Information Organization Overview

What is Information Organization?

• Organizing information into a system that allows for quick retrieval and access.
• Information sources are grouped and classified based on shared characteristics (subjects).
• Ensures books, journals, pictures, etc. are easily found.

Why Organize Information?

• Information is constantly increasing and needs organized systems for retrieval and use.
• Organized information is:
  • Used multiple times
  • Easily identified
  • Easily accessed
  • Easily retrieved (retrieval depends on organization)
  • Beneficial to others

Information Repositories

• Libraries, archives, museums, and documentation centers ensure information is preserved for future use.

Definition of a Library

• An institution dedicated to collecting, processing, and storing recorded knowledge.
• Facilitates reading, research, and referencing.
• Maintains a collection of knowledge organized and managed by trained librarians.
• Promotes continuous education and self-improvement by disseminating information efficiently.

Types of Libraries

• Numerous types of libraries exist:
  • Public libraries
  • Academic libraries
  • Special libraries

Functions of Libraries

• Provide access to information
• Offer a variety of services:
  • Reprographic services
  • Research assistance (advice, guidance)
  • User education/library orientation and instruction

Rules of the Library

• Guidelines for proper behavior within the library.

Using the Book

• Procedures for handling and using library materials.

Roles of the Library

• Critical role in supporting education, research, and communities.

Organization of the Library

• Libraries employ systems to organize information for easy access.
• Primary system relies on classification based on subject content and physical organization.

Organization of University Libraries Collections

• Classification Schemes:

  • Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC):
    • Organizes knowledge into ten main classes with sub-divisions.
    • Uses Arabic numerals and decimal points for detailed categorization.
    • Suitable for smaller libraries with limited collections.
  • Library of Congress Classification (LC):
    • Popular scheme used in most academic libraries globally.
    • Expands easily to accommodate new subject areas.
    • Employs letters and numerals (Mixed Notation or Alpha-numeric).
    • Broad classes represented by capital letters, with further sub-divisions using numbers from 1 to 9999.
  • Moys Classification Scheme:
    • Specifically for processing law materials.
    • Designed by Elizabeth (Betty) Moys in 1968.
    • Used mainly in law libraries.
    • Integrated within libraries utilizing the Library of Congress Classification scheme.

• Physical Arrangement:

  • Materials arranged on shelves based on call numbers:
    • Call number includes Library of Congress number (alphabet and number), cutter number, and year of publication.
    • Cutter number consists of the first three letters of the author's surname or book title (for edited works).
    • Author surname letters are converted to letter and numbers (e.g., Soyinka becomes S69).

Services Rendered in the Library

• Diverse services to support users:
  • Reference services
  • Circulation services
  • Interlibrary loan
  • Electronic resources
  • Digital library
  • Collection development
  • Preservation of materials
  • Library instruction
  • Outreach programs
  • Research support

Using the Book

• Procedures for borrowing, returning, and handling library materials.

Explore the principles and importance of organizing information to enhance retrieval and access. This quiz covers the roles of libraries, archives, and other repositories in preserving knowledge for future generations. Understand how effective organization benefits users.