Classification & Categorization

LIS 653

Starr Hoffman

How it All Fits Together

Record(representation of bibliographic

information)

Code (rules:

AACR2, RDA)

Encoding (MARC, XML)

Authority control (standardized author name: J. R. R. Tolkien)

Structure (ISBD, XML)

Subject headings (LCSH, Sears,

AAT)

Classification (shelving: LC,

Dewey)

Model (FRBR, trad.

model)

Record is displayed in an OPAC, online database, etc.

Format(MARC,

Dublin Core)

Overview of Classification One form of subject access (a controlled vocabulary)

Enumerative vs. faceted

Classification shows relationship between objects Collocation manifests this on the shelf

Enables browsing

One-dimensional, linear order (single class/relationship)

Taxonomy = grouping things together based on similarities

Enables subject-driven browsing in an OPAC

Classification differs from assigning subject headings Classification: single assignment

Subject headings: may assign multiple

Filing order of classified objects: general to specific

Parts of a classification scheme

Schedule Lists the division of classes Instruction on which subdivisions take precedence

Notation A code applied to objects to fix their arrangement within

the classification scheme Exhibits the classification scheme Hospitality: able to accommodate new subjects

Unassigned notation Subdivision of notation

Expressiveness: able to express the hierarchical structure of the scheme, or to express the facet structure of compound topics

Alphabetical index

Types of Classification Schemes

Enumerative Can only describe hierarchical relationships Repetition of subordinate topics Danger of cross-classification of similar works Structure is easy, intuitive

Faceted (analytico-synthetic) Form compound topics through synthesis All facets may be expressed Structure a bit harder to grasp Compact schedules Schemes can more readily be kept up to date

Dewey vs. Library of Congress

Dewey Decimal Classification DDC Public libraries, school libraries Enumerative Indirect numeric system based on

subject matter (rather than a shelving location, which is direct)—thus able to change shelf labels as-needed

10 main classes Extensible, scalable (able to add new

subjects into the system) Dewey consolidated ideas of others

(including Cutter) into one system consistent subclassifications and

mnemonics (regardless of category); fewer categories & subclasses compared to LCC

Library of Congress Classification LC or LCC Academic libraries Enumerative 21 main classes Basics taken from Cutter's

"Expansive Classification” Subdivisions are often by

country, rather than subject more highly subdivided with

no mnemonic/structural consistency between disciplines

Main Classes for DDC, LCCDDC Main Classes 000 = General Works 100 = Philosophy 200 = Religion 300 = Social Sciences 400 = Languages 500 = Pure Sciences 600 = Technology (Practical Arts)

includes medicine, engineering, business accounting, agriculture, salesmanship, etc.

700 = Fine Arts (includes music, photography, etc.)

800 = Literature 900 = History, Geography,

Biography

LCC Main Classes A = General Works B = Philosophy and Religion C = Auxiliary Sciences of History D = Universal History E & F = American History G = Geography, Anthropology,

Recreation H = Social Science I = 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

Anatomy of a Call NumberZ678.9 .L43 1985 co.2

Classification number (this example is LCC)

Cutter numbers (or book numbers) are used primarily to maintain alphabetization as needed, usually based on the first letter of an author’s last name, but can also signify a corporate name, geography, title, etc. Cutter numbers are a letter followed by numbers, ordered like decimals in order, so .M395, .M4, .M47, .M5, etc.

Publication years are sometimes added to further distinguish a work, particularly if an author has published multiple works with the same subject classification

Work marks or copy numbers are added if there are multiple copies or other features that need to be distinguished (this particular example indicates that the book is “copy 2”)