Classification Made Simple: An Introduction to Knowledge Organisation and Information Retrieval (3rd ed.)

Citation

Quinn, S. (2010), "Classification Made Simple: An Introduction to Knowledge Organisation and Information Retrieval (3rd ed.)", Library Management, Vol. 31 No. 4/5, pp. 369-370. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121011046443

This book is intended as an introduction to classification theory and practice for those concerned with information organisation and information retrieval. It is the third edition in 11 years, pretty good for a library science text. The third edition encompasses developments that have taken place since the previous (2002) edition – such as the 22nd edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification and newer, more specialised schemes, such as classification schemes for business information.

Hunter, Emeritus Professor of Information Management at Liverpool John Moores University UK, has a wealth of theoretical knowledge and teaching experience, and has written other student and practitioner texts on cataloguing and classification.

Hunter stresses that this book is for “introductory study only” and that it provides a gateway to more advanced works and more detailed study of specific schemes and processes. He has achieved this aim admirably.

Hunter's descriptions bring classification schemes alive. For example, this is how Hunter describes the origins of Ranganathan's Colon Classification:

Inspiration came, apparently, when he visited a London department store and saw a meccano set for the first time. This led him to believe that a classification could be built around a similar methodology; numbers for any subject being constructed by combining the elements listed in the schedules. The first draft of a new classification based upon this idea was completed by 1925. It was called the Colon Classification because, initially, he decided to use the colon as a linking device.

The book starts with an explanation of classification, followed by a concise discussion of its application in library and information services, in data processing and in the internet. Hunter points out that classificatory techniques facilitate information access, organisation, use, and retrieval.

Each chapter builds on the previous one, fostering understanding in the reader as he/she progresses through the book. Hunter explains faceted classification; hierarchical classification; synthesis; enumerative schemes; notation; schedules and citation order; and other features of classification schemes. He discusses the relationship between classification and controlled vocabularies, and its application in thesaurus construction. One chapter is devoted to information retrieval – use of thesauri, Boolean searching and full‐text databases, and use of the classification schedule. Another chapter discusses classification and the internet, with examples including Google, Yahoo, online public access catalogues, and classification schemes as aids to searching. The conclusion presents practical remarks about the value of classification. Hunter points out that no one classification scheme is suitable for all purposes, that different types of libraries or businesses have different needs, and reminds us that classification is a means to an end, aiding the discovery of information, rather than an end in itself.

Throughout the book numerous examples illuminate the topic. These are taken from real life (e.g. Harrison Ford's organisation of his carpentry tools); cover diverse subject matter (e.g. canned and bottled beer, jewellery, e‐commerce); and are from well‐known classification schemes (e.g. Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification), lesser‐known schemes (e.g. Bliss Bibliographic Classification) and specialised ones (e.g. the London Education Classification).

Supporting information includes reference lists at 13 of the 15 chapter ends, a five‐page bibliography which includes selected additional citations for further reading, and a thorough index.

This is a lucid and lively book, with many interesting examples.

Who should read it? Beginning students in library science, anyone involved in information organisation projects (including IT professionals), those developing and maintaining thesauri and taxonomies. It is a useful “refresher” read as well as an introductory text. Thoroughly recommended.