Classification Overview and Types

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following represents a more specific subject than 'Agriculture and related technologies'?

  • Social sciences
  • Animal husbandry (correct)
  • Higher education
  • Technology

The notation for a subject becomes more specific with the addition of digits after the decimal point.

True (A)

What is the class number for a book titled 'Chemistry'?

540

The call number consists of the class number plus _______ of the author's name or title name.

<p>3 letters</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following subjects with their corresponding class numbers:

<p>Chemistry = 540 Physics = 530 History of Africa = 960 Library and Information Science = 020</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of classification?

<p>To help users find what they need easily (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Dewey Decimal Classification scheme includes 10 main classes, all of which are numerical.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one classification scheme besides the Dewey Decimal Classification.

<p>Library of Congress</p> Signup and view all the answers

The classification system that organizes library materials according to subject content is known as _______.

<p>co-location</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following main classes from the Dewey Decimal Classification to their respective subject areas:

<p>000 = Computer science, information and general works 200 = Religion 400 = Language 800 = Literature</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of the book titled 'Chemistry'?

<p>Sipho Dlamini (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a main class in the Dewey Decimal Classification?

<p>Astronomy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The call number for 'Introduction to Economics' is 330 DLU.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Classification schemes are only used in libraries.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the call number for the video tape titled 'Umbhacanga'?

<p>V 780 LUK</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many subclasses does the Mathematics class (510) have?

<p>10</p> Signup and view all the answers

Books should be arranged on the shelves from left to right by the _______ number.

<p>call</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the prefixes with their corresponding information formats:

<p>J = Journal R = Reference A = Article G = Government</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which call number corresponds to the book 'Applied Mathematics'?

<p>510 SIB (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is recommended to shelve books with spines facing the back of the shelf.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The call number 910 ZUL belongs to a book on _______.

<p>Geography</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is classification?

Arranging things in a particular order or into categories based on their similarities.

What is library classification?

The practice of grouping information materials of the same subject together in a library.

Explain the hierarchical nature of classification.

The process of categorizing knowledge into a hierarchical structure, starting with broad categories and becoming more specific.

Describe the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC).

A widely used classification system that divides knowledge into 10 main classes, represented by numbers from 000 to 900.

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What are the 10 main classes in the Dewey Decimal Classification?

The 10 main classes in the Dewey Decimal Classification represent broad categories of knowledge, such as science, history, and language.

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Explain how the Dewey Decimal Classification subdivides each main class.

Each of the 10 main classes in the Dewey Decimal Classification is further divided into 10 subclasses, allowing for more specific categories.

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Why is the Dewey Decimal Classification useful?

The Dewey Decimal Classification system provides a structured and systematic method for organizing library materials, making it easier for users to find resources on specific topics.

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What are the benefits of using a classification system like the Dewey Decimal Classification?

The Dewey Decimal Classification helps users find materials by providing subject access, making collections browsable, and facilitating organization and retrieval.

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Specificity in DDC

The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system uses a unique numerical notation system, with digits indicating the level of specificity in the classification. The higher the number of digits, the more specific the topic.

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Hierarchy in DDC

The DDC hierarchy signifies the relationships between different subjects, where broader subjects encompass narrower ones. This hierarchical structure is represented by the length of the notation. Longer notations indicate more specific subjects, while shorter ones indicate broader categories.

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DDC - Subordinate Concepts

In the DDC hierarchy, "Dogs" and "Cats" are considered more specific than "Animal husbandry" because they represent a more specific category within the broader subject of animal husbandry.

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DDC - Notations

The DDC system uses notations to represent each subject, providing a unique code to identify and organize books and materials. For example, the notation "636.7" represents the topic of "Dogs."

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Call Number

A call number is a unique identifier assigned to each item in a library, consisting of a class number (DDC code) and a 3-letter code derived from the author's name or the title of the book. These numbers are typically found on the spine of the book and help librarians locate and shelve books efficiently.

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Call Number System

A system used to organize and locate library materials. It involves assigning unique call numbers to each item, based on its subject, author, and format.

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DDC Number

The first part of a call number, representing the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) number, which categorizes the subject matter of the resource.

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Author/Title Code

The letters following the DDC number in a call number, which usually represent the author's last name, or the title of the book if no author is identified.

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Format Prefix

A prefix added to a call number to indicate the format of the library resource. Examples include J for Journal, R for Reference, A for Article, G for Government document, etc.

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Shelving Order

A specific order followed when shelving books in a library. Books are arranged from left to right on the shelf, based on their call numbers. This means the numerical part is sorted first, then the alphabetical part.

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Subject Collection

A collection of books that are all categorized under the same Dewey Decimal Classification number, such as 500 for Science, 600 for Technology, etc.

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Spine Facing Outwards

Books are typically arranged on library shelves with their spines facing out, helping users to easily read the call number and identify the book.

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Shelving

The process of putting books back in their proper place on the shelves in the library, ensuring they are arranged according to the call number system.

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Study Notes

Classification Overview

  • Classification is the arrangement of items into categories or a particular order
  • It's used to group items based on similarities
  • Classification is used in various settings, including grocery stores and libraries.
  • Libraries classify materials according to subject content, placing items of the same subject together (co-location).
  • Classification facilitates organization, location, identification, and retrieval of information.

Why Classify Items?

  • Aids users in easily finding needed information
  • Makes collections easier to browse
  • Enables subject access

Types of Classification Schemes

  • Library of Congress (LC): Developed by the Library of Congress for classifying materials in their collection.
  • Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC): A numerical system for arranging library materials by subject. Developed by Melville Dewey in 1876 and updated several times. Dividing knowledge into 10 broad classes.

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) Details

  • DDC divides human knowledge into 10 main classes
  • Each main class has further subdivisions (e.g., 500-599 is Science)
  • The specificity of the class is indicated by adding more digits (e.g., 510.7; 510.712)

Hierarchy in DDC

  • The hierarchy of DDC is expressed through the notation
  • The length of the notation indicates the hierarchy (e.g., "Dogs" and "Cats" are subordinate to "Animal husbandry").
  • A hierarchical structure from general to more specific information is illustrated (showing social sciences, education and higher education).

Example Classifications

  • A chemistry book written by Sipho Dlamini: 540 DLA
  • A physics book written by Nokwethu Khumalo: 530 KHU
  • A history of Africa edited by Ziyanda Nxumalo: 960 HIS
  • An introduction to library and information science: 020 INT

Call Number Structure

  • A call number uniquely identifies a book for shelving
  • Contains a class number and usually 3 initial letters of the author's name or title (e.g., 540 DLA)
  • The use of prefixes denotes different formats (e.g., a journal, article, government document, thesis etc)

Shelving Tips

  • Books should be placed with their spines facing the front edge of the shelf
  • Books should be arranged by call number (numerical and alphabetical order) left to right
  • Adequate space should be provided for shelving to avoid damage.
  • Shelves should ideally be adjustable to accommodate various book sizes
  • Current magazines and new arrivals should be displayed on separate shelves for quick access and easier visibility

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