Essential Classification

Citation

Ledsham, I. (2005), "Essential Classification", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 39 No. 4, pp. 381-382. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330510627999

Book titles can be deceptive. They are often the last part of the book to be decided and can be deliberately ambiguous. This clearly was not the case here, as this is part of Facet Publishing's “Essential  … ” series. But when I received this item for review I found myself thinking “Is this title Essential Classification or Essential – Classification”? In these days of Google, Ask Jeeves and ubiquitous keyword searching it seems more and more evident that the latter construction is increasingly true. With subject specialists disappearing from libraries and information technologists increasingly dominating the world of information management, it is timely to be reminded that some library skills still have considerable value. Although this book is intended for students and novice classifiers – and let us be honest, that includes quite a few experienced librarians – it can be recommended for any librarian wanting to brush up their classification skills

The author divides the book effectively into two halves. In the first section she considers the principles behind classification schemes; the practicalities of subject analysis; notation; vocabulary control; and word‐based approaches to subject control (more usually regarded as subject headings rather than classification). The second section examines the three most widely‐used schemes: Dewey, Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), and Library of Congress Classification (LCC). This may seem a restrictive approach, but as the author points out, these schemes predominate in the practical library world.

This last statement is, in some ways, a rather depressing one. These three schemes represent the earliest schemes devised, and it seems surprising (at first glance) that despite the advances in classification theory in the last 80 years they should still predominate. On further reflection, however, this is hardly surprising. Classification is one of the most expensive parts of the cataloguing process – itself a substantial part of the library budget. The cost of re‐classifying a library collection would be prohibitive in most cases. However, the work on classification theory has not been without benefit. The main schemes develop organically over time and tend to adapt to current developments, within the overarching constraints of the basic scheme structure. Thus, Melvil Dewey would probably not recognise many of the aspects of the current scheme, which during the past 50 years has developed aspects of analytico‐synthetic techniques. (The author helpfully defines the difference between analytico‐synthetic techniques, by means of which classmarks not in the schedule may be created by analysing the content and synthesising a classmark according to given rules, and a faceted classification in which an entire subject area is analysed and only simple classmarks defined for basic concepts and the classifier must create classmarks for complex concepts.)

Perhaps one of the most useful sections of this book is that on content analysis. Whatever the scheme being used, the classifier must first analyse the content in order to apply the classification. The author approaches the process in a practical way, with plenty of examples. She also tackles some of the more difficult areas such as biography. Concepts of broad and close classification are also explained.

In common with many texts intended for self‐help or distance learning, the layout is clear and divided into approachable sections. There are copious exercises included within the text, with the answers included at the end of each chapter. A useful glossary and bibliography are also included.

Although, as the author acknowledges, faceted classifications are more written about than used – even the Bliss classification has limited takers – as one who had to sweat over constructing such a classification as part of a librarianship MA (more years ago than I care to remember) I was pleased to see that this topic was approached in the final chapters, in a concise but clear way. Though full‐blown faceted classifications are something many librarians will not come across in their day‐to‐day work, unless working in specialist areas, the concepts have increasingly influenced the major schemes, and an understanding of them can only be advantageous to the classifier. One point that does come across is the ease of use of the printed schemes as opposed to the online versions – especially for the beginner. I can empathise with this view, having trained classifiers using both approaches. The ability to browse which a printed version provides – the serendipity that is sometimes essential when classifying – has still not been adequately replicated in online systems.

This is an excellent introduction to the subject of classification written by an experienced teacher in this area. It should be on the reading list of any budding librarian and could be profitably read by many an experienced librarian.