Page 40 - DLIS103_LIBRARY_CLASSIFICATION_AND_CATALOGUING_THEORY

Unit 4: Classification Theory

The five canons for meanness deal with the need for different types of mnemonic devices, namely Notes
alphabetical,
scheduled,
systematic, and
seminal
The four canons for growing universe deal with the capacity of a notational system for admission
of newly emerging classes into the fold of a scheme of classification. Ranganathan called this
capacity of a notational system by the terms hospitality in array and hospitality in chain. The
‘notational system should be capable of admitting emerging new classes at the beginning, or at the
end, or in the middle of an array or a chain. This is also known as extrapolation (at the beginning
or end) and interpolation (in the middle) in an array. The three canons for book classification deal
with the provision of a system for construction of book numbers and collection numbers in a
scheme of classification.

Did u know? The sequence of three elements — class number, book number and collection
number - moves up a Call Number.
Role of Postulates, Canons and Principles: The postulates lay down the process of work in
the idea plane. The canons lay down the rhythm of classification. The principles deal with
the details of the arrangement of the isolates in the schedules. The laws, postulates, canons
and principles listed in the preceding paragraphs laid down a sound foundation for the
Dynamic Theory of Library Classification. The application of the principles has amply
been demonstrated in Colon Classification scheme. From the fourth edition, published in
1952, Colon Classification has been a freely faceted scheme of classification based on the
laws, postulates, canons and principles discussed above. Prior to the fourth edition, Colon
Classification was a rigidly faceted scheme.

Self Assessment
State whether the following statements are true or false:
1. Ranganathan was instrumental in revolutionizing the theory of classification.
2. Ranganathan formulated seven basic laws, govern the thinking process in general.
3. Ranganathan's five laws of library science were formulated in 1925.
4. Ranganathan formulated 53 canons and grouped them into three planes of work.

4.2 Summary

S.R. Ranganathan was instrumental in revolutionizing the Theory of Classification. He
propounded certain fundamental ideas and concepts, which are the basis for the develop-
ment of the Theory of Classification.
Ranganathan also postulated that “the fundamental category Energy may manifest itself in
one and die same subject more than once.” These manifestations of energy are called
rounds of manifestations.
Ranganathan provided a completely new direction to’ the concept of classification origi-
nally formulated by Sayers. Ranganathan formulated 43 canons and grouped them into
three planes of work.

4.3 Keywords

Propounded : To suggest or put forward for consideration.
Descriptive : Involving or characterized by description; serving to describe.
Stalwarts : Having or marked by imposing physical strength.

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