CLASSIFICATION

in the school library

Classification

The process of dividing objects or concepts into logically hierarchical classes, subclasses, and sub-subclasses based on the characteristics they have in common and those that distinguish them. Definition from ODLIS at http://lu.com/odlis/odlis_c.cfm#classification

Why do we need to Classify? Because a resource can only physically be in one location!

Benefits of Classification Works are shelved by classification number. It provides a sort of codified subject heading that reflects what the item is “about” so that items are housed together with other items “about” the same subject.

Keeping like items together serves the browsing interests of library patrons.

Classification Systems

Dewey Decimal System Library of Congress Dublin Core Others

The Library of Congress Classification System 26 letters form main classes Each class is divided by 2nd alphabet, then arithmetically

Each of the schedules is developed independently, so there are few common patterns of number building

Used for larger collections Easier to assign unique call numbers

The Dewey Decimal Classification System Relative location system Universal notation based on the use of the decimal system

10 main classes Arabic numerals Various mnemonic aids and standard subdivisions

Useful for libraries with 20,000 or fewer volumes

Choosing between the systems Size of the collection Knowledge level of the users Source of the classification numbers

Networking obligations May always make exceptions Dewey “does it” for most school libaries

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)A hierarchical system for classifying books and other library materials by subject, first published in 1876 by the librarian and educator Melvil Dewey, who divided human knowledge into 10 main classes, each of which is divided into 10 divisions, and so on. In Dewey Decimal call numbers, Arabic numerals and decimal fractions are used in the class notation (example: 996.9). http://www.flickr.com/photos/metabrilliant/3583184475/sizes/m/

Classifying using DDC

Determine the subject of the information package

Generally one classification number is assigned to an item, whereas one to six (or more) subject headings may be needed to fully reflect content beyond the primary subject area.

Classification will be based only on the primary facet of an item, whatever is considered most significant in placing the item within the collection.

Remember

Select a classification number based on the “field of study” or discipline and not “subject”

Consider the use of the item Example: a book about horses can be located in the discipline of zoology (study of the anatomy of the horse-599.725), animal husbandry (breeding-636.1), or even in sports (horse racing-798.4).

Conundrum

Should two copies of the same item be located in two different places in the library?

Kaplan and Riedling give an emphatic NO

I say “it depends” Consider the needs of your users Remember there are no cataloging police

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) Abridged vs unabridged

– Most school libraries use abridged

Unabridged is much more specific (more numbers to the right of the decimal point)

Guide contains tables, explanations, subject index to help you determine the number

http://www.flickr.com/photos/75905404@N00/423936278/sizes/m/

The 14th Abridged Edition of the DDC Based on the full edition Shorter notation (able to divide numbers from the full edition at the prime--’--)

Easier to remember Less expensive

Components

Introduction Glossary Tables Summaries Schedules (where the numbers are) Relative Index Manual

One key concept

The Dewey system relates subjects to disciplines

Subjects are listed alphabetically in the relative index

Under each subject the relative index lists the various disciplines under which the subject may be found

How to locate a Dewey Number Consult the DDC Relative Index under the subject area

Enter the schedules at the number identified from the index

Study the outline and scan the schedules to identify possible numbers

But there are easier ways …

Suggested DDC nos. can be found in:

Selection tools Reviews Publishers’ and vendors’ catalogs Sears List of Subject Headings Cataloging in Publication (CIP) in book – provided by most publishers = full catalog card information on title page verso; should always be verified with source (created early in publication cycle)

Your own catalog for similar items

What if

An item has more than one subject? If one subject is applied to another, class with the subject acted upon

Use the classification number for the subject receiving fuller treatment

With 2 subjects given equal treatment, class in the number coming first in the schedules (but check the schedule)

With 3 subjects, class in the first higher number that covers them all

Call Number

A unique code printed on a label affixed to the outside of an item in a library collection.

Assigned by the cataloger, the call number is also displayed in the bibliographic record that represents the item in the library catalog, to identify the specific copy of the work and give its relative location on the shelf.

Components of a Call Number Top line may be a special location reference In a school library you may see

REF for reference materials AV for audiovisuals MM for multimedia PRO for professional

Check spine labels of other library items for uniformity

Components of a Call Number Second line is the classification number

Third line is the book number, Cutter number or shelf mark In school libraries, the book number is typically the first 3 letters of the author’s last name

Sometimes see years added for a possible fourth line to indicate edition

Local Decisions

Biographies B, 92 or 920 Don’t use author’s last name unless it is an autobiography

Developed in each MC to assist its particular users

Find out what they are – look for written record in a cataloging guide (“local authority file”) or check similar materials

Are all Dewey books nonfiction? NO! NO! NO! Dewey can be used to organize all types of materials

800s are literature but we usually shelve our popular fiction/picture books alphabetically by author

Dewey is used for poetry, plays, joke books, folk and fairy tales

More accurate to say that the Dewey section includes INFORMATIONAL items

What “Dewey” do about fiction? Fiction materials are given call numbers too!

Fiction F or FIC +1st 3 letters of the author’s last name

Picture Books Everybody (or Easy) E +1st 3 letters of author’s last name

Story Collection SC + 1st 3 letters of author’s last name

Order of DDC Numbers

DDC numbers are arranged in decimal number order.

After the decimal point, look at each decimal place one at a time and put those numbers in order.

Unless they are the same, you will not need to look at the next place.

Mortimer, M. (2000). Learn Dewey Decimal Classification. Lanham, MD.: The Scarecrow Press.

An Example of DDC Number Order 348.003 348.01 348.02 348.022 348.14 348.141 348.675 348.74 348.744

Shelf Arrangement

Nonfiction materials are shelved in number order

The lower numbers are on the left The numbers increase as you move to the right

The numbers increase from the top shelf to the bottom shelf

This is very similar to how we read words on a page

Shelf Arrangement

http://www.flickr.com/photos/katerba/1522085378/sizes/m/

Numbers increase from left to right

Num

bers increase from top to

bottom

Some issues with Dewey

The nature of the classification system itself

The unfamiliarity of the system to most users

The complexity of the way some numbers are assigned

It’s not like Barnes & Noble! How does a system like this relate to information on the web? Tagging Key words

Unique uses of Dewey

http://www.deweybrowse.org/

http://spacefem.com/quizzes/dewey/

One very creative use of the DDCThe Library Hotel, New York Cityhttp://www.libraryhotel.com/dewey-decimal-system/index.cfm10 floors, one for each of the 10 main Dewey classes

Each room includes books on the topics from the Dewey class

Example: 9th floor is history (900s)One room is 20th century history, one is Asian history, etc.

The End