Page 33 - DLIS103_LIBRARY_CLASSIFICATION_AND_CATALOGUING_THEORY

Library Classification and Cataloguing Theory Jovita Kaur, Lovely Professional University

Notes Unit 3: Role of CRG, DRTC and ISKO

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
3.1. Classification Research Group (CRG)
3.2. Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC)
3.3. International Society for Knowledge Organization (ISKO)
3.4. Summary
3.5. Keywords
3.6. Review Questions
3.7. Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
Understand the meaning of CRG and its areas
Discuss the role of CRG in classification schemes
State about the DRTC and ISKO.

Introduction

The CRG was established in the United Kingdom in 1952 to study the nature of classification and
of existing bibliographic classification systems. Like Ranganathan, the CRG believed that traditional
enumerative classification systems were limited by their inability to express compound subjects.
The CRG looked to Ranganathan's theory of facet analysis to serve as the basis for all bibliographic
classification systems, but modified aspects of this theory that it felt were too restrictive.
DRTC was established in Bangalore in 1962 by S.R. Ranganathan. It actively promoted different
levels of research in library classification. These are: (1) Development research to develop depth
schedules; (2) Fundamental research to develop postulates and principles; and (3) Systematic
testing of depth schedules developed by faculty and alumni of DRTC. It has been organising
annual seminars, on thrust areas of Library Classification and Information Science, conducting
short termcourses and workshops. It is bringing out, in collaboration with Sarada Ranganathan
Endowment for Library Science a quarterly journal Library.
The International Society for Knowledge Organization (also referred to by its abbreviation ISKO)
is the principal professional association for scholars of knowledge organization, knowledge
structures, classification studies, and information organization and structure. ISKO's mission is
“to advance conceptual work in knowledge organization in all kinds of forms, and for all kinds of
purposes, such as databases, libraries, dictionaries and the Internet”. ISKO “promotes research,
development and applications of knowledge organization systems that advance the philosophical,
psychological and semantic approaches for ordering knowledge; provides the means of
communication, and networking on knowledge organization for its members; and functions as a
connecting link between all institutions and national societies, working with problems related to
the conceptual organization and processing of knowledge.”
Henceforth, certain factor title which determines the library classification theory. In present unit,
we will discuss the role of CRG, DRTC and ISKO in detail.

3.1 Classification Research Group (CRG)

This Group was formed in London in 1952. The early work of members of CRG is reflected in
Sayer’s Memorial Volume (London, Library Association, 1961). CRG as a whole published a brief
outline of its views on faceted classification in 1953 and later issued a memorandum entitled ‘The

28 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY