Page 10 - DLIS002_KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION CLASSIFICATION AND CATALOGUING THEORY

Unit 1: Concept of Library Classification

These core and basics concepts of library classification systems are enumerated under the Notes
following headings:

Universe and Entity
Group and Class
Attributes and Characteristics
Kinds of Library Classification

Disciplines and basics subjects
Categories, Facets and Isolates
Arrays and Chains
Schedules for Classification

Species of classification for subjects
Notation

1.1.4 Importance of Library Classification

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 catalogues, while
“bibliographic classification” also covers classification used in other kinds of bibliographic
databases). It goes hand in hand with library (descriptive) cataloguing under the rubric
of cataloguing and classification, sometimes grouped together as technical services. The library
professional who engages in the process of cataloguing and classifying library materials is
called a cataloguer or catalogue 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 (essentially a book’s address) 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 catalogues 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.
Classification systems in libraries generally play two roles. Firstly, they facilitate subject access by
allowing the user to find out what works or documents the library has on a certain
subject. Secondly, they provide a known location for the information source to be located (e.g.
where it is shelved).
Until the 19th century, most libraries had closed stacks, so the library classification only served
to organize the subject catalogue. In the 20th century, libraries opened their stacks to the public
and started to shelve the library material itself according to some library classification to simplify
subject browsing.
Some classification systems are more suitable for aiding subject access, rather than for shelf
location.

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