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Reena Kapoor, Lovely Professional University Unit 1: Concept of Library Classification

Unit 1: Concept of Library Classification Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
1.1 Library Classification
1.2 Definitions
1.3 Need and Purpose
1.4 Compound Subject
1.5 Complex Subject
1.6 Notation
1.7 Functions of Notation
1.8 Qualities of Notation
1.9 Needs of Notation
1.10 Five Fundamental Categories
1.11 Summary
1.12 Keywords
1.13 Review Questions
1.14 Further Readings

Objectives
After studying this unit, you will be able to:
Elaborate the library classification
Understand the definition, need and purpose of library classification
State the concepts of compound subject of library classification
Define the complex subject of library classification.

Introduction

The Classification is the bed-rock of systematic library. It is the hyphen that joins and the buckle
that fastens the reader and his document. The word classification comes from the Latin word
classis. In the ancient Rome, the term classis was used to refer to a group of persons possessing
certain qualities in common as well as belonging to the same class. Ordinarily classification is a
process of grouping, ideas or objects on the basis of certain qualities which its members posses. To
under stand the meaning of classification let us study a few definitions of classification given by
some specialists.

1.1 Library Classification

A library classification is a system of coding and organizing library materials (books, serials,
audiovisual materials, computer files, maps, manuscripts, regalia) according to their subject and
allocating a call number to that information resource. Similar to classification systems used in
biology, bibliographic classification systems group entities together that are similar, typically
arranged in a hierarchical tree structure. A different kind of classification system, called a faceted
classification system, is also widely used which allows the assignment of multiple classifications
to an object, enabling the classifications to be ordered in multiple ways.
Library classification forms part of the field of library and information science. It is a form of
bibliographic classification (library classifications are used in library catalogs, while “bibliographic

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