Page 77 - DLIS002_KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION CLASSIFICATION AND CATALOGUING THEORY

Knowledge Organization: Classification and Cataloguing Theory

Notes 4.6.5 Number Building

Only a fraction of potential DDC numbers is included in the schedules. It is often necessary to
build or synthesize a number that is not specifically listed in the schedules. Such built numbers
allow for greater depth of content analysis.
Number building is initiated only upon instructions in the schedules (except for the addition of
standard subdivisions, which may take place anywhere unless there is an instruction to the
contrary). Number building begins with a base number (always stated in the instruction note) to
which another number is added.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:

13. Entries in the schedules and tables are composed of a ………………….number in the
number column.

14. ……………………in the DDC is expressed through structure and notation.
15. ………………..owns all copyright rights in the Dewey Decimal Classification, and licenses
the system for a variety of uses.

4.7 Notation in Dewey Decimal Classification

As every film presents its story and theme through actors, so every library classification employs
notation to denote classes and subclasses of subjects. Notation may be defined as a systematic
series of shorthand symbols to denote classes and their subdivisions, and to show relationship
between subjects. It mechanises the arrangement of books in a library. Brevity is implied in
notation, but contrary to the popular impression, brevity is not its prime/only concern.
It makes the system mechanical.
Arabic numerals are used to represent each class in the DDC. The first digit in each three-digit
number represents the main class. For example, 500 represent science. The second digit in each
three-digit number indicates the division. For example, 500 are used for general works on the
sciences, 510 for mathematics, 520 for astronomy, 530 for physics. The third digit in each three-
digit number indicates the section. Thus, 530 are used for general works on physics, 531 for
classical mechanics, 532 for fluid mechanics, 533 for gas mechanics. The DDC uses the convention
that no number should have fewer than three digits; zeros are used to fill out numbers. 4.16 A
decimal point, or dot, follows the third digit in a class number, after which division by ten
continues to the specific degree of classification needed. The dot is not a decimal point in the
mathematical sense, but a psychological pause to break the monotony of numerical digits and to
ease the transcription and copying of the class number.

Did u know? A number should never end in a 0 anywhere to the right of the decimal point.
The DDC schedules enumerate only a fraction of the possible numbers that can be used to
represent concepts. Often, a number must be synthesized (built) to express a particular concept.

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