Page 19 - DLIS405_INFORMATION_STORAGE_AND_RETRIEVAL

Information Storage and Retrieval

Notes Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
• Explain types of library classification
• Describe Colon and Dewey decimal classification
• Define universal decimal classification
• Explain library of congress
• Describe Bliss bibliographic classification.

Introduction

Library classification, system of arrangement adopted by a library to enable patrons to find its
materials quickly and easily. While cataloguing provides information on the physical and topical
nature of the book (or other item), classification, through assignment of a call number (consisting of
class designation and author representation), locates the item in its library setting and, ideally, in
the realm of knowledge. Arranging similar things in some order according to some principle unites
and controls information from various sources.
A library classification is a system of coding and organizing library materials (books, serials,
audiovisual materials, computer files, maps, manuscripts) 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.

2.1 Description of Library Classification

Library classification form part of the field of library and information science. It is a form of
bibliographic classification (library classifications are used in library catalogs, while “bibliographic
classification” also covers classification used in other kinds of bibliographic databases). It goes hand
in hand with library (descriptive) 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 (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 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.
Some classification systems are more suitable for aiding subject access, rather than for shelf location.
For example, UDC which uses a complicated notation including plus, colons are more difficult to
use for the purpose of shelf arrangement but are more expressive compared to DDC in terms of

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