Page 14 - DLIS002_KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION CLASSIFICATION AND CATALOGUING THEORY

Unit 1: Concept of Library Classification

Self Assessment Notes

State whether the following statements are true or false:
4. Documents should not be classified and arranged on the basis of their subject content.
5. Alphabetical sequence leads to alphabetical scattering of logically related subjects.

6. Classification helps achieve a systematic arrangement of different types of documents.
1.3 Functions of Library Classification

Library classification encompasses a wide range of functions and the work of a Library Services
Specialist typically is focused in one or more of the following core functions. Descriptions of
work functions included below are not meant to be all-inclusive or indicate a specific skill level
within the classification; rather, they are examples that illustrate the variety of activities that
often fall under each core function.
Circulation: Staff circulation desk and/or oversee daily circulation operations; check library
materials in and out using library systems; update and maintain patron database; prepare
circulation reports; follow-up on overdue materials and collect fines; handle lost and
damaged materials; oversee stack maintenance; assist patrons in finding materials and
with questions related to circulation policies and procedures; and resolve patron problems
related to circulation functions.
Interlibrary Loans: Handle borrowing and/or lending requests for library materials from
patrons; retrieve and process requests through various joint resource sharing systems and
cooperative efforts with other libraries; verify eligibility of requests; verify bibliographic
information and conduct bibliographic searches related to requests; troubleshoot problem
requests; compile and analyse borrowing and lending statistics; and follow-up on overdue
materials and recalls.

Reserves: Staff reserve service point and/or oversee daily operations; consult with faculty
about course materials to be placed on reserve; provide assistance to faculty in organizing
materials to be placed on reserve; process both paper and electronic materials to be placed
on reserve; ensure that copyright requirements are met for all reserve items; maintain
reserve collection, e-reserves, and related Web pages; and administer reserve module in
the library system.

Serials: Receive and process periodicals and serials in all formats using library systems
and prepare them for use; identify missing items and use appropriate claiming methods
to obtain missing materials; identify changes in title or status of standing order serials and
periodicals and notify cataloguing; work with vendor to troubleshoot serial related
problems; and monitor expenditures for serials and periodicals and verify and process
serials invoices.
Acquisitions and Receiving: Handle library acquisitions processing from ordering library
materials (including print, non-print and specialized materials) to receiving and processing
materials on the library system and preparing them for use; verify accuracy of materials
received against orders placed; monitor acquisition expenditures and process vendor
invoices for payment; troubleshoot acquisitions related problems with vendors; and
compile expenditures for annual statistics and audit reports.
Bindery and Book Repair: Perform, coordinate or supervise library’s book repair,
preservation, and/or bindery operations, both those performed within the library and
those that are outsourced.

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