CURRICULUM-BASED CLASSIFICATION CASE STUDY AT SOUTHWEST COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

LIBRARY

Daniela Solomon

Classification

Bring related items together in a helpful sequence from the general to the specific.

Classification is important for the socially useful end of intermediating communication

between information systems and individuals.

Factors that influence communication

organizational structure of the information system;

the representation of resources; the ability of the information system to create

meaningful contexts; the relevance of the organizational structure

of the information to the individuals’ knowledge.

Factors that influence subject-based classification

Knowledge evolution Linear representation inadequacy The classification’s nature and structure The vocabulary used and the biases

introduced by this vocabulary Political aspects of promoting professional

groups

Requirements for the information professionals

In order to fulfill its social value, classification systems need to bring the right information to the public as it needs it.

Information professionals need to acknowledge the informational needs of the public they serve, and, if necessary, create / change classification systems.

Alternative classification systems

Advantages: customized scheme, adapted to its specific content and user groups; flexibility, as they are easier to change and include new areas of

interest.

Disadvantages: they are time consuming - and therefore expensive; requires extensive specialist subject knowledge; it is a very subjective process and it is relatively easy to overlook

something and this can lead directly to a lack of consistency.

To be cost effective, these alternative classifications need to be very carefully developed and documented, and continuously maintained.

The case of naturopathic medicine

M.D.sTreat symptoms and combat diseases by using more formulaic, faster acting remedies, such as drugs and surgery.

N.D.sAttempt to maximize the patient’s wellness, to prevent health problems, to treat the whole person and not just the immediately presenting symptoms by finding the underlying causes of a condition.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

WB 880 Mind-body interactions. Mental healingWB 885 Faith healing. Christian Science healingWB 890 Special systems of therapeutics. Complementary therapies

(General or not elsewhere classified)WB 900 History of special systems or complementary therapies

(General or not elsewhere classified)WB 903 Anthroposophy (used in medicine) Cf. BP 595-597 General works. WB 905 ChiropracticWB 905.6 History and philosophyWB 905.7 Chiropractic as a profession. Ethics. Peer review.WB 905.8 DiagnosisWB 905.9 TherapeuticsWB 920 EclecticismWB 925 Herbal medicine. PhytotherapyWB 930 HomeopathyWB 935 NaturopathyWB 940 OsteopathyWB 960 RadiesthesiaWB 962 Reflexotherapy

NLM Classification for CAM

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Library Mission Statement

Southwest College Library supports the curriculum, enhances the College learning environment, and helps to complete the larger institutional mission of medical education, patient care, and research, with emphasis on the natural therapies.

Changes made at SCNM Library

Pharmacology Homeopathy Nutrition and Diet Therapy Acupuncture Physical Medicine Environmental Medicine

Herbal Medicine vs. Pharmacology

NLM and LCC include medicinal plants in Pharmacology class.

For naturopathic physicians, “pharmacology” refers only to synthetic prescription drugs while medicinal plants are part of CAM practice

Medicinal plants have been moved next to the Herbal Medicine class – “the approach to healing which uses plant or plant-derived preparations to treat, prevent, or cure various health conditions”

Homeopathy

Homeopathy restores the natural balance and help the body cu cure itself.

Allopathic practitioners generally are skeptical about homeopathy’s beneficial results.

NLM Classification for homeopathy

Homeopathic Remedies  see Materia Medica Homeopathy  WB 930 

History  WB 930 Infant or child  WS 366 Veterinary medicine SF 746 In treatment of particular diseases or system with the disease or system See also Formularies, Homeopathic See also Pharmacopoeias, Homeopathic

Nutrition and Diet Therapy

NLM has diet therapy in Practice of Medicine section, vitamins and general nutritional requirements in Biochemistry section, and general diets in Physiology section.

N.D.s believe that dietary supplements, vitamins, diet therapies, and nutrition are all part of Practice of Medicine and contribute to disease cure and maintenance of an optimal health.

Everything was gathered next to NLM Classification’s Nutrition Class.

Conclusion

SCNM Library has acknowledged the need for changes within its in-practice-classification and acted accordingly to meet students and faculty information needs.

First-hand observations: the Library staff now gets fewer questions about

discrepancies between the previous arrangements on the shelves and students’ understanding;

usage continues steadily to increase, especially within the modified classifications.

SCNM Library – true to its marketing slogan:

“A Customized Information Service that Fits Your Natural Health Research Needs”

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!