Classification
Classification refers to the process of organizing and arranging information resources, such as books, articles, and other materials, into categories based on their subject matter or content. The goal of classification is to provide a systematic and organized way to access and retrieve information, making it easier for users to find what they are looking for.
One of the most widely used classification systems in library and information science is the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system. This system assigns a unique number to each category of knowledge, and arranges these numbers into a hierarchy, with more general categories given lower numbers and more specific categories given higher numbers. For example, in the DDC system, the category “Philosophy” is assigned the number 100, while the subcategory “Epistemology” is assigned the number 121.
In this way, the DDC system provides a systematic way to categorize and organize information resources, making it easier for library users to find what they are looking for, and for libraries to manage and organize their collections.
Some examples of classification schemes used in library science include:
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Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC): A widely used system that assigns a unique number to each category of knowledge and arranges these numbers into a hierarchy based on subject matter.
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Library of Congress Classification (LCC): A classification scheme used primarily in academic libraries in the United States, which uses a combination of letters and numbers to categorize materials based on subject matter.
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Universal Decimal Classification (UDC): An international classification scheme used in libraries and information centers, which uses a combination of numbers to represent the relationships between subjects and to arrange them in a systematic way.
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Bliss Bibliographic Classification (BC): A subject classification scheme used in the United Kingdom and other countries, which uses a combination of letters and numbers to categorize materials based on subject matter.
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Colon Classification (CC): A subject classification system developed in India, which uses a combination of numbers and symbols to represent the relationships between subjects and to arrange them in a systematic way.
