SUBJECT: LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION-1

Unit-1

Knowledge: Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom

Data: The word data is Latin in origin and literally, it means anything that is given. In simple data is a
unit of fact and a raw material of information.
Information: Information is processed data, organized and presented by someone. The data
become information. Information is a raw material and consist of a mere collection of data.
Knowledge: It is an organized set of statements of facts or ideas presenting reasoned judgment or
an experimental result that is transmitted to other through communication medium in some
systematic form.
Wisdom: Wisdom is distilled and integrated knowledge and understanding. It is most precious
human capital in all developmental processes.

Knowledge Classification: Philosopher scientists have been taking interest in knowledge

classification since long. They tried to make class number on the interrelations of the subjects. Thus
in order to add know and unknown subjects, knowledge system developed to adopt all the ideas.

Book classification: Book classification is a mechanised process of time saving in search of

knowledge. According to sayers A classification scheme is supposed to take care to make
arrangements of books in a systematic order or in other words to arrange the books on the shelve in
a particular system is classification.
Thus, book classification is contained in knowledge classification. By adding and alterations of few
adjustments, knowledge classification becomes book classification like book number, class number
etc.

Difference between Knowledge classification and book classification:

Knowledge classification Book classification

● The thinkers and
philosophers classify their ● In this system books are
thinks and thoughts for their classified in order to make
satisfaction. arrangements of reading
● It has the idealistic shape and material on shelves for use
not in practical. The ideas of readers.
and thoughts are arranged in ● It is more in practical then
a hypothetical way only to idealistic. It is written
shape subjects and sub expression of feelings and
heads in mind of thinkers. ideas expressed in the
written form of books and
periodicals.
 ● Thinkers and philosophers ● In this system different
did not make their ideas in a books and periodicals are
systematical order. given a specific order or
● In one way it is more real. system of different books
● Thinkers did not give any and periodicals.
notation to their ideas. ● In one way it is more
● There is much hospitality in practical.
number and index ● Notation system is adopted
numbering. and the class numbers are
● There is much hospitality in provided to its each and
chain due to lack of notation. every subject.
● It is based on pre occupied ● Each and every document
ideas and thoughts and is given book number and
personal approved principles. index number for its
personal entity.
● There are limitations of
notation as such hospitality
limitations in chain and
indexing.
● Much attention is paid or
given or reality and
underdoubted beliefs.

Question Banks

Note: Short answer types questions

Q. 1. Describe universe of Knowledge.

Q. 2. Describe various types of knowledge.

Q. 3. Define knowledge classification.

Q. 4. Define Book Classification

Q. 5. Explain difference between knowledge classification and Book

Classification.

Unit-2
Universe of subject:
Among the attributes of the universe of subjects to be studied are: Its tendency to become infinite
and a continuum; its multidimensional and turbulently dynamic qualities; the emergence and modes
of forma- tion of subjects; the frequency and trend of incidence of each of the different modes.

Purposoe:

i) It is composed of scattered segments separated by space.

ii) It is not continuous like time, a river or a line.
iii) It is infinite, multidimensional, dynamic and expanding in all directions.
The expansion is invariably linked with time.

Kinds of subjects:
● Simple subject
● Compound subject
● Complex subject
Simple subject:
It is a unitary subject. It is a subject without any isolate or a component basic subjects have to be
formed in knowledge classification, especially in its to derivative library classification. It is a postulate
necessary for a library classification scheme. A library classification may not work without basic
subjects. In a classification scheme topics are organized around a basic subject. More the number of
basic subjects, better the library classification. These are analogous to Elements in chemistry.
Therefore, the number and scope of basic subjects is always changing and varies from system to
system. Number and scope of basic subjects is also influenced by the social conditions. For example,
in the DDC the number of main classes have always remained ten, while in the colon classification it
has varied from edition to edition. In the 7th ed. Of the CC the number of basic subjects is more than
750. There is nothing natural about the scope and number of main classes. These are postulated by
the classificationist.
Compound complex:
A subject with a basic subject and one or more isolate. For example:
Agricultural of wheat
Diseases of wheat
Treatment of wheat diseases
Treatment of wheat diseases in india
Are examples of compound subjects. In fact, the majority of subjects in the universe of literature are
compound subjects. They are numerous cannot be counted. Their number is constantly rowing. It is
analogues to chemical compounds.
Complex subjects:
It is a temporary or ad hoc combination of two or more subjects from the same or different main
classes. Such subjects are two phased subjects, example Mathematics for engineers, Influence of
geography on history, Relation between economy and politics, Comparative study of Indian and
British constitution. These are analogous to chemical mixtures.
Complex subjects are mostly interdisciplinary and are very trendy in this age of comparative and
multidisciplinary research. Complex subjects, are formed by what S. R Ranganathan called loose-
Assemblage method. He further discovered six types of relations between two loosely assembled
subjects. These are namely:
1. General
2. Bias
3. Comparison
4. Difference
5. Tool
6. Influence
These relations occur at three levels. Main class, facets, Arrays. Thus there are eighteen kinds of
complex subjects.
It may be noted that status of bias, compound or complex subjects is not static or frozen. There is
always an upward migration. For example, a complex or compound subject may become a basic
subject by gaining some literary warrant. For example, in the CC-6 Geopolitics was a complex subject,
now in the CC-7 (1987) it has gained the status a basic subject.

Question Bank
Note: Short answer type questions
Q. 1. Define Universe of Subject.
Q. 2. Describe various kinds of subjects.
Q. 3. Define simple subject.
Q. 4. Define compound subject.
Q. 5. Define complex subject.

UNIT-3
 LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION

Meaning and definitions

According to Mr. Man: Classification is the arranging of things according to likeness and unlikeness.
It is sorting and grouping of things, but in addition, classification of books is a knowledge
classification with adjustment made necessary by the physical form of books.

According to Mr. Sayers: Classification is the arrangement of books on shelves, or description of

them, in the manner which is most useful to those who read.

According to Dr. S. R. Ranganathan: Classification is the division of a universe into a multitude of

groups on the basis of a system of characteristics and the arrangement of the resulting groups in a
preferred sequence and finally the representation of the resulting classes by ordinary numbers.

Need of library classification

Thus, there are many reasons of the need of classification. Some of them are as follows:

Explosion of Knowledge: Today due to explosion of knowledge there is a great increase in printed or
non-printed reading material. In order to manage and organise the literature in library needs
classification.

Complexity of subject: The subjects are becoming complex. Inter-disciplinary subjects are increased.
Due to depth study and research the subjects in depth or advanced literature is started to publish.
This all type of literature is needed for classification.

Different forms of literature: At present, libraries acquire printed and non-printed reading material
both. The adoption of computer for library services is a land-mark and revolutionary step in the field.
In addition to the books acquired in a library there are other reading material i.e non-book material
which includes newspapers and periodicals, reports, pamphlets, maps, CD Rom etc.

Variety in language of literature: Today literature is published in many languages. Books written in
different language of one subject and published can be arranged and given a place by classification
only.

To make accessible the reading material and increase in library resources: The collection of books in
a library is useless until and unless it is usable. We cannot think for use of a library collection without
classification. Classification helps in arranging the books in order of subjects sequence and the
readers use them maximum.

Saving the time: Classification helps in saving of time. The readers get desired books in a lesser time.
Classification saves the time of reader as well as of library staff. Thus, a reader is helped in a least
cost and maximum service.

Purpose of classification

The main purpose of classification is to make arrangement in an helpful sequence. Various persons
have defined the defined the different purpose of classification in a library.
Dr. Ranganathan says:- To arrange the reading material in an helpful sequence or the material kept
in helpful sequence is being done in mechanised form.

● The book available and demanded the same by a reader, proper place is decided in library by
classification.
● The book returned by readers, should be placed again at a place where these were already
kept.
● New arrival books can be kept for making its palce.

A.E. Savage:- The purpose of classification in a library is to keep the books in an auxiliary and
helpful sequence.
D.E. Richardson:- Believes that books are for use and the purpose of classification is to make
mobile.

Functions of classification:-

● To keep the books of equal subjects at one place.

● Save the time to trace the books.
● Classification is a symbolic sign of a prosperous classification or poor classification.
● To help in making arrangement of books as well as in book selection or deciding
acquisition policy.
● To avoid difficulty in arranging the books back at the shelf reaching.
● To make easy book selection as well as in collection.
● Books can be displayed in a best manner.
● Classification saves the time of the readers.
● Classification makes easy the display and circulation of books.
● Classification helps in annual stock verification of books.
● It is helpful in making bibliographies and preparation of catalogue.
● In order to represent a library in good or bad quality, classification is a symbolic
factor.

Need of classification for various Library activities:-

● Book selection or Acquisition

● Shelf arrangement
● Display of books
● Circulation
● Analysis of books
● Make an arrangement of entries in catalogue
● Reference service
● Documentation service.
Questions Bank
Note: Short answer type questions
Q. 1. Define library classification.
 Q. 2. Describe needs of library classification.
Q. 3. Describe purpose of library classification.
Q. 4. Define library classification and explain its needs, purpose and functions of library
classification.

Unit-4
Notation Definition:-
According to Bliss H.E: Notation is a system of marks or symbols in some order denoting terms or
members of a series or system of things.

According to Magraret Mann: The symbol which stands for classes and their sub-divisions is called
the notation of that scheme.

According to S.R. Ranganthan: Notation is a system of ordinary numbers used to represents the
classes in a scheme of classification.

Importance of Notation:-

The classification without notation is quite impossible. Notation is very essential for classification.
The knowledge in the books mentioned must be given an artificial language from ordinary language
of the book. This artificial language can be given or made by notation only.

Prof. Sayers believes- Good notation cannot correct or make good to the faculty classification but a
faulty notation can spoil classification at some extent.

The importance of notation in a library can be assumed on the basis that many schemes even named
after its notation. For example, the colon classification enunciated by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan is named
on the basis of (:) notation and likewise the Decimal system( .) is named Decimal (.) notation
enunciated by Mr. Melwil Dewey.

Qualities of good notation:-

According to Mr. W.C.B. Sayers, there should be following qualities in a good notation.

● Brevity: It is one virtue of a good notation. It means number of main class and digits should
be in short. Notation in short shall be readable and memorable. Brevity should be as short as
possible bit it may not destroy the purpose.
● Simplicity: It should be a simple notation. Through the brevity of a notation affects the
simplicity but both are in different views.
According to sayers a simple notation is that which can be easily written, read of
pronounced and remembered.
The simplicity of a notation indicates the following two points:
A. Which can be written, read, typed or pronounced.
B. Which decides or forms serial or any order like: 1,2,3,4...... A,B,C,D..

● Flexibility: It is the most important virtue of a good notation to be a flexible. The entire
success of a good classification scheme depend upon the flexible notation.
● Mnemonics: Mnemonics is a very important virtue of a classification scheme. W.C.B
Sayers say symbols and marking should be used in a classification in such a way that
results are the same wherever these are being used.
Dr. Ranganathan pointed out the virtue of a good notation which should be as follow:
A. It should be analytico synthetic.
 B. It should be mnemonic in structure.
C. It should be synthesised and expressive.
D. A notation should have the capacity of adopting new subjects in array and chain
both.

Types of notation:-

Notations are of two types which are as follows:

Pure notation
Mixed notation

Pure Notation: That notation which is made with one type of marking and
symbol For example 123456789or ABCD.....XYZ
Best example of pure notation is Melwil Dewey’s decimal classification scheme.
Pure notation was used very first time in this scheme. In this system Arabic
numerals are used only. Expansive classification of CA cutter is also regarded as a
pure notation.
Merits:
1. It can be written with an easy and speedy.
2. Easy to read and remember due to mnemonic.
3. It is very easy.
4. Everybody can understand easily.
5. Class number made by notation is in short or abridged.
6. Least possibility of error or misprint.

Mixed notation: Mixed notation was first used by Mr. E.C. Richardson in his
scheme of Princeton scheme and forwarded it ahead and used words and numbers both in his
classification scheme. Mixed notation means to that notation in which two or more symbols are used
in making notation. Example, 0,1,3,4,...789, or A,B,C,D,...W,X,Y,Z, or a,b,c,d, ....,w,x,y,z, or .:;’ ()etc.

Library of congress, J.D. Brown’s subject classification, colon classification of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan,
Bibliographic classification of Bliss system of British museum are the examples of mixed notation.
These all schemes used numerical and words both for notation.

Merits:

1. Basis in expansive as such many more subject can be inserted.

2. Class number of mixed notations is short in comparison of pure notation.
3. New classes can be increased without any increase in class number.
4. It has capacity to develop at all places.
5. Much adaptability in notation.
6. Depth and micro classification is possible.

Question Bank

Note: Short answer types questions

Q. 1. Define Notation.

Q. 2. Define importance of Notation.

Q. 3. Describe quality of good notation.

Q. 4. Define notation and explain various types of notation.

Unit- 5

Elements of library classification

The main objective of classification in library is to provide individual identity and class number to
each book or to make arrangement of the books in a library in an auxiliary helpful sequence. To do
these books are marked artificial number. These artificial number provides the personal entity to the
books. These numbers are called call- number.

According to S.R. Ranganathan: In a library between one document to another, and in catalogue
between an entry to another, with a view to show relative position, the numbers are called call
number.

Class number have three parts:

1. Class number
2. Book number
3. Collection number

In a classification scheme, the code number shown in for the subject contained therein the book is
called call number and represent for a specific subject.

According to S.R. Ranganathan, The class number of a book is a translation of specific subject in an
ordinal number.

Thus, by class number the specific subject of a book is translated in an artificial language or in other
words- in order to provide class number to the document the subject mentioned in the document is
being translated in an ordinal number of the subject contains. By the specific classified number can
be changed and known the name and subject of the document.

Species of Classification

According to Dr. S.R. Ranganathan the following are the main systems of subjects classification:

1. Enumerative scheme
2. Almost enumerative scheme
3. Rigidly facted scheme
4. Freely facted scheme
5. Analytico synthetic classification

Major schemes of classification:

1. Decimal classification- Melwil Dewey,1876
2. Library of congress classification- Library of congress,1904
3. Universal Decimal classification- Institute International De Bibliography, 1905
4. Colon Classification- S. R. Ranganathan

Decimal Classification Scheme

This scheme was introduced by Mr. Melwil Dewey. He thought to make such a scheme of
classification which is a simple and easy in use. For this he used as symbols Indo- Arabic Numerals.
Very first in the year 1876 A classification and subject index for cataloguing and pamphlets of a
library published. Uptill now its 23 editions have been published.
Structure of Decimal Classification(23thrd.)

This scheme is divided into three volumes:

1. Introduction, tables
2. Schedules
3. Schedules
4. Relative index.

Volume 1 Introduction, Tables

This volume provides, introduction, characteristics, main features of the original planning, and the
system of its use are explained. The following seven tables are provided in it:

1. Standard Subdivisions
2. Area Subdivisions
3. Subdivisions of individual literature
4. Subdivisions of individual language
5. Racial, Ethnic, National group
6. Language
7. Persons

These all tables are called auxiliary tables. Its use is made by adding with the class number of vol2 as
per need.

Volume 2 Schedules
The volume contains main classes:

Example

301-307 Sociology

301 Sociology

302 Social interaction

303 Social process

Volume 3 Relative Index

There is one index provided in this volume having relative alphabetical as well as numerical class
number indexed. Its use is just like in the manner of dictionary use. It provides in alphabetical order
the matter related with one subject at one place but which is in scattered form in the tables.

Sailent Features of Decimal Classification scheme:

Enumerative scheme: In this scheme there is no need of making class number but the class
numbers are provided as readymade. All the probable subjects are put in auxiliary helpful sequence
and arranged in general to specific, in the index volume.
Index volume is most useful. The index is in alphabetical order, which helps to locate and find out any
aspect of the subject where its readymade class number is given.

Pure notation: In this scheme there has been used pure notation which can be written easily, can
be pronunciated, and used Indo- Arabic numerals. There is a use of (.) decimal after three digits
which increases mnemonics in use.

Hierarchical notation: In this scheme, the use of notation is in respective order. The arrangement
of subjects is made general to specific. Gradually the subjects is in depth, the size of notation goes on
for increase in size in the same ratio.

Example
370 Education
371 Teaching
371-2 School organisation and Administration
371-21 Admission

Mnemonics: In this scheme the symbols and markings are used for speedy memory. Standard
subdivisions and geographical subdivisions as mnemonic is used in this scheme as helpful
mnemonics.
Example
Dictionary of Law 340-03
Dictionary of Library science 020.3

Facet Analysis and Synthesis: Though basically the DDC is faceted analysis scheme but after the 17th
ed. Started to include the merit points of synthetic too.
Example
Main class 400 language is divided first by language then its elements.

Provision of tables: In this there has been provided seven tables which are being used as per
directions. Some of them can be used along with any class number of the schedule, while a few can
be used with those division of class numbers where ever directions are given.

Add Device: There are the provisions of Add- 19th ed. By doing so there can be made a new class
number by adding number of a class in main from other.

General special tables for time: In the scheme there are tables to show the time and period.

Relative index: The third volume of DDC contains relative index. It helps to make class number of a
described subject. It is very good and helpful. It is the most important good characteristics of DDC
relative index.
Revised Policy: Uptill now it has published 20ed. Continue revision, adaption of new subjects,
revised from time to time have made the scheme very popular.

Question Banks
Note: Short answer types questions
Q. 1. Describe various species of library classification.
Q. 2. Define enumerative schemes of classification.
Q. 3. Describe the sever table for DDC.
Q. 4. Describe main class for DDC.
Q. 5. Define relative index for DDC.
Q. 6. What are major schemes of library classification? Discuss salient feature of DDC.
 Unit-2
Universe of subject:

Among the attributes of the universe of subjects to be studied are: Its tendency to become infinite
and a continuum; its multidimensional and turbulently dynamic qualities; the emergence and modes
of forma- tion of subjects; the frequency and trend of incidence of each of the different modes.

Purposoe:

i) It is composed of scattered segments separated by space.

ii) It is not continuous like time, a river or a line.
iii) It is infinite, multidimensional, dynamic and expanding in all directions.
The expansion is invariably linked with time.

Kinds of subjects:
● Simple subject
● Compound subject
● Complex subject
Simple subject:
It is a unitary subject. It is a subject without any isolate or a component basic subjects have to be
formed in knowledge classification, especially in its to derivative library classification. It is a postulate
necessary for a library classification scheme. A library classification may not work without basic
subjects. In a classification scheme topics are organized around a basic subject. More the number of
basic subjects, better the library classification. These are analogous to Elements in chemistry.
Therefore, the number and scope of basic subjects is always changing and varies from system to
system. Number and scope of basic subjects is also influenced by the social conditions. For example,
in the DDC the number of main classes have always remained ten, while in the colon classification it
has varied from edition to edition. In the 7th ed. Of the CC the number of basic subjects is more than
750. There is nothing natural about the scope and number of main classes. These are postulated by
the classificationist.
Compound complex:
A subject with a basic subject and one or more isolate. For example:
Agricultural of wheat
Diseases of wheat
Treatment of wheat diseases
Treatment of wheat diseases in india
Are examples of compound subjects. In fact, the majority of subjects in the universe of literature are
compound subjects. They are numerous cannot be counted. Their number is constantly rowing. It is
analogues to chemical compounds.
Complex subjects:
It is a temporary or ad hoc combination of two or more subjects from the same or different main
classes. Such subjects are two phased subjects, example Mathematics for engineers, Influence of
geography on history, Relation between economy and politics, Comparative study of Indian and
British constitution. These are analogous to chemical mixtures.
Complex subjects are mostly interdisciplinary and are very trendy in this age of comparative and
multidisciplinary research. Complex subjects, are formed by what S. R Ranganathan called loose-
Assemblage method. He further discovered six types of relations between two loosely assembled
subjects. These are namely:
7. General
8. Bias
9. Comparison
10. Difference
11. Tool
12. Influence
These relations occur at three levels. Main class, facets, Arrays. Thus there are eighteen kinds of
complex subjects.
It may be noted that status of bias, compound or complex subjects is not static or frozen. There is
always an upward migration. For example, a complex or compound subject may become a basic
subject by gaining some literary warrant. For example, in the CC-6 Geopolitics was a complex subject,
now in the CC-7 (1987) it has gained the status a basic subject.