This document provides an overview of classification and categorization systems for organizing library collections. It discusses key components like authority control, encoding, subject headings, and classification schemes. The two main classification schemes, Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress, are enumerated and compared. Dewey is used widely in public and school libraries while Library of Congress is more common in academic libraries. The anatomy of a call number is also explained, breaking down its components.

1. Classification &
Categorization
LIS 653
Starr Hoffman

2. How it All Fits Together
Record
Authority control
(standardized author
name: J. R. R. Tolkien)
(representation
of bibliographic
information)
Encoding
(MARC, XML)
Code
(rules: AACR2,
RDA)
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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Main Classes for DDC, LCC
DDC 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

8. Anatomy of a Call Number
Z678.9 .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”)