Assigned By : Dr.

Haroom Idrees
Name : Ahmed Subhpoto
Contents
▪ Classification Meaning, Definitions.
▪ Notation.
▪ Purpose of Library Classification.
▪ Function of Library Classification.
▪ Concept of Enumerative and Faceted Classification.
▪ Dewey Decimal Classification.
▪ Universal Decimal Classification.
▪ Library of Congress Classification.
▪ Colon Classification.
▪ Comparative Analysis
▪ Conclusion.
Meaning
 Latin word which means action or process of classifying something.

 It is a process of grouping. Act or process of putting things into groups

based on ways that they are alike. Putting together like entities and
separate unlike entities.

 Organizing things according to their similarities and differences.

 Definition

▪ A library classification is a system by which library materials

are arranged according to subject.

▪ Library classification systems group related materials together,

typically arranged in a hierarchical tree structure.

▪ A library classification is a system of coding and organizing

library materials (books, serials, audiovisual materials,
computer files, maps, manuscripts etc.) according to their
subject and allocating a call number to that information
resource.
Notation

▪ A classification number is considered identifiers or

address of the source. Any one item has only one
address.

▪ Library classifications use a notational system that

represents the order of topics in the classification and
allows items to be stored in that order.

▪ Designed to give a numerical or alphanumerical notations

to each item in the library.
Purpose of Library Classification
▪ Arrange books or other materials in helpful sequence.
▪ Provide known location of library material.
▪ Bring related items together in a helpful sequence.
▪ To arrange things in the most convenient order. Provide easy access to doc.
▪ To retrieve the information whenever needed.
▪ Enable easily re-shelving of library material.
▪ Classification make material browsable.
▪ Provide an order for classified catalogue.
▪ New book can be inserted in its proper place.
▪ The stock of material may be easily be known.
▪ Assist in building library collection on various subjects.
▪ Help in charging and discharging of material.
▪ Help in the compilation of bibliography, catalogues, book list etc.
Function of Library Classification
It serves two functions
 Help reader to identify and locate book through call number.
 To group all kind of similar works together.
OUTCOMES
 Arrange books and other material in helpful sequence.
 Ensure speedy location.
 Reveals and strength and weakness of the stock of books.
 Enables the librarian to build up a balanced collection.
 Helps the librarian to put new books with the related books when added in the library.
 Helps in stock verification by shelf list.
 Facilitates the complication of various kinds of statistics and reflects the demands
of various sections of the stock.
 It is time saving device.
 It is mechanical device.
 Helps to provide the right book to the right man.
Qualities of a classification System
1. Helpful in Arrangement
2. Hospitality
3. Integrity of Notation
4. Frequent Revision
5. Simple Use
Qualities…
1.Helpful Arrangement

Basic tool for collection arrangement in helpful order.

Qualities….
2. Hospitality
The capability of a classification scheme to accommodate
new classes in between the existing classes is known as
hospitality.
The numbering system or notation adopted should be
capable of infinite hospitality.
Qualities….
3. Integrity of Notation
The consistent use of the notation system without basic
changes is what is known as integrity of notation.
The notations adopted in a classification scheme should
not change frequently.
Qualities
4. Frequent Revisions.
A classification scheme intended for a dynamic universe.
It should be revised frequently and incorporate new
topics.
DDC scheme is being revised almost every six years.
Qualities
5. Simple to use.
One of the main attributes for the success of a
classification scheme is its simplicity.
The notations worked out should be simple with natural
ordinal value so that the users will find it easy to use.
Enumerative Classification
 An enumerative classification scheme is a scheme where all the possible
classes are enumerated according to certain characteristics. There is a top
down approach whereby a series of subordinate classes are produced and
where both simple and complex subjects are listed. DDC is the real
example
 E.g.
 Religion- 200
 Islam - 297
 Sources of Islam- 297.1
 Quran- 297.122
 It follows pre-coordination approach
Faceted Classification
 A faceted classification scheme lists the various facets of every subject or
main class and provides a set of rules for constructing class numbers
through facet analysis. Colon classification is the real example of faceted
classification.
 E.g.
 Circulation of Periodical In University Libraries in India up to 1970s.
 234;46:6.44 ‘N7
 234- University Library (Entity)
 46- Periodical (Matter)
 6- Circulation (Energy)
 44- India (Space)
 N7- up to 1970s (Time)
 It is a post-coordination classification approach
Dewey Decimal Classification
▪ This system got its name from Melvil Dewey (1851-1931).
▪ Melvil Dewey introduced DDC for organizing library collection in 1876.
▪ DDC has served libraries for over 142 years so far and have spread to more
than 200,000 libraries in 135 countries around world.
▪ DDC is an organization tool that makes it easy for you to find the books
and other materials you want.
▪ DDC helps you to find the right information by giving you a specific number
that belongs to the item you want.
DDC Structure
 There are three summaries in DDC the first summary is main class, second
is divisions and third one is sections.
 Topics in DDC are arranged into 10 main classes.
 These 10 main classes are each divided into 10 divisions.
 Each division is then divides into 10 sections.
 Notation
 Pure notation with a few exceptions, e.g., in literature
 Arabic numerals are used to represent each class in DDC.
 It gives both the unique meaning of class and its relation to other classes.
 Uses convention that no number should have fewer than three digits;
zeros are used to fill out numbers.
 Decimal Point or dot, which is not mathematical value decimal.
 Structural hierarchy: all topics are part of all the broader topics above
them
 Notational Hierarchy: expressed by length of notation
DDC Main Class
DDC 2nd & 3rd Summary
 DDC Table
 T1- Standard Subdivisions.
 T2- Geographic Areas, Historical Periods, Biography.
 T3- Subdivisions for the Arts, for Individual literatures, for specific literary forms.
 T3A- Subdivisions for works by or about individual authors.
 T3B- subdivisions for works by or about more then one author.
 T3C- Notation to added where instructed in T3B.
 T4- Subdivisions for Individual Language and Language families.
 T5- Ethnic and National Groups.
 T6- Languages.
Number Building in DDC
Number Building or Number Assigning
Acquisition of reading material in science
Acquisition-Science
025.27 + 500 =
025.27 5
Use of tables
 Only when instructed, except table…
 Universal Decimal Classification
 Developed in 1895 by Belgian Barrister Paul Otlet and Nobel Prize winner Henri La
Fountaine. 
  The UDC is derived from DDC as universal since it encompasses the whole field of
knowledge.
 UDC is a combination of enumerative and facet analytic approach.
 It is highly flexible and effective system for organizing bibliographic records for all
kinds of information in any medium ( is well suited to multi-media information
collections).
 All of the ten classes are denoted by a single digit Indo Arabic number. Each ten
classes or occupied nine classes are further subdivided into ten Divisions, and each
Division into ten Sections.
 UDC Volumes

Volume 1 – Systematic Tables

 All ten tables
 Complete auxiliary tables
 Summary of the classification.

Volume 2 – Alphabetical Index

 Provides access to UDC tables
 Enables fast access to UDC tables through specially
constructed index terms
 Must be used in conjunction with Volume
 Systematic Table (Schedules)

Two Kinds of Tables

1. Main Table
2. Auxiliary table
Two types of Auxiliary Tables:
i. Common Auxiliary Signs:
ii. Common Auxiliary Numbers
 Main Table
 0- Science and knowledge (organizations, computer science, information science,
librarianship, documentation, instrumentation, publications).
 1- Philosophy and psychology.
 2- Religion, Theology.
 3- Social Science.
 4- Vacant.
 5- Mathematic, Natural Science.
 6- Applied Science, Medicine, Technology.
 7- The Art, Entertainment, Sport.
 8- Linguistic, Literature.
 9- Geography, History.
 Library of Congress Classification
▪ Library of Congress’s collection was burned in 1814 by British soldiers. The
LC got collection of President Thomas Jefferson and By 1890s collection
grew up to 1 million.
▪ LCC was developed for LC in 1897.
▪ LCC finally published in 1914.
▪ Based on Cutters Expansive Classification.
▪ Based on LC collection. (Literary Warrant)
▪ Each schedule was developed by its group of subject specialists
LCC Structure
 Enumerative
 Has 21 main classes
 Consist of forty one (41) printed schedules.
 All schedules have tables within the body.
 Notation is alphanumeric (Mixed).
 Starts with one, two or three letters.
 Followed by a number up to four digits.
 Sometimes followed by a number after decimal.
 Followed by an alphanumeric (the cutter number).
 Ends with a date of publication.

QA445.B73 1998 (An introductory text on geometry by Andrew Bradly,

published in 1998)
 LCC
 LCC has no universal index to all schedules.
 It uses mixed notation and cutter numbers.
 Revision of schedules is done separately by experts. Revised individually.
Not at as a whole. Additions and changes are continued.
▪ Tables are used in LC for assigning a more specific call number. Tables are
given in almost all schedules but H, N, P, B, L classes contains more tables.
 LCC Main Class

21 main Classes.

I, O, W, X, Y are not used and not been assigned.
LCC Table
 Tables.
 All schedules have tables
 Within the body.
 At the back of the schedule before the index.
 Types of tables:
 Table 1- table within the schedules.
 Table 2- table within the schedules.
 Table 3- table within the schedules.
 Table 4- table within the schedules+ table at the back of the schedule.
 Translation table.
 Biography table
 Language and literature table.
 Form division table for law.
 LCC Main Class
1. A = General Works B = Philosophy and Religion
2. C = Auxiliary Sciences of History D = Universal History
3. E = American History G = Geography, Anthropology, Recreation
4. H = Social Science J = Political Science
5. K = Law L = Education
6. F = Local History of United States and British
7. M = Music N = Fine Arts
8. P = Language and Literature Q = Science
9. R = Medicine S = Agriculture

10. T = Technology U = Military Science

11. V = Naval Science Z = Bibliography, Library Science
General Work (Sub Classes of A)
▪ Subclass AC – Collections. Series. Collected works
▪ Subclass AE – Encyclopedias
▪ Subclass AG – Dictionaries and other general reference works
▪ Subclass AI – Indexes
▪ Subclass AM – Museums. Collectors and collecting
▪ Subclass AN – Newspapers
▪ Subclass AP – Periodicals
▪ Subclass AS – Academies and learned societies
▪ Subclass AY – Yearbooks. Almanacs. Directories
▪ Subclass AZ – History of scholarship and learning. The 
humanities
Geography, Anthropology, Recreation (Sub Classes of G)
▪ Subclass G – Geography (General). Atlases. Maps
▪ Subclass GA – Mathematical geography. Cartography
▪ Subclass GB – Physical geography
▪ Subclass GC – Oceanography
▪ Subclass GE – Environmental Sciences
▪ Subclass GF – Human ecology. Anthropogeography
▪ Subclass GN – Anthropology
▪ Subclass GR – Folklore
▪ Subclass GT – Manners and customs (General)
▪ Subclass GV – Recreation. Leisure
Social Sciences (Sub-Classes of H)
▪ Subclass H – Social sciences (General)
▪ Subclass HA – Statistics
▪ Subclass HB – Economic theory. Demography
▪ Subclass HC – Economic history and conditions
▪ Subclass HD – Industries. Land use. Labor
▪ Subclass HE – Transportation and communications
▪ Subclass HF – Commerce
▪ Subclass HG – Finance
▪ Subclass HJ – Public finance
▪ Subclass HM – Sociology (General)
▪ Subclass HN – Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
▪ Subclass HQ – The family. Marriage, Women and Sexuality
▪ Subclass HS – Societies: secret, benevolent, etc.
▪ Subclass HT – Communities. Classes. Races
▪ Subclass HV – Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
▪ Subclass HX – Socialism. Communism. Anarchism
Fine Arts
(Sub-Class N)
▪ Subclass N – Visual arts
▪ Subclass NA – Architecture
▪ Subclass NB – Sculpture
▪ Subclass NC – Drawing. Design. Illustration
▪ Subclass ND – Painting
▪ Subclass NE – Print media
▪ Subclass NK – Decorative arts
▪ Subclass NX – Arts in general
LCC Example
▪ An introductory text on geometry by Andrew Bradly, published
in 1998.
▪ QA445.B73 1998
▪ QA
▪ 445
▪ .B73
▪ 1998
▪ QA- The subclass mathematics from the Q schedule.
▪ 445- Subdivides mathematics more specifically to Geometry.
▪ .B73- Is the cutter number.
▪ 1998- Is the date of Publication.
Colon Classification (CC)
System of library classification developed by S.R.
Ranganathan.
First edition was published in 1933, since then six more
editions have been published.
It is especially used in libraries of India.
Its name colon classification is because it comes from the
use of colons to separate facets in class numbers.
 CC
▪ In CC facets describe “personality, matter, energy, space, and time
(PMEST).
▪ These facets are generally associated with every item of a library.
▪ 5 facet of CC
▪ , (comma) - Personality
▪ ; (semi-colon) - Matter
▪ : (Colon) - Energy
▪ . (dot) - Space
▪ ‘ (Apostrophe)- Time
CC Main Class z-G
1. z- Generalia
2. 1- Universe of Knowledge
3. 2- Library Science
4. 3- Book Science
5. 4- Journalism
6. B-Mathematic
7. C- Physics
8. D- Engineering
9. E- Chemistry
10. F- Technology
11. G- Biology
CC Main Class H-M
12. H- Geology
13. HX- Mining
14. I- Botony
15. J- Agriculture
16. K- Zoology
17. KZ-Animal Husbandry
18. L- Medicine
19. LZ3- Pharmacology
20. LZ5- Pharmacopoeia
21. M- Useful Arts
CC Main Class M7-R
12. M7- Textiles
13. Δ- Spiritual experience and mysticism
24. N- Fine arts
25. ND- Sculpture
26. NN- Engineering
27. NQ- Painting
28. NR- Music
29. O- Literature
30. P- Linguistic
31. Q- Religion
32. R- Philosophy
CC Main Class S-Z
33. S- Psychology
34. T- Education
35. U- Geography
36. V- History
37. W- Political Science
38. X- Economics
39. Y- Sociology
40. Z- Law
CC Example
▪ A book is about “Circulation of periodicals in university
libraries in India up to the 1970s”.
▪ (PMEST)
▪ 1.libraries- 2.
▪ 2.university libraries- 34. (Personality)
▪ 3.periodicals- 46. (Matter)
▪ 4.Circulation- 6. (Energy)
▪ 5.India- 44. (Space)
▪ Up to the 1970s- N7. (Time)
▪ Call number: 234;46:6.44́́‘N7
S.N
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Description DDC LOC UDC CC

1 Main Outline DDC comprised of 10 The field of knowledge has The scheme follows DDC classes are comprised
Main Classes with 9 sub- been divided into 20 except addition of some of Generalia (1 to 9)
classes and 9 sub classes of classes, with an addition new subdivisions and and 26 Main Classes
each sub class. That is class for the general works. signs of combination for (A to Z) of both
beginning with most The letters I, O, W,X and Y indication of relation of Science and
general subjects to more have been left for future subjects. Humanities. The first
specific ones. use. 13 classes comprise the
Science and
applications and the
last 13 comprises of
Humanities.

2 Year of First Issue 1876 1901 1905 1933

/Edition
3 First Language available English English French/German English
editions

4 Parts of Scheme Auxiliary tables, Each major class has been The abridge edition It consists of schedule
classification schedules published separately and consist of main tables. of basic subjects,
and an index considered to be Several auxiliary tables Schedules of common
independent of other and an index Distinctive isolates and schedules
classes. Each class has its schedules are also the part of special isolates for
own form and geographical of auxiliary tables compound subjects
division and index. going with respective
subjects.
S.N
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS cont..
Description DDC LOC UDC CC

5 Notation Notation originally was Mixed notation, 26 Mixed notation consists Notation is extremely
pure; later on some letters capitals 10 numerals & of figures letters and other mixed consisting of
have been used. Three decimal fraction. symbols. The decimal Arabic numerals, roman
figure minimum notations point is repeated after alphabet (both capital and
have been used every three figure small)and symbols and
signs including colon.
Arabic numerals (1-9)are
assigned to the Generalia
class and capital letters of
the roman alphabet are
assigned to the specific
main classes. Notation is
faceted. It is synthetic it
uses fraction on principle
for both numbers and
letters and achieves
hospitality in both array
and chain.

6 Form Division DDC uses series of nine Each class have it own Form divisions (01-09) In CC, common
common form divisions form. retain the original Dewey subdivisions use of lower
and these with minor significance but have case letters with decimal
alternatives are used with been redefined and subdivisions where
same meaning throughout greatly expanded. necessary
the scheme
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS cont..
S.N Description DDC LOC UDC CC
7 Nature of Enumerative scheme Enumerative scheme Enumerative scheme 1st to 3rd editions fully
Classification for (with a few exceptions) (with quite some but rigidly faceted
subjects exceptions) schemes for
classification. 4th to 7th
were almost freely
faceted schemes.

8 Theory It is guided by the Its lacks a sound It is guided by the The scheme is based
implicit principles but theory. It has been implicit principles on sound theory.
some general principles tailor made for the vast leading to many
have been given in the collection of Library of subjective decisions
introduction to the Congress. instead of objective one
schemes based on explicitly
stated principles. Some
general principles have
been given in the
introduction to the
abridge edition.

9 Mnemonics The principle No provision for Number building The scheme is faceted
mnemonics features schedules mnemonics devices as well as one and enjoys a
are: Form divisions, auxiliary schedules are considerable mnemonic
Geographical divisions, mnemonics features quality by the use of
and Language divisions same facets and
common facets
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS cont..
S.N Description DDC LOC UDC CC

10 Structure Structure Based on the Based on the scheme Based on the traditional
Structure based on
scheme devised by DDC main classes listed
Bacon and Harris Thomas Jefferson self under four zones. Zone
made schemes 1Generalia Class, Zone
2-Recently recognized
main classes, Zone-3
Traditional main
classes and Zone-4
Newly emerging
methodologies.

11 Species of digits 10 Arabic numerals ( a 26 roman caps 26 Roman caps 24 roman caps
dot is put after the first 10 Arabic numerals 26 roman small excluding I& O except
three digit). At certain A dot (.) 10 Arabic numerals for basic class
places use of roman Hyphen, decimal, numbers,
caps and Roman smalls parentheses brackets 23 roman small i, l, o
is permitted. 10 Arabic numerals
Mathematical symbols
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS cont..
S.N Description DDC LOC UDC CC

12 Length of class Long Short Long Long

number

13 Facet Analysis No provision No provision Partial Facet analysis Maximum use of

facet analysis

14 Read write & Easy Comparatively Difficult Easy for those who
remember are familiar with the
roman letters

15 Length of Base There is restrictive The Base is quite The base is restrictive Extremely broad base
base broad due to inheritance
form DDC
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS cont..
S.N Description DDC LOC UDC CC
16 Terminology Terminology is titled Terms used for Terminology is rather Terminology is
toward the USA headings are precise verbose but in recent precise and brief,
and explicit, being issues terminology provide only core
chosen by authorities has be greatly constituent terms
in various fields. improved.

17 Bias The Scheme is titles Titled toward USA Inclined to west Mostly covers the
toward west but in Indian Libraries
recent edition collection
proprietor are trying
to generalized the
scheme

18 Revision Revisions are Minor modifications Revisions and CC7 is going to be a

available in the DDC and additions but relocations major revision in
relocations and are done quite theory of library
reconsideration is frequently classification
avoided.
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
S.N Description DDC LOC UDC CC

19 Available form Available in both Available in both Available in both Available in both
format format format format

20 Use Shelf arrangement, The scheme is being Shelf arrangement, Shelf arrangement,
Bibliographies, used for shelf catalogues, indexes, catalogues, indexes,
arrangement bibliographies and bibliographies and
documentations lists documentations lists

21 Index Index Relative Index- Most classes have Alphabetical Index is Shortest index found
tried to locate the their on index but not so exhaustive and in any classification
relative position of there is no developed on the scheme and is
the different aspects comprehensive index basis of chain specific one which
of subject at one in LC procedure does not list
place in the index and composite subject.
is very exhaustive
Conclusion
Classification is the backbone of all library. The library
classification is core instrument for organizing and
retrieval of the documents stored in a library. There are
multiple schemes of library classification but the librarian
should choose the classification scheme based on the
collection size, material in the collection and end users of
the library.
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