Library Classification Schemes

Library classification schemes are essential tools used in libraries to organize and categorize their vast collections of resources. These schemes provide a systematic framework for assigning unique identifiers or call numbers to library materials, such as books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and more. By classifying materials based on subject content, format, or other characteristics, classification schemes enable efficient storage, retrieval, and browsing of resources. They serve as a roadmap for librarians and library users, facilitating the identification and location of specific items within the library’s holdings. Library classification schemes play a crucial role in maximizing the accessibility and usability of library collections, promoting effective information organization, and ultimately enhancing library patrons’ overall research and learning experience.

What are Library Classification Schemes?

The term “Library Classification Schemes” refers to systematic frameworks and methods employed by libraries to organize and arrange their collections of resources in a structured and logical manner. These schemes involve assigning unique identifiers or call numbers to individual items based on their subject content, format, or other relevant characteristics. The primary purpose of library classification schemes is to facilitate efficient retrieval and access to library materials by providing a standardized categorization system. By classifying items into specific categories or classes, these schemes enable librarians and library users to navigate the library’s holdings more effectively, locate desired materials, and explore related resources. Library classification schemes serve as an organizational backbone, helping to streamline information management within libraries and optimize the usability and discoverability of their collections.

According to Harrod’s Librarians’ Glossary and Reference Book, “A scheme by which books or other items are classified or arranged in systematic order. The better-known schemes are: Bibliographic Classification (Bliss); Colon Classification (Ranganathan); Decimal Classification (Dewey); Expansive Classification (Cutter); International Classification (Fremont Rider); Library of Congress Classification; Subject Classification (Brown); Universal Decimal Classification.”

Classification schemes can be defined as “a list of classes arranged according to a set of pre-defined principles for the purpose of organizing items in a collection or entries in an index, bibliography or catalogue into groups based on their similarities and differences to facilitate access and retrieval.”

Library classification schemes offer several key benefits in the organization and management of library collections. Here are some of the notable advantages:

• Facilitates Resource Discovery: Library classification schemes aid users in finding the materials they need by providing a systematic organization of resources. Users can locate specific items based on their assigned call numbers or codes, streamlining the search process.
• Enables Subject-based Organization: Library classification schemes are designed to reflect subject content, allowing materials on the same or related topics to be shelved together. This facilitates comprehensive subject-based browsing, research, and interdisciplinary exploration, enhancing the user’s ability to discover diverse resources on a particular subject.
• Facilitates Access and Retrieval: Classification schemes provide a structured framework that helps users locate and retrieve library materials more efficiently. By assigning call numbers or codes to items, these schemes enable users to easily navigate the library catalog or shelves and find resources on specific subjects.
• Promotes Consistency and Standardization: Library classification schemes establish uniform guidelines and rules for organizing materials. This ensures consistency in the arrangement of resources across different libraries using the same scheme, facilitating resource sharing, interlibrary loans, and cooperative cataloging efforts.
• Enhances Browsing and Serendipitous Discovery: Classification schemes group related materials together, allowing users to explore resources beyond their initial search criteria. By browsing within a particular class or category, users can serendipitously discover relevant materials they may not have encountered otherwise, fostering interdisciplinary connections and promoting a broader exploration of knowledge.
• Efficient Collection Management: Classification schemes enable librarians to manage and keep track of the library’s collection effectively. They provide a structured framework for organizing materials, allowing librarians to monitor and maintain the inventory quickly.
• Enhances Resource Sharing: Library classification schemes promote interoperability and resource sharing between libraries. Using a standardized classification system, libraries can easily identify and exchange materials with other institutions, facilitating collaboration and expanding access to resources.
• Promotes Subject Understanding: Classification schemes support users in exploring different subjects by grouping related materials together. Users can delve into specific subject areas and discover a range of resources that provide comprehensive knowledge and perspectives.
• Facilitates Finding Related Materials: Classification schemes help users identify materials that are related to each other. Users can uncover resources that share common themes by browsing through a specific category or class, enabling them to deepen their understanding and explore interconnected topics.

Objectives of Library Classification

Library classification schemes allow us to allocate a class mark– an artificial notation comprising alphanumeric characters and punctuation marks to every item based on its subject content so that the library staff can preserve all the related items together on the library’s shelves. They are the logical arrangements of subjects and a system of symbols representing them. Classification schemes add a classifier to represent the subject content of every document by appropriate notations.

A library classification scheme serves several objectives:

1. Providing a Shelf Address: One of the primary objectives is to assign a specific location or shelf address for every document in the library’s collection. This ensures that each item has a designated place on the shelves, making it easier for library users to physically locate the materials they need.
2. Collating Items: The classification scheme aims to bring together items with similar or related subjects on the library’s shelves. By grouping materials based on subject content, users can conveniently find resources on the same topic, as they are located in one place within the library.
3. Linking Items: Classification bridges the library catalogue and the physical items on the shelves. By utilizing call numbers, users searching for items through the library catalog can use these references to locate the items on the shelves. This linkage ensures a seamless connection between the catalog record and the physical presence of the item.
4. Enabling Browsing Facilities: The structure of a bibliographic classification scheme allows users to engage in browsing activities within the library’s collection. Users can explore the shelves or electronic collections based on the hierarchical arrangement provided by the classification scheme. This browsing feature enhances serendipitous discovery, allowing users to encounter materials beyond their initial search criteria.
5. Supporting Information Retrieval: Classification systems aim to enhance information retrieval by grouping related materials together. By organizing items based on subject content, format, or other characteristics, classification schemes provide a structured framework that enables users to discover resources beyond their initial search, facilitating serendipitous discovery and interdisciplinary exploration. Promoting Efficient
6. Collection Management: Classification systems assist librarians in effectively managing and maintaining library collections. By organizing materials into categories or classes, librarians can assess the coverage of subjects, identify gaps, and make informed decisions about collection development, resource allocation, and weeding outdated materials.

These objectives collectively contribute to efficient resource retrieval, effective organization, and a more user-friendly experience within the library.

Features of the Library Classification Scheme

Library classification schemes play a fundamental role in organizing and structuring the vast collections of resources found within libraries. These schemes employ a range of features to categorize materials systematically, enabling librarians and users to locate and retrieve information efficiently. Understanding the features of library classification schemes is crucial for maximizing the usability and accessibility of library collections.

Classification schemes need to include the following features to prove to be of maximum benefit to the classifier:

1. Schedules: One of the prominent features of a library classification scheme is the presence of schedules. These schedules provide an organized list of main classes, divisions, and sub-divisions within the scheme. They establish a logical hierarchy, illustrating the relationship between specific subjects and their broader categories. Each subject is associated with a classification symbol, facilitating the systematic arrangement of materials on library shelves.
2. Index: Library classification schemes are equipped with an index, which serves as a valuable tool for users in their search for materials. There are two main types of indexes: relative indexes and specific indexes. A relative index presents broad subject headings alphabetically, with indented lists of related topics underneath. On the other hand, a specific index offers a concise alphabetical list of specific subjects without indentations. These indexes guide users in locating relevant resources and provide essential cross-referencing to classification symbols.
3. Notation: Notation is a critical feature of library classification schemes as it assigns unique symbols or codes to represent subjects and their corresponding classes. These symbols can be pure or mixed, utilizing letters, numerals, and occasionally, grammatical signs or mathematical symbols. Notation is prominently displayed on the spines of library books, allowing for easy identification and shelving. It also acts as a link between the index, schedules, library catalogues, and physical placement of resources, ensuring seamless integration between catalogue records and the actual items.
4. Tables: Besides schedules, library classification schemes may include tables that enhance the specificity and precision of class marks. These tables provide additional symbols or codes that can be appended to class marks to refine the classification of materials further. Tables offer flexibility and adaptability, accommodating evolving subject areas and ensuring the scheme’s continued relevance and usability.
5. Form Class: Certain classification schemes incorporate a form class specifically designed to categorize materials where the form holds greater significance than the subject. Form classes are particularly relevant for literary works such as fiction, poetry, and plays. By separating these materials from the main subject-based classes, form classes facilitate easy browsing and access for users interested in specific genres or formats.
6. A Generalities Class: Including a generalities class is a notable feature of many classification schemes. This class accommodates materials that cover a broad range of subjects and cannot be allocated to specific subject classes due to their pervasive subject coverage. It encompasses resources like general encyclopedias, general bibliographies, and general periodicals, ensuring that these valuable materials are appropriately classified and accessible to library users.

Types of Library Classification Schemes

Library classification schemes are essential tools used to organize and categorize diverse collections of materials in libraries. These schemes employ various approaches and methods to arrange and retrieve resources systematically. Three common types of library classification schemes are enumerative classification schemes, analytico-synthetic classification schemes, and faceted classification schemes. Enumerative classification schemes utilize a hierarchical structure to assign specific numbers or codes to subjects. Analytico-synthetic classification schemes combine the analytical approach of dividing subjects into smaller components with the synthetic approach of creating a hierarchical structure. Faceted classification schemes organize subjects based on multiple facets or characteristics, allowing for flexible and precise classification. Each type of classification scheme offers unique advantages and is tailored to meet libraries’ specific organizational and retrieval needs.

1. Enumerative Classification Schemes: An enumerative Library classification scheme is a scheme where all the possible classes are enumerated according to specific characteristics. There is a top-down approach whereby a series of subordinate classes are produced and where both simple and complex subjects are listed. The advantage of this scheme is that the structure of the scheme is shown by the notation as far as practicable. Users can easily find the coordinate and subordinate classes and can make a map of the subject. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to accommodate new subjects, and frequent revisions may be required. An enumerative classification scheme, in some cases, displays hierarchical structures of notation. The basic tenet of this scheme is that all the possible subjects and topics are listed along with a predefined class number. Therefore the classifier does not have to create any class number such as Dewey Decimal Classification.

2. Analytico-Synthetic Classification Scheme: Analytico-Synthetic Library classification schemes resolve some of the problems of enumerative classification schemes. The concept behind this scheme is that the subject of a given document will be divided into its constituent elements. Then the classification scheme will be used to find notations for each element, which will then be combined according to the prescribed rules to prepare the final class number. This scheme overcomes the two major problems of enumerative classification schemes by providing various tables, specific notational symbols, and rules; they avoid the necessity for a long list of classes and thus produce a smaller classification scheme in size; they also provide flexibility to users as specific numbers can be built, and the classifier is not restricted by the availability of a specific subject. Nevertheless, it makes classifiers’ job complex since they have to construct the class numbers instead of just selecting one from a list like Universal Decimal Classification.

3. Faceted Classification Scheme:  A faceted classification scheme is on the other extreme of the scale since instead of listing all the classes and the corresponding numbers, it lists the various facets of every subject or main class and provides a set of rules for constructing class numbers through facet analysis. The concept of facet analysis was proposed by Dr. S. R. Ranganathan and was used in his faceted classification scheme called Colon Classification. The basic idea was that any component or facet of a subject could fit into five fundamental categories: Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, and Time which became the major focus of classification research from 1930 onwards, resulting in the Colon Classification.

Some of the Prominent Library Classification Schemes

Here are some prominent library classification schemes:

1. Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC): The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is one of the most widely used library classification systems in the world. Created by Melvil Dewey in the late 19th century, it organizes library materials into ten main classes covering various subject areas. Each main class is further divided into subclasses and numerical codes, providing a hierarchical structure for organizing resources on library shelves. The DDC covers a broad range of subjects and is particularly popular in public and school libraries. It offers a systematic and efficient way to categorize and retrieve materials, enabling users to locate resources based on their subject areas. The DDC continues to be updated and revised to reflect evolving knowledge domains, ensuring its relevance in the modern information landscape.
2. Library of Congress Classification (LCC): The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is a widely used library classification system primarily employed in academic and research libraries in the United States. Developed by the Library of Congress, it organizes library materials into classes, subclasses, and alphanumeric codes, providing a detailed and comprehensive subject classification across various disciplines. The LCC covers a vast range of subjects, allowing for precise categorization and organization of resources. It utilizes a combination of letters and numbers to represent subjects, enabling librarians and users to locate materials within specific subject areas. The LCC provides a robust framework for organizing and accessing information, supporting research and scholarship in academic settings. It is continually updated to incorporate new knowledge and emerging areas of study, ensuring its ongoing relevance in the evolving field of information organization.
3. Universal Decimal Classification (UDC): The Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) is a widely adopted bibliographic and library classification system developed by Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine. The UDC combines elements of the Dewey Decimal Classification and other classification systems to create a comprehensive and flexible approach to knowledge organization. It classifies library materials based on subject matter, utilizing a numerical notation system that allows for detailed classification and precise retrieval of resources. The UDC is known for its multilingual capabilities, enabling it to be used internationally. With its extensive coverage of subjects, the UDC is utilized in various types of libraries, information centers, and databases, supporting efficient access to knowledge across disciplines and languages. The UDC is regularly updated to accommodate new areas of knowledge and evolving information needs.
4. Bliss Classification Scheme: The Bliss Classification Scheme, developed by Henry Evelyn Bliss, is a bibliographic classification system that emphasizes subject organization and faceted classification. It utilizes a notation system based on a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to represent subjects and their facets. The Bliss Classification Scheme focuses on the relationship between subjects, allowing for a more precise and flexible classification of resources. It employs a hierarchical structure that enables users to navigate through broader and narrower subject categories. With its emphasis on faceted classification, the Bliss Scheme provides a comprehensive framework for organizing diverse materials, accommodating various aspects and characteristics of subjects. It is used in specialized libraries and information centers, particularly in the fields of science and technology, to effectively organize and retrieve resources based on their subject content.
5. Colon Classification: Colon Classification, created by S.R. Ranganathan, is a faceted classification system designed to organize and retrieve information resources efficiently. It focuses on the relationships between subjects and emphasizes the use of facets, which are aspects or characteristics of a subject, to classify materials. The classification system utilizes a combination of alphanumeric codes and symbols to represent subjects and their facets, allowing for a granular and precise organization of resources. Colon Classification offers a flexible framework that can adapt to different subjects and accommodate evolving knowledge domains. It is particularly useful in specialized libraries and information centers where subjects can be complex and multidimensional. By employing a faceted approach, Colon Classification provides a comprehensive method for classifying materials based on their subject content and characteristics, facilitating effective information retrieval.

A library classification scheme plays a vital role in organizing and categorizing the vast array of resources found in libraries. It provides a systematic framework for arranging materials based on subject content, allowing users to locate relevant resources efficiently. Classification schemes offer a range of benefits, including facilitating resource discovery, enabling effective collection management, promoting knowledge sharing between libraries, and supporting browsing capabilities. From traditional schemes like the Dewey Decimal Classification and Library of Congress Classification to more specialized approaches such as Bliss Classification and Colon Classification, each scheme brings its own unique features and advantages. As libraries continue to adapt to evolving information landscapes, classification schemes evolve as well, incorporating new subjects and refining existing structures. Ultimately, library classification schemes are instrumental in enhancing access to information, supporting research, and promoting the overall organization and usability of library collections.

References:

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