CLASSIFICATION PRACTICE : UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX

TIM HAILLAY AND ANNETTE MOORENOVEMBER 2013

Classification Challenge

Overview of the Workshop

Classification systems: comparison of Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) and Library of Congress (LCC)

Library of Congress Classification at the University of Sussex

Practical experience of creating Library of Congress / Sussex call numbers

Use of classification schemes in organizing the Web

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

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.”

Encyclopaedia Britannica , 2013. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. [online] Available through: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/339461/library-classification [Accessed 22 October 2013]

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

Types of classification:

Hierarchical classification is based on the division of subjects from the most general to the most specific

Enumerative classification attempts to spell out all the single and composite subject concepts required.

Faceted classification lists numbers for single concepts and allows the classifier to construct numbers for composite subjects.

Faceted classification schemes are sometimes referred to as ‘analytico-synthetic’ systems in technical terms. The tem refers to the two main activities involved in Faceted classification: analysis of subject into facets and synthesis of the facets to create a notation.

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

Three different library classification systems:Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) – used in

around 135 countries world wideUniversal Decimal Classification (UDC) – mainly

used in specialist collections – for example Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) library in the UK. Used in over 100 countries - mainly Europe, Asia & Africa

Library of Congress Classification (LCC) – created for the national library of America but used in many academic libraries worldwide

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

Features of a classification system: Schedules – the printed (or now online) enumerative classes,

divisions of the scheme arranged in numeric or alphabetical order.

Notation – the system of symbols used to represent the classes, sub-classes, divisions and sub-divisions of classes. Each concept in a classification system is assigned a notational symbol (a number or a letter) that allows that concept to be represented as a code. Notation is used to:

Indicate a subject Show its relationship to a class Provide a sequential order for physical arrangement of

item,

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

Features of a classification system: Index – All classification systems have an alphabetical subject

index. Enumerative classification systems often have very detailed alphabetical subject indexes, displaying compound subjects and their notations.

Revisions – Classification schemes are revised frequently to keep up with new knowledge and new interpretations in the presentation of knowledge. With web-based resources replacing printed schedules, this now a continuous process.

Number building – this is the ability of the scheme to allow the construction of notation to include items not specifically mentioned in the schedules.

Tables – A flexible tool allowing the classifier to expand the notation. Some tables apply to a specific topic (found within the schedule) and others are used throughout the schedules (arranged at the end of the schedule).

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

Features of a classification system:A typical example is the use of tables for

geographic regions and countries.

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

Comparison of Dewey Decimal and Universal Decimal ClassificationDewey Decimal Classification

4 currently vacant

UDC main and sub-classes are very similar to DDC

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

Library of Congress main classes (I, O, W, X & Y are not in use):

A – General Works B – Philosophy, Psychology, Religion C - Auxiliary Sciences of History D - World History & History of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand E - History of the Americas F - History of the Americas G – Geography, Anthropology & Recreation H – Social Sciences J – Political Science K – Law

L – Education M – Music N – Fine Arts P – Language and Literature Q – Science R – Medicine S – Agriculture T – Technology U – Military Science V – Naval Science Z – Bibliography, Library Science, Information Resources (General)

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

UDC Common Auxiliary Tables:

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

Advantages Disadvantages

DDC Decimal notation allows for revision and expansion

Widely used in public & academic libraries and familiar to users.

Provides a well structured and helpful arrangement on library shelves

Impossible to list every conceivable subject in an enumerative system.

UDC Can accommodate virtually every aspect of a subject - ideal for specialised collections.

New subjects can be catered for.

Notation can become long and complex and may become unsuitable for arrangement of documents on shelves.

LCC LC numbers allow for a unique number to be assigned to a work.

Use of Cutter numbers give flexibility (more about this in next section).

Not all letters for classes have been used.

A large number of schedules with no overall index.

American emphasis in geographical arrangements.

The classification depends on the acquisitions of the Library of Congress .

Anatomy of a Call Number : DDC

of publication, numerical orderLiving library : Wiel Arets : Utrecht University Library / edited by Marijke Beek Munich : Prestel, 2005. University of Brighton Call Number - 720.92 ARE http://dewey.info/class/0/e23/2012-10-24/about.en

Anatomy of a Call Number : UDC

of publication, numerical orderLiving library : Wiel Arets : Utrecht University Library / edited by Marijke Beek Munich : Prestel, 2005. RIBA Call Number - 727.8:027.7 (492U) // LIV

727 Buildings for education, scientific, cultural purposes727.8 Library buildings: Relational sign (colon) indicates relationship between two or more subjects. 027.7 Libraries of institutions of higher education(492U) Netherlands, City of Utrecht from table 1.e common auxiliaries of place // LIV first 3 letters of the title (edited work)

Classification Systems: DDC, UDC and LCC

DDC UDC LCCEnumerative - to a lesser degree

than DDC - to a greater degree

than DDC

Faceted As directed within schedule

Yes No

Schedules 4 Volumes - print & online (WebDewey)

Has 3 different editions: pocket, standard and extended & online

Over 40 printed schedules & available online (Classification Web)

Notation Numbers Numbers & symbols Letters & numbers

Index One comprehensive index

Alphabetical index in Vol.2

Each Volume has it’s own Index

Number Building

Mainly by use of tables but also as directed within schedules

Linking of notations as well as use of auxiliary tables

Use of tables

Call Number* 720.92 SPE 72.036.6(41.1):92S // BAS

NA 997.S73 B37 2011*Basil Spence : buildings & projects / edited by Louise Campbell, Miles Glendinning and Jane Thomas London : RIBA Publishing, 2011.