Following on from the first edition of this book, the second edition fills the gap between more complex theoretical texts and those books with a purely practical approach. The book looks at major library classification schemes in use in Europe, UK and the USA, and includes practical exercises to demonstrate their application. Importantly, classifying electronic resources is also discussed. Classification in Theory and Practice aims to demystify a very complex subject, and to provide a sound theoretical underpinning, together with practical advice and development of practical skills. Chapters concentrate purely on classification rather than cataloguing and indexing, ensuring a more in-depth coverage of the topic. - Covers the latest Dewey Decimal Classification, 23rd edition - Provides practical advice on which schemes will be most suitable for different types of library collection - Covers classification of digital resources - Explores recent developments in digital resources and tagging
Dr Susan Batley is a senior lecturer at the London Metropolitan University with teaching and research in the areas of organisation and retrieval of information and knowledge resources. Having completed a PhD on factors affecting the retrieval of information from picture databases in 1989, she worked as a subject librarian at the University of East London, before taking up her current post in 1996. Dr Batley is the author of another Chandos book, Classification in Theory and Practice.
Batley
Classification in Theory and Practice jetzt bestellen!
Weitere Infos & Material
2
Classification schemes for general collections
Abstract
This chapter focuses upon the two most popular classification schemes for general libraries: Dewey Decimal Classification and Library of Congress Classification. Both schemes are examined in depth, with sections on their subject coverage and their use. Illustrative examples are provided throughout and exercises are included to aid in the development of practical classification skills.
Keywords
Dewey Decimal Classification
enumerative classification
Library of Congress Classification
notation building
Dewey Decimal Classification
Background
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is the most widely used classification scheme in the UK and indeed the world. It was originally conceived by Melvil Dewey in 1873, and the first edition was published in 1876. The scheme is available in both print and web versions and is subject to continuous revision to keep pace with change. The print version, now in its 23rd edition (OCLC, 2011), is published as a four-volume set:
| Volume 1 | Introduction, Manual, Tables |
| Volume 2 | Schedules 000-599 |
| Volume 3 | Schedules 600-999 |
Keeping the print version up to date with changes in knowledge and understanding is a struggle, but anyone starting to classify with DDC should use the print edition in preference to the web version, as the overall structure of the scheme is easier to grasp. When the structure of the scheme and the principles of classifying with DDC have been mastered, then the web version is to be preferred because of its currency.
Coverage
DDC's coverage is comprehensive. Primary arrangement is by discipline, and within each main class a reasonable level of specificity is achieved. Certainly the depth of coverage is adequate for general library collections but libraries with more specialised collections would find DDC's general coverage and lack of flexibility drawbacks. The background and cultural setting of the DDC's creator is reflected in its coverage. Much effort has been concentrated on ridding the scheme of apparent biases, but the Religion schedules, for example, despite revision in the latest edition, retain their Christian bias, with all other religions relegated to the 290s.
Dewey Decimal Classification: outline: The Hundred Divisions
| 000 | Computer science, information & general works |
| 000 | Computer science, knowledge & systems |
| 020 | Library & information sciences |
| 030 | Encyclopedias & books of facts |
| 050 | Magazines, journals & serials |
| 060 | Associations, organizations & museums |
| 070 | News media, journalism & publishing |
| 090 | Manuscripts & rare books |
| 100 | Philosophy & psychology |
| 130 | Parapsychology & occultism |
| 140 | Philosophical schools of thought |
| 180 | Ancient, medieval & eastern philosophy |
| 190 | Modern western philosophy |
| 210 | Philosophy & theory of religion |
| 240 | Christian practice & observance |
| 250 | Christian pastoral practice & religious orders |
| 260 | Christian organization, social work & worship |
| 270 | History of Christianity |
| 280 | Christian denominations |
| 300 | Social Sciences, sociology & anthropology |
| 350 | Public administration & military science |
| 360 | Social problems & social services |
| 380 | Commerce, communications & transportation |
| 390 | Customs, etiquette & folklore |
| 420 | English & Old English languages |
| 430 | German & related languages |
| 440 | French & related languages |
| 450 | Italian, Romanian & related languages |
| 460 | Spanish, Portuguese, Galician |
| 470 | Latin & Italic languages |
| 480 | Classical & modern Greek languages |
| 550 | Earth sciences & geology |
| 560 | Fossils & prehistoric life |
| 640 | Home & family management |
| 650 | Management & public relations |
| 680 | Manufacture for specific uses |
| 690 | Construction of buildings |
| 710 | Area planning & landscape architecture |
| 730 | Sculpture, ceramics & metalwork |
| 740 | Graphic arts & decorative arts |
| 770 | Photography, computer art, film, video |
| 790 | Sports, games & entertainment |
| 800 | Literature, rhetoric & criticism |
| 810 | American literature in English |
| 820 | English & Old English literatures |
| 830 | German & related literatures |
| 840 | French & related literatures |
| 850 | Italian, Romanian & related literatures |
| 860 | Spanish, Portuguese, Galician literatures |
| 870 | Latin & Italic literatures |
| 880 | Classical & modern Greek literatures |
