Page 30 - DLIS104_MANAGEMENT OF LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTRES

Jovita Kaur, Lovely Professional University Unit 4: Classification of Library Personnel

Unit 4: Classification of Library Personnel Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
4.1 Classification of Library
4.2 Staff Manual
4.3 Outsourcing
4.4 Summary
4.5 Keywords
4.6 Review Questions
4.7 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
Know the library classification
Discuss about the staff manual
Understand about outsourcing.

Introduction
A library classification is a system of coding and organizing library materials 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.

4.1 Classification of Library

Library classification forms part of the field of library and information science. It is a form of
bibliographic classification. It goes hand in hand with library cataloging under the rubric of
cataloging and classification, sometimes grouped together as technical services. The library
professional who engages in the process of cataloging and classifying library materials is called a
cataloguer or catalog librarian. Library classification systems are one of the two tools used to
facilitate subject access. The other consists of alphabetical indexing languages such as Thesauri and
Subject Headings systems.
Library classification of a piece of work consists of two steps. Firstly, the “aboutness” of the
material is ascertained. Next, a call number based on the classification system in use at the particular
library will be assigned to the work using the notation of the system. It is important to note that
unlike subject heading or thesauri where multiple terms can be assigned to the same work, in
library classification systems, each work can only be placed in one class. This is due to shelving
purposes: A book can have only one physical place. However in classified catalogs one may have
main entries as well as added entries. Most classification systems like the Dewey Decimal
Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress classification also add a cutter number to each work
which adds a code for the author of the work.

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