
ematics, physics, history, political science and soon. The number of main classes in CC is
greater than those in DDC and UDC.
(ii) Array: The dictionary meaning of array is ‘a systematic arrangement of numbers or sym-
bols in an orderly manner.’ In CC also, it means the same as its dictionary meaning. The
arrangement, however, is referred to as the preferred sequence. The numbers, in a classifi-
cation refer to a division of a subject on the basis -of a, single characteristic. For example, in
medicine, the organs of the human body form the array of organs.
(iii) Facet: A facet is a characteristic by which ‘a class is divided/grouped, each main class is
divided into facets to signify the whole series of arrays-based on, a set of related character-
istics of division. In the main class Literature, all enumerated languages, after which the
national -literatures are known, constitute in DDC, the language facet of that class. In the
same class, all literary forms (poetry, drama, fiction, etc.) constitute another facet. It may
also be stated here that within a facet an individual member is called a focus. Hindi
literature, for example, is a focus in the language facet of the class Literature
(iv) Fundamental categories: To understand the basic principles of CC you have to first under-
stand some of the rules framed by Ranganathan. He calls them postulates. One postulate
states that there are five fundamental categories (FC), viz., personality [P], matter [M],
energy [E], space [S], and time [T], PMEST for short.
(b) Time and Space: These two have the usual meaning known to you., A century, a decade, a
year, a month, a day, an hour are all indicators of time. If the subject is stated as Economic
conditions of India in the 19th century, you can identify the time element in it. In some
subjects, it may, not be stated explicitly, e.g., Economic conditions during the reign of
Akbar. In this example, the fundamental category time is concealed, but still identifiable.
(c) Energy: The next fundamental category is energy. Energy refers to some type of action. In
the subject medicine, diagnosis or treatment falls under the facet energy. It shows action. In
agriculture, ploughing is energy, in education teaching is energy, and in sociology relief
work is energy, and so on.
(d) Matter: There is a major change in the seventh edition of CC in the case of the fundamental
category matter. Up to the sixth edition, Matter was present only in a few main classes.
There is a complete reversal in the seventh edition. In certain cases, what was considered
energy now forms part of the matter facet. Besides, the fundamental category matter has
undergone some other changes. It is distinguished as Matter Property [MP], Matter Mate-
rial [MMt] and Matter Method [MM].
It is only matter property, which has almost replaced the fundamental category energy. To
explain matter with a concrete example, in the class medicine, anatomy, physiology and
diseases are viewed as manifestations of matter property. Similarly, in the main class agri-
culture, soil, manure, propagation, etc., are treated as manifestations of matter property. In
the main class fine arts, under the class drawing, pencil drawing, ink drawing, and cartoon
drawing are considered as a manifestation of matter method. In technology, product, and in
biology substance are manifestation of matter material. ‘Hence, in a given subject, it is not
difficult to recognize the fundamental categories of time, space, energy and matter.
(e) Postulates of Basic Facet: After determining the different fundamental categories, they are to
be attached to a basic class in the order of P M E S T. A basic facet in the traditional meaning

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