Page 21 - DLIS405_INFORMATION_STORAGE_AND_RETRIEVAL

Information Storage and Retrieval

Notes • Library-Bibliographic Classification (BBK) from Russia.
Universal classification systems that rely on synthesis (faceted systems)
• Bliss Bibliographic Classification
• Colon Classification
• Cutter Expansive Classification
• Universal Decimal Classification.
Newer classification systems tend to use the principle of synthesis (combining codes from different
lists to represent the different attributes of a work) heavily, which is comparatively lacking in LC or
DDC.

Colon classification of S.R.Ranganathan was the first true faceted system.

2.2.1 Comparing Classification Systems

As a result of differences in Notation, history, use of enumeration, hierarchy, facets, classification
systems can differ in the following ways:
Type of Notation: Notation can be pure (consisting of only numerals, for example) or mixed
(consisting of letters, numerals, and other symbols).
Expressiveness: This is the degree in which the notation can express relationship between concepts
or structure.
Whether they support mnemonics: For example the number 44 in DDC notation usually means it
concerns some aspect of France. For example 598.0944 concerns “Birds in France”. The 09 signifies
country code, and 44 represent France.
Hospitality: The degree in which the system is able to accommodate new subjects.
Brevity: Length of the notation to express the same concept.
Speed of updates and degree of support: The best classification systems are constantly being
reviewed and improved.
• Consistency
• Simplicity
• Usability.

2.3 Colon Classification

2.3.1 Components of Ranganathan’s Scheme

The Colon Classification uses 42 main classes that are combined with other letters, numbers and
marks in a manner resembling the Library of Congress Classification to sort a publication. The
Colon Classification, just as other classification schemes, starts with a number of main classes (42),
which represent the fields of knowledge.

Each class is analyzed and broken down into its basic elements, grouped together
by common attributes, called facets.

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