Introduction to Classification
Murtaza Ashiq
Lecturer (Library and Information Science)
Islamabad Model College for Boys, H-9, Islamabad.
What Classification is?
What is the difference between classification and
library classification?
Why classification is in libraries?
CLASSIFICATION - The term ‘Classification’ is a derivation
from the Latin word “Classis” meaning ‘Grouping’.
Classification is a procedure of grouping similar items and
objects and is essential in formulating groups that is
known as classifying which results in Classification. This
process helps the user to arrange, organize and make a
logical sense of articles which also assists the user to
locate them in an easy manner.
Classification is the ability to distinguish objects through
their similarities and dissimilarities which is distinct in
their identities for human beings.
Library Classification
Library Classification is related with the arrangement of
documents in the library in a manner that the readers are served
in the best possible way.
It requires a detailed scheme of classification in which knowledge
is divided into a broader perspective, which is again subdivided
into subjects or main classes.
Each subject and its divisions along with their specific aspects are
represented by a system of numbers called Notation.
It is the notation that helps in the arrangement of documents on
the shelf.
Library classification deals with the organizing of library
materials, belongs to a systematic group.
Definitions of Library Classification
According to Berwick Sayers, library classification is “the
arrangement of books on shelves or descriptions of them, in
the manner which is most useful to those who read.”
A library classification is a system of knowledge organization
by which library resources are arranged and ordered
systematically. Library classifications use a notational system
that represents the order of topics in the classification and
allows items to be stored in that order.
Definition…./
Library Classification or Classification or Book Classification or
Bibliographic Classification is the process of arranging, grouping,
coding, and organizing books and other library materials (e.g.
serials, sound recordings, moving images, cartographic materials,
manuscripts, computer files, e-resources etc.) on shelves or
entries of a catalog, bibliography, and index according to their
subject in a systematic, logical, and helpful order by way of
assigning them call numbers using a library classification system, so
that users can find them as quickly and easily as possible.
The call number serves a dual purpose: it determines the place of
a book on the shelf and colocates books on the same topic next to
each other.
Types of Classification in LIS
Various types of classification like Classical and Neo-
classical methods, However; generally there are two
major types of Library Classification
1. Knowledge Classification
2. Book Classification / Library Classification
MAJOR PURPOSE OF LIBRARY
CLASSIFICATION
1. Helpful Sequence - Classification helps in organizing the
documents in a method most convenient to the users and to the
library staff. The documents should be systematically arranged in
classes based on the mutual relationship between them which would
bring together all closely related classes. The basic idea is to bring
the like classes together and separate these from unlike classes. The
arrangement should be such that the user should be able to retrieve
the required document as a result it will make a helpful sequence.
2. Correct Replacement - Documents whenever taken out from shelf
should be replaced in their proper places. It is essential that library
classification should enable the correct replacement of documents
after they have been returned from use. This would require a
mechanized arrangement so that arrangement remains permanent.
Purpose…../
3. Mechanized Arrangement - It means to adopt a particular
arrangement suitable for the library so that the arrangement remains
permanent. The sequence should be determined once for all, so that
one does not have to pre-determine the sequence of documents once
again when these are returned after being borrowed.
4. Addition of New Document - Library would acquire new documents
from time to time therefore library classification should help in
finding the most helpful place for each of those among the existing
collection of the library. There are two possibilities in this regard. The
new books may be or a subject already provided for in the scheme of
library classification, or it may be or a newly emerging subject that
may not have been provided in the existing scheme.
Purpose…../
5. Withdrawal of Document from Stock - In this case, the need
arises to withdraw a document from the library collection for
some reason, and then library classification should facilitate
such a withdrawal.
6. Book Display - Display is adopted for a special exhibition of
books and other materials on a given topic. The term is used to
indicate that the collection in an open access library is well
presented and guided. Library classification should be helpful in
the organization of book displays.
Other purposes
Helps in Circulation Work
Compilation of bibliographies catalogues and union catalogues
Helps in Stock Verification
Classification of reference queries
Classification of suggestions received from the users
Filing of non book materials such as photographs, films, etc.
Components of Library Classification
Schedule (Main Classes)
Index
Tables
Notation
Form division
General Class
Call Number
Components…… Conti…../
Schedules – The term Schedule is used to describe the
printed list of all the main classes, divisions and sub-
divisions of the classification scheme. They provide a
logical arrangement of all the subjects encompassed by
the classification scheme. This arrangement usually being
hierarchical shows the relationship of specific subjects to
their parent subject. The relevant classification symbol is
shown against each subject.
Components…… Conti…../
Index – The Index to the classification scheme is an alphabetical list
of all the subjects encompassed by the scheme, with the relevant
class mark shown against each subject.
There are two types of index:
A Relative Index – includes broad topics in its alphabetic arrangement, but
indented below the broad subject heading is a list of all the aspects of the subject.
For e.g. Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme has an excellent relative index.
A Specific Index – lists specific subjects in a précis alphabetical sequence. It does
not indent lists of related topics under the broad subject headings. For example,
Brown’s Subject Classification Scheme has a specific index.
Components…… Conti…../
Notation – It is a set of symbols use to represent the classes and
divisions of a classification scheme.
Pure Notation- Only one species of symbols are used in in this
notation, either numerals such as 1 to 9 or from letters A to Z.
Mixed Notation- In this notation, more than one set of symbols are
used.
NOTE: Pure notation is easy to understand but mixed notation is
easier to remember and increases the capacity of the scheme of
library classification.
Components…… Conti…../
Tables – The tables of a classification scheme are
additional to the schedules and provide lists of symbols
which can be added to class marks to them more specific
and precise.
Form Class – A form class makes provision for those books
where form is of greater importance than subject. Most
books of this kind are literary works – fiction, poetry,
plays etc.
Component …../
Generalia Class – There are certain books such as
encyclopedias, bibliographies and collected writings of an
author which cannot be classified under any specific subject
since they cover all subjects under the sun and hence are
classified under the Generalia Class.
In some respects, a generalities class is also a form class
since general bibliographies, general encyclopedias and
general periodicals would be encompassed in it.
Component …../
5. Call Number – In classifying, each book is provided with a
distinguished number specified to it which can be used for
calling the book from the stats and replacing it on its return to
its right place. It is known as a Call Number.
This Call Number fixes the position of a book or any document
in a sequence and helps to locate it through its entry in the
catalogue. Each document has its own individual call number
which comprises of class numbers which represents the thought
content of the book and the book number which represents one
or more of the following: Author No., Year of Publication,
Accession No. or any other such appropriate feature.
Structure of Call Number
class number + book number (title+author+cutter no.)
In most collections, a call number is composed of a
classification number followed by additional notation to make
the call number unique. This gives a classified arrangement to
the library shelves that facilitates browsing.
Generally, the class number is followed by an author mark to
distinguish the work from others of the same class, followed by
a work mark to distinguish the title from other works of the
same class by the same author, and sometimes other
information such as publication date, volume number, copy
number, and location symbol.
Example of Library Call No.
