Page 83 - DLIS002_KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION CLASSIFICATION AND CATALOGUING THEORY

Knowledge Organization: Classification and Cataloguing Theory

Notes 4.7.7 Relative Index

The “relative” index is so called because it is claimed to show relationships of each specific topic
to one or more disciplines and to other topics. It contains terms found in the schedules and
tables, and synonyms for those terms; names of countries, states, provinces, major cities, and
important geographic features; and some names of persons. It does not have phrases that contain
concepts represented by standard subdivisions (e.g., “Medical education”). Many see also
references are given (e.g., “Organizations . . . see also Religious organizations”). Geographic
name entries usually refer the user to the appropriate area table [e.g., “Macerata (Italy: Province)
T2–456 73”]. A few referrals occur to the standard subdivisions and to other auxiliary tables (e.g.,
“Repairs ...T1–028 8”). The DDC relative index enumerates alphabetically all the main headings
in the classification schedules, plus certain other specific entries not actually listed in the schedules.
One such instance was discussed on page 5. In other places index terminology varies from that
found in the schedules for the same class number, although the general meanings coincide. For
example, the schedule entry “612.792 1 Glands and glandular secretions… Including perspiration”
is a generalized representation of the index entry “Sebaceous glands–human physiology 612.792
1.” The classifier should, of course, consult the index, especially in cases in which the location of
the desired topic, or the precise nature of its relation to other topics, is in doubt. Yet the relative
index should never become a substitute for the schedules. It is coordinated with them, but is
limited for reasons of space and cannot show hierarchical progressions or topical groupings.
It will guide the classifier to some, but not necessarily all, aspects of a given subject. The next
important step in the classification process is to consult the schedules for verification, perspective,
and possible further instructions. Only by using the two types of display together can the full
potential of the scheme be realized.

4.7.8 WebDewey

WebDewey offers online searching and browsing access to the Dewey Decimal Classification.
In addition, it maps DDC to Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and links from the
mapped LCSH to the corresponding LCSH authority records. In the case of Abridged WebDewey,
mapping is to the Sears Subject Headings. Selected Medical Subject Headings are also mapped to
DDC numbers. WebDewey offers a work area where a cataloguer may build a number during
the process of reading the number-building instructions. Local notes can also be added that will
be displayed in context so that local classification practices are appropriately available.
WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey are available as add-on services to OCLC Connexion,
OCLC’s cataloguing service. It is considered difficult by some to learn DDC by starting with
WebDewey instead of the print text, because one cannot get a sense of the “big picture” on just
one screen versus being able to look at two or more pages of text at once. However, for the
experienced user, WebDewey can offer advanced means of display that are found to be quite
desirable. For example, searching can be done using one or multiple indexes and by using
Boolean operators, proximity searches, right and left truncation, and character masking. There
are browsable Keyword in Context (KWIC) indexes of the Relative Index and LCSH and
browsable sequential indexes of DDC numbers. Classification and table numbers are shown in
hierarchical displays that show the position in relation to broader and narrower classes.

Notes Extensive use of hyperlinks gives fast access to related records and to entries in the
Manual that are cited in notes for particular numbers. Top-down navigation through DDC
is possible starting with a display of the ten main classes. In addition instructions are
available for obtaining access to both WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey.

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