Showing posts with label CLIS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CLIS. Show all posts

Friday, March 27, 2015

A brief history of Colon Classification

इस ब्लॉग्स को सृजन करने में आप सभी से सादर सुझाव आमंत्रित हैं , कृपया अपने सुझाव और प्रविष्टियाँ प्रेषित करे , इसका संपूर्ण कार्य क्षेत्र विश्व ज्ञान समुदाय हैं , जो सभी प्रतियोगियों के कॅरिअर निर्माण महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान देगा ,आप अपने सुझाव इस मेल पत्ते पर भेज सकते हैं - chandrashekhar.malav@yahoo.com

A brief history of Colon Classification

Susan Kelsch

407A Cataloging and Classification I, Summer II term

August 5, 2003

Ranganathan’s Colon Classification in 1500 Words or Less

A brief history of Colon Classification

Dr. Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan, who lived from 1892 until 1972, was a renowned thinker and innovator in the world of library and information science. He introduced one of his greatest contributions to the field, the Colon Classification scheme, in 1933. This was published in two slim volumes. One volume held the rules of using the scheme and the other held the schedules needed to use it. Ranganathan, a mathematician by education, first thought of the scheme while studying in London, soon after his appointment as the first official Librarian at the Madras University Library in 1924. He studied at the London School for Librarianship and was greatly influenced by W.C. Berwick Sayers, a professor there.
He was often frustrated by the limitations of library classification schemes that he studied, which included the Library of Congress scheme and Dewey Decimal Classification. He felt that the schemes contained flaws because they were developed in order to organize existing collections. He felt there was a need to create a scheme that would be able to reflect forthcoming titles with different subject matter than had been seen in the libraries and to expand to new areas of knowledge over time. His Colon Classification scheme was developed to fill this need. He claimed that he was partly inspired by the demonstration of a child’s toy set, called a Meccano set, at a Selfridge’s department store in London. The Meccano set was similar to an Erector Set, containing blocks, loops, string, and other items that could be used to build many different structures.
As Ranganathan traveled back to India after his studies, he worked on the scheme that would eventually become Colon Classification. He tested it on the ship’s library. He then tested it on the Madras University Library and determined that it was ready to be published. The name comes from the use of the colon as the character to differentiate the pieces of the Class Number, which is comparable to a Dewey number. Colon Classification includes an additional guide for creating what it calls a Book Number. The Class Number and Book Number work together to give individual volumes a place on the shelf. What I will focus on in this discussion is the Class Number, which outlines the subject or topic of the book.
The 2nd edition of the Colon Classification standard was published in 1939, after several years of use and testing by the public. Ranganathan referred to this as the Basic Version of the Colon Classification scheme. In 1952, Ranganathan published the 4th edition. This included a major new development, the introduction of the PMEST (Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, Time) categories. The basic idea of five categories was present in the earlier edition, but was not clearly defined. The presence of information in any of these five categories is indicated by different punctuation, making the term ‘colon classification’a slight misnomer. However the name remains.

Description of Colon Classification

Ranganathan based the Colon Classification scheme on the concept of facet analysis, an idea that was not new to library science. He believed that any concept could be built by using a term from a basic class to start the concept at a very broad level and then adding terms that corresponded to facets of that basic class in order to arrive at the very specific topic. This is how his fascination with the Meccano building set came to life in classification. A Class Number was made up of a Basic Class number (or sometimes more than one, as we’ll see later) and as many additional facets (what he called Isolates) that the cataloger needed to add. The Basic Class number is sometimes referred to as the Basic Subject or the Basic Facet.
Each of the five types of facets is associated with different punctuation. The punctuation indicates what type of facet would follow:

, (comma) = Personality
; (semi-colon) = Matter
: (colon) = Energy
. (period) = Space
‘ (apostrophe) = Time
Notes about this punctuation: Catalogers were allowed to omit the comma before the Personality element.
To be exact, the apostrophe did not appear until the sixth edition, published in 1960. Before then, a period was used for both Space and Time.
The letters and numbers used in each area were and are listed in official Colon Classification schedules. The number of Basic Classes is quite small. In 1933 the list consisted of 26 items, one for each letter of the alphabet. The number expanded to 46 in the 1960 edition.
The Personality, Energy, and Matter values vary according to subject. The Time and Space values are much more regular across all subject areas. Also, Ranganathan named in 1933 a small number of common subdivisions such as Bibliography, Maps and charts, Biography, History, Statistics, etc. which are used across all subject areas.

Example

So, for example, consider a book or report about ‘Circulation of periodicals in University Libraries in India up to the 1970s’. Using Colon Classification, this book/report would have this Class Number:

234;46:6.44’N7

This Class Number breaks down like this:
2 = Basic Class number 2, indicates the Basic Class Library Science.
34 = Personality. (Notice the lack of comma, as mentioned above.) In the Library Science Basic Class, Personality indicates types of libraries. 34 is the number for university libraries. In fact, 3 indicates any type of academic library, and 34 is a narrower term, so an additional digit is added to it. 33 indicates college libraries, 42 indicates industrial libraries, 48 indicates government department libraries, etc.
;46 = The semi-colon indicates a Matter value. In the realm of Library Science, Matter indicates the type of materials involved. 46 corresponds to periodicals.
:6 = The colon indicates an Energy value. In the realm of Library Science, Energy facets describe common actions such as cataloging (55), circulation (6), reference service (7), book selection (81). Please note that numbers in Colon Classification are in decimal order (not whole number order), so these four examples are listed in correct ascending order.
.44 = The period indicates a Space value. 44 is assigned to India. The scheme includes the number 1 to indicate World, as well as numbers to indicate specific states/provinces in some countries, such as 7376 for the state of Illinois.
‘N7 = The apostrophe indicates a Time value. The initial letter indicates a century (N=1900-1999), while the 7 indicates a decade. (Ranganathan was thinking far ahead: in his original schedules published in 1933, he had a table of values that went up to Z, which stands for the years 3000-3099 A.D.)
The five facets always are placed in this order. In some cases libraries have become accustomed to omitting some of the punctuation because it is “self-evident” that a new facet has begun. However I found this extremely confusing for someone who is new to the scheme.

About the five facets

Many catalogers and theorists have struggled with the distinction between Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, and Time.
Space and Time are the easiest of the five to understand. However, it is important to note that these are meant to be facets of some other concept—when they are the main focus of a work in themselves, then they are considered to be Personality elements of the work’s Class Number.
The Matter facet typically deals with some concrete object, typically inanimate. This includes basic elements/materials as well as finished products. This category also includes adjectives to describe inanimate objects.
Energy indicates action and interaction. This could be persons, objects, or any entity acting alone or with another. This could include conceptual or intellectual entities as well.
The Personality facet indicates the core point of the subject at hand. It is the most “elusive” of the five, as Ranganathan himself admitted in the 4th edition. In fact, he even admitted that if a concept could not easily fit into the other four categories then it is probably a Personality facet. I believe the Personality element requires the most intuition, as it is the cataloger’s gut feeling about what the most important element of the subject is. In many cases the Personality element is indicated by a Basic Class number only.
Ranganathan also allowed for the combination of two subjects from entirely different disciplines within a single Class Number. In this case, the cataloger added another Personality element onto the end of the initial (and most important) subject, along with the other relevant facets of the second subject. (This is the basic idea, although it is complicated by specific rules of order and number of facets allowed, etc.)

The future of Colon Classification

While Colon Classification, as well as many of Ranganathan’s ideas, continue to influence library and information science, the scheme is not widely used in libraries. It gained a foothold in India during Ranganathan’s life, but it never was the most commonly used scheme in India. Its critics claim that the scheme is better suited for classification of academic libraries than public or general-interest libraries. Colon Classification was also criticized because of major changes from one edition to the next. This not only added a burden of retrofitting to the libraries that used the scheme, but it also gave the international community the impression that Colon Classification was a work in progress rather than a fully functioning scheme. (Criticism about changes to the scheme particularly irritated Ranganathan. He pointed to his fifth law of library science, that a library is a growing organism. He extended this law to include classification of the library.) Most importantly, critics have long maintained that the Colon Classification notation and code numbers are simply too complex to gain acceptance from average library patrons.
Unfortunately, when Ranganathan died in 1972 he had not left an organization in place to continue work on the Colon Classification. All of the updates to the Colon Classification were personally managed by Ranganathan (with a little help from assistants on the development of schedules). So the code did not have the benefit of an overseeing organization to continue work on the code and develop support for its use. Ranganathan was working on the 7th edition of the Colon Classification system when he died. This was finally published in 1987.
Despite its bleak future as a modern, living standard for classification, Colon Classification continues to have great influence in the library world. And at least one article I read wondered: what would Ranganathan have done with classification of the Internet?

Bibliography

Articles
  • "Colon Classification." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2003. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 27 Jul, 2003 http://search.eb.com/eb/article?eu=25223.
  • Glassel, Aimee. "Was Ranganathan a Yahoo!?"" Internet Scout. March 1998.
  • Satija, M.P. "The revision and future of Colon Classification." Knowledge Organization, Vol. 24, No. 1, 1997.
  • Singh, Sukhdev. "Potentialities, limitations and the future of the Colon Classification." Herald of Library Science, Vol. 38, No. 3-4, July-October 1999.
Books
  • Khanna, J.K. Colon Classification. New Delhi, India: Ess Ess Publications, 1986.
  • Kumar, P.S.G. Introduction to Colon Classification, Edition 7. Nagpur, India: Dattsons, 1987.
  • Parkhi, R.S. Decimal Classification and Colon Classification in Perspective. New York: Asia Publishing House, 1964.
  • Raju, A.A.N. Decimal Universal Decimal & Colon Classification. Delhi, India: Ajanta Publications, 1984.
  • Ranganathan, S.R. The Five Laws of Library Science. 2nd ed. Bangalore, India: Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science, 1988.
  • Ranganathan, S.R. Colon Classification. Madras, India: Madras Library Association, 1933.
  • Ranganathan, S.R. Volume IV The Colon Classification. New Brunswick, NJ: Graduate School of Library Service, Rutgers - the State University, 1965.
  • Taylor, Arlene G. Wynar's Introduction to Cataloging and Classification. 9th ed. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2000.
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IGNOU COURSE WARE OF COLON CLASSIFICATION 

UNIT 13 COLON CLASSIFICATION (CC) 

Structure 13.0 Objectives 13.1 Introduction: 13.2 Genesis of Colon Classification 13.2.1 First Edition 13.2.2 Search for Theory 13.2.3 Subsequent Editions 13.3 Basic Principles in Colon Classification 13.3.1 Postulates of Basic Facet 13.3.2 Planes of Work 13.3.3 Rounds and Levels 13.3.4 Postulates of Facet Sequence 13.4 Notation 13.4.1 Mixed Notation-Indicator Digits 13.4.2 Empty Digit 13.5. Devices 13.5.1 Chronological Device 13.5.2 Geographical Device 13.5.3 Subject Device 13.5.4 Alphabetical Device 13.6 Phase Relations 13.7 Systems and Specials 13.8 Merits and Demerits of Colon, Classification 13.9 Practical Work in Colon Classification 13.10 Summary 13.11 Answers to Self Check Exercises 13.12 Key Words 13.13 References and Further Reading 13.0

 OBJECTIVES This' Unit introduces you to the Colon Classification (CC). After reading this Unit, you will be able to • know the origin and working of Colon Classification; • grasp the underlying principles: of the scheme; and • classify documents according to CC. 

13.1 INTRODUCTION You have now studied in detail the Dewey Decimal Classification and Universal Decimal Classification schemes. This Unit attempts to familiarise you with the underlying principles of Colon Classification. CC differs in several respects from the other two schemes, which you have already studied in this Block. S.R. Ranganathan, the author of CC, was well aware that a scheme of classification should be able to meet the challenge of ever rowing universe of knowledge and it should 'be able to 55 Study of Selected Schemes of accommodate, at an appropriate, place, any new subject without disturbing the arrays already formed. The seventh edition of CC has succeeded to a large extent in fulfilling this objective; 56 Classification Two basic strategies for number building in CC are i) subject analysis, and ii) synthesis. The analysis of a given subject results in the facetisation of the subject, as treated in the document, on the basis of five fundamental categories and their manifestation in it. Synthesis consists of bringing together the facets manifest in a subject to represent, as completely as possible, the description of that subject. Synthesis also has another connotation. It consists of connecting to the core subject those other aspects, which it shares with other subjects. By dint of its capabilities of analysis and synthesis, CC is known as an analytico-synthetic scheme. It is also described as a Freely Faceted Scheme. Under a rigidly faceted scheme, each main class was given a facet formula and the numbers were coined with the help of a connecting digit, colon. The drawback under a rigidly faceted scheme, with a single connecting symbol, resulted from the cluttering of the connecting symbol, i.e., whether a facet was present or absent, it had to be represented by a colon. With the introduction of 'separate connecting digits for personality, matter and energy facets in the fourth edition of CC, it became possible to represent only those facets in the number that are manifested in the subject treated in the document. Because of this facility, CC has since been called Freely Faceted. 

13.2 GENESIS OF COLON CLASSIFICATION Ranganathan was a mathematics lecturer. It was a mere accident that he was appointed Librarian of the Madras University Library in the year 1924. He was soon deputed to Britain for an observational tour of British libraries. While in Britain he also attended classes in the School of Librarianship, University of London. Berwick Sayers, known as' the grammarian of library classification, was one of the teachers at the School. During his tour of Britain; Ranganathan visited several libraries and was quick to notice the lacunae in the classification schemes in use then. A chance visit to a departmental store in London gave Ranganathan a clue for evolving a scheme of classification. He saw the demonstration of a toy called meccano set. The meccano set consists of several slotted strips, rods, wheels, screws, nuts and bolts with which several different models could be made. This gave him the idea that in a classification scheme there should be standard units that could be joined by connecting symbols. Ranganathan's standard units resembled the strips and his connecting symbols resembled the nuts and bolts of the meccano set. The standard units became the schedules. Thus, a class number could be constructed with the different elements enumerated in the schedules with a connecting symbol and he chose the colon as the connecting symbol. This was, dip, Ranganathan's conception of Colon Classification. The foundation of Colon Classification was laid in Britain in the year 1924. In 1925, his journey back to India gave Ranganathan ample time to work on the schedules. The library on the ship he was travelling in and the Madras University Library's book catalogue, which he was carrying with him served as the working equipment for him. 

13.2.1 First Edition On reaching Madras he took up the work of classifying the Madras University Library collection. The years between 1925 and 1932 were devoted mainly to the\ construction' of the schedules of CC. In 1929, he also established a library school at the University. Both teaching and library work at the University contributed immensely to the publication 'n 1933 of the first edition of Colon Classification. It had three distinct par: 127 pages of rules explaining the underlying principles, 135 pages of schedules and 106 pages Of index. The notation was mixed, consisting of the-26 Roman capital letters denoting main classes, Indo-Arabic numerals- and also Roman lower case letters. The colon (:) was used as the connecting symbol for joining facets. Each main class was provided with a facet formula. 

13.2.2 Search for Theory Ranganathan was aware of several inconsistencies in his scheme and did not fight shy of consulting subjects experts to know the gamut of each discipline. At the same time he tried to evolve a theory of library classification. The years from 1933 to 1939 were spent in working Colon Classification (CC) on the theory of classification. It was during these years that several Canons of Classification were formulated. The result was the publication of Prolegomena to Library Classification in 1937. Based on this theory, the second edition of Colon Classification was published in 1939. The changes from the first to the second edition were not substantial.. In this edition, two new ,concepts of Octave principles and auto-bias device were introduced. A new main class 8 Spiritual Experience and Mysticism carne into being. The first edition, as already said, had three parts. A fourth part was added in the second edition. This additional part contained about 3,000 examples, which were illustrative of the rules given in the first part. 57 Self Check Exercise l) Why is CC called an analytico- synthetic of classification? 2) What is the significance of the publication of prolegomena to library Classification? Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit. ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………….…………….. ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………….…………….. ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………. 

13.2.3 Subsequent Editions In 1945, Ranganathan shifted to Banaras. He spent two years at Banaras Hindu University from 1945 to 1947. He was, however, bogged down -in administrative work and all research came to a standstill. It was Sir Maurice Gwyer, the then vice-chancellor of Delhi University, who invited, Ranganathan to Delhi and gave him all facilities to devote himself to serious research.The eight years from 1947 to 1955 that, he stayed at Delhi University were productive. Team research became possible, and a quarterly journal, Abgila, became the instrument to publish the research findings. After a lapse of eleven years the third edition of Colon Classification 'appeared in 1950 without any major modifications. There were, however, a few changes in terminology. The findings of research at Delhi culminated in a dynamic theory of library classification.A major finding was that in any subject there could be only five ingredients. This gave rise to the Postulate of Five Fundamental Categories, which were stated as Personality, Matter, Energy, Space and Time (PMEST). The postulate further stated that these five -fundamental categories; fall in the sequence of P M E S T. Each fundamental category was assigned an indicator digit i (connecting symbol) as shown below: Fundamental Category Indicator Digit ' Personality ,(comma) Matter ;(semi-colon) Energy :(colon) Space .(dot) Time .(dot) Study of Selected Schemes of The indicator digit for time was later changed to a single inverted comma ('). The ordinal value of the connecting symbols was also determined. These findings were included in the fourth edition of Colon Classification (1952) and the second edition of Prolegomena to Library Classification, published in 1957. 58 Classification The fifth edition appeared in the year 1957. The fifth edition had made several changes both in the rules and also in the schedules. Many Greek letters were introduced in the fourth edition to expand the base of the main classes. These were found to be irritants and were replaced in the sixth edition by empty and emptying digits (we will discuss the emptying digits later in, this Unit). Some changes were also effected in a few main classes. In addition, the second level of space and time facets was introduced. Meanwhile, the sixth edition of Colon Classification, was published in .1960. At about this time, Ranganathan had shifted to Bangalore. A new centre, Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC), was established-by the Indian Statistical Institute with Ranganathan as its honorary professor. At DRTC, Ranganathan was assisted by a team of researchers. DRTC brought out-several special schedules of classification based on the new research findings. In 1963, a reprint of the sixth edition was published with a few corrections and amendments. At that time an announcement was made that the seventh edition would be, brought out incorporating all the new findings. Unfortunately, Ranganathan passed away in 1972 and the work was delayed. The long awaited seventh edition ' of Colon Classification with substantial changes from the earlier editions appeared in 1987, without an Index. Self Check Exercise 3) In what way was the fourth edition of Colon Classification important? Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit. ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………..….. 

13.3 BASIC PRINCIPLES IN COLON CLASSIFICATION 

The CC, like- other schemes of classification, starts with a set of main classes which form the first order array, of classes. Each main class is divided into facets. All facets are regarded as manifestations of five fundamental categories. Before we pr9ceed further let us see the meaning of the terms introduced in the above paragraph. The terms are i) -main classes, ii) array, iii) facet, and iv) fundamental categories. Main classes:, The main classes in CC are like disciplines in DDC and theoretical subjects in UDC. They are the traditional subjects, which you are well acquainted with, - like mathematics, physics, history, political science and soon. The number of main classes in CC is greater than those in DDC and UDC. Array: The dictionary meaning of array is ‘a systematic arrangement of numbers or symbols in an orderly manner.' In CC also, it means the same as its dictionary meaning. The arrangement, however, is referred to as the preferred sequence. The numbers, in a classification refer to a division of a subject on the basis –of a, single characteristic. For example, in medicine, the organs of the human body form the array- of organs. Facet: A facet is a characteristic by which ' a class is divided/grouped, Each main class is divided into facets to signify the whole series of arrays based on, a set of related characteristics of division. In the main class Literature, all enumerated languages, after which the national -literatures are known, constitute in DDC,, the language facet of that class. In the same class, all literary forms (poetry, drama, fiction, etc.) constitute another facet. It may also be stated Colon Classification (CC) here that within a facet an individual member is called a focus. Hindi literature, for example, is a focus in the language facet of the class Literature. 59 Fundamental categories: To understand the basic principles of CC you have to first understand some of the rules framed by Ranganathan. He calls them postulates. One postulate states that there are five fundamental categories (FC), viz., personality [P],.matter [M], energy [E], space [S], and time [T], PMEST for short. A postulate is a presumption or assumption, which is never put to test. It is a basis for argument and hence one is not supposed to question the veracity of the assumption. That is the meaning of a postulate. According to Ranganathan, in any given subject, there may be a maximum of five fundamental categories. There can be less, but in no case more than five. They also come in the order of PMEST according to their decreasing concreteness. If you are able to identify the fundamental categories irk a given subject, you can classify any subject. Hence, you must have a clear perception of each of the five fundamental categories. We will take up the five fundamental categories one by one for discussion in the reverse order. Time and Space- These two have the usual meaning known to you., A century, a decade, a year, a month, a day, an hour are all indicators of time. If the subject is stated as Economic conditions of India in the 19th century, you can identify the time element in it. In some subjects, it may, not be stated explicitly, e.g., Economic conditions during the reign of Akbar. In this example, the fundamental category time is concealed, but still identifiable. In the same way, it is fairly simple to locate the space element in a subject. In the above title Economic conditions of India in the 19th century, you can find the space facet, i.e. India. Space is indicated by terms like continent, country, city, village, etc. All these come under the facet space. Energy: The next fundamental category is energy. Energy refers to some type of action. In the subject medicine, diagnosis or treatment falls under the facet energy. It shows action. In agriculture, ploughing is energy, in education teaching is energy, and in sociology relief work is energy ,and so on. Matter: There is a major change in the seventh edition of CC in the case of the fundamental category matter. Up to the sixth edition, Matter was present only in a few main classes. There is a complete reversal in the seventh edition. In certain cases, what was considered energy now forms part of the matter facet. Besides, the fundamental category matter has undergone some other changes. It is distinguished as Matter Property [MP], Matter Material [MMt] and Matter Method [MM]. It is only matter property, which has almost replaced the fundamental category energy. To explain matter with a concrete example, in the class medicine, anatomy, physiology and diseases are viewed as manifestations of matter property. Similarly, in the main class agriculture, soil, manure, propagation, etc. are treated as manifestations of matter property. In the main class fine arts, under the class drawing, pencil drawing, ink drawing, and cartoon drawing are considered as a manifestation of matter method. In technology, product, and in biology substance are manifestation of matter material.' Hence, in a given subject, it is not difficult to recognise the fundamental categories of time, space, energy and matter. Personality: The fundamental category personality has evaded definition. Ranganathan found a Way out to recognise personality by the method of residue, i.e., when it cannot be any other fundamental category it is assigned to personality. However, experience in the design of depth schedules suggests that it is possible to identify a core concept in compound subjects going with a basic subject, such as, ` Human Body' in Medicine. Such a care concept is deemed to be a manifestation of "Personality' (See Unit 7 of Block 3) Self Check Exercise 4) Identify the main class and the fundamental categories manifest in the following titles: a. Geography of India. b. Physiology of flowering plants. c. Assessment of the aptitude of college students in India in the 1980s. d. Landscape water colour painting in 17th century France. Study of Selected Schemes of Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below 60 Classification ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit. ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………….……………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………….…….. 


13.3.1 Postulates of Basic Facet Once you determine the different fundamental categories, they are to be attached to. a basic class in the order of P M E S T. A basic facet in the traditional meaning stands for a 16; class, e.g.,-philosophy, psychology, chemistry, literature, history, etc. In CC, originally there were nearly 30 such main classes. This number rose to 47 in the sixth .edition. You can find that many of the main classes listed in the seventh edition are not exactly basic subjects as you know them. If you take, for example, B Mathematics, the different subjects listed under it appear more like its extensions. Similarly properties of matter, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism etc., under C Physics are only adjuncts to the main class C. But in classifying, it makes a difference. Iii C6 Electricity, 6 is not a fundamental category, but is part of the basic class, and hence a separate facet formula had to be given for it. 13.3.2 Planes of Work According to Ranganathan, there are three planes of work through which a scheme of library classification passes. The three planes arc Idea plane, herbal plane and Notational plane. A scheme of library classification has to first enumerate the Universe of Subjects, state their interrelations and fix their order. This is done in the idea plane. The findings of the idea plane are to be represented in terms. This is -the verbal plane of. work. Lastly, these terms are transformed into a notation. This last plane of work is known as the notational plane. There are thus three planes of work: idea, verbal and notational. 

13.3.3 Rounds and Levels Having identified five fundamental categories, it was found that some of them manifest themselves- more than once in a subject, for example personality,, matter and energy. .This phenomenon was handled by the introduction of the postulates of rounds and levels. Take, far instance, a subject like Treatment of brain tumour by radium therapy. In this, we have the fundamental, categories brain FET tumour [A], treatment [ER]-, and radium therapy [El., 11 (E), thus, repeats itself. Such repetition of any of to three (R M and E) fundamental categories is called round of fundamental category. These rounds are indicated as [IPI], [2PI], [113], [2E], , [1Mi], [2M1] and so on. Let us take' another example: King Lear by Shakespeare. First you must find what fundamental categories are present in this subject. The basic class is, of course; literature. The isolates are, language, form of literature, author and his work.

 All these isolates ,, I under the fundamental category personality. They, therefore, belong to thepersonality facet. 'These occurrences are referred to as levels of personality and they all fall in the first round. They are ,therefore ,indicated as [1P1],[1P2],[1P3],[1P4]. They are read as first level; first round, second level; first round, third level; and first round, fourth level. Colon Classification (CC) 

13.3.4 Postulates of Facet Sequence 61 v) Postulate of level cluster: The last postulate for the sequence of facets states that different levels of the same fundamental category within a round should be kept together. Let us take an example like Succession rights of minors in Hindu law. In this, the facets, succession, minor and Hindu law are all manifestations of personality. When arranged, they will be Law (B F), Hindu law [ 1 P 1 ], Minor [1P2], and succession [1P3]. This postulate is known as the postulate of level cluster. Whatever we have studied so far in this Unit can be put in a nutshell as follows: • Because of facetisation, CC differs tan other schemes to a very great extent. • Each successive edition of CC displayed improvement in analysis over the previous edition. • The basic principles worked out in CC axe i. Three planes of work. ii Five fundamental categories. iii Rounds and levels. iv Facet sequence. Study of Selected Schemes of Self Check Exercise 62 Classification 5) What is the significance of fundamental categories? 6) What are the connecting digits for different fundamental categories? Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit. ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………….. 

13.4 NOTATION

 Ranganathan, in his theory of library classification, introduced the concept of three planes of work, which you are already familiar with. Of these, the notational plane is beset with several difficulties. It is in this sphere that much research has taken place and several innovations have been made. You already know the meaning of notation, its function and its kinds. We will now turn our attention to the notation in CC. 13.4.1 Mixed Notation --- Indicator Digits. CC uses a mixed notation. It-consists of 1) Indo-Arabic numerals, 1-9 2) Roman alphabet -both capitals and lower case, A to Z and a to z. 3) Parentheses ( } 4) Indicator digits The following table gives the details of the indicator digits used in the 7th edition of CC. Digit/Symbol Name of the Role of the indicator digit indicator digit * Asterisk indicates agglomeration and interpolation ← Backward arrow indicates backward range " Double inverted comma indicates common isolates ('The above three ` indicator digits have anteriorising value). & Ampersand indicates phase relation ‘ Single inverted comma indicates time facet . Dot indicates space facet : Colon indicates energy facet ; Semi-colon indicates matter facet contd Colon Classification (CC) , Comma indicates personality facet 63 - Hyphen indicates spectator of kind 1 = Equal sign indicates speciator of kind 2 + Plus sign and, addition --> Forward arrow indicates forward range For the arrangement of the class numbers, all the notations and digits used in the scheme have been given values, and, in the ascending sequence, they stand in the following order: ) & ‘ . ; : , - = → a to z 01 to 9 A to Z (asterisk), + (plus), " (double inverted comma) and <7- (backward arrow) have anteriorising value. 


13.4.2 Empty Digit To increase the capacity of an array, CC has introduced what is called an empty digit. An empty digit has no semantic value, but it retains the ordinal value. Let us see the meaning of empty digit with the help of an example. If you are using the Indo-Arabic numerals, you can use a maximum of nine numerals, (I to 9). If a subject & to be divided, we can divide it only up to nine places and the tenth and subsequent divisions cannot be accommodated. To overcome this difficulty, CC uses numerals I to 8 only and 9 is left as an empty digit. It has no value by itself, but regains its full value when it is used in combination as 91, 92, 93 ... 98 or 991, 992, 993 ... 998 and so on (see Unit 9). This method has given tremendous potential to increase arrays in any given facet. The same principle has been used while using a to z, or A to Z. In lower case letters, z is made an empty digit, and in capital letters, T, V and X are postulated as empty-emptying digits and Z as empty digit. (The notation in CC has been discussed in detail in Unit 9 of Block 3). Also, CC uses a number of devices for increasing hospitality and facilitating synthesis. We will see these devices in the following section. 13.5 DEVICES We have seen that new subjects always crop up and a classification scheme should be able to find appropriate places for such new subjects within its framework. Ranganathan provided a number of devices for this purpose. The purpose of such a device is to form a new isolate or to sharpen an existing isolate in an array. This method has considerably reduced the size of the scheme. The four major devices used in CC are: 1) Chronological device 2) Geographical device 3) Subject device 4) Alphabetical device We will discuss each of these in brief. 13.5.1 Chronological Device The purpose of this device is to sharpen a facet number. It can sharpen. an. isolate or form a new isolate. This is done by employing a chronological number from the schedule of time isolates. All numbers for authors in the class Literature are derived through this device. It is impracticable to enumerate all authors. The chronological device has, however, taken care of such a contingency. To give an example, the number for Rabindranath Tagore is 0, 157,1M61. Here, M61'stands for 1861, the year of birth of Rabindranath Tagore. This device has been used in several main classes like library science, mathematics, medicine, fine arts, psychology, education, economics, etc. This device can be used wherever warranted. The basic class of systems is derived through the chronological device. 

13.5.2 Geographical Device The purpose of all -these devices, as stated earlier, 2 to form or to sharpen an isolate number in a schedule. Employing a geographical number from the schedule of space isolates is another Study of Selected Schemes of mechanism of doing this. It has been used in library science, fine arts, religion, linguistics, history and in several other classes. The formation of an isolate using this device is as follows: 64 Classification 152 = d4437 means Rajasthani Hindi, where 152 is Hindi = is the connecting symbol d is the symbol for dialect 4437 is Rajasthan from the schedule of space isolates. Another ' example of the geographical device' Early Egyptian religion for which the number is Q,8677. Here, Q,8 is other religions, and 677 is Egypt from the schedule of space isolates 

13.5.3 Subject Device Subject device is used to form or sharpen a facet by adding to it (facet) another class number from elsewhere in the scheme. This device has been used in several train classes. The part of the number derived by the subject device should be enclosed in parenthesis (circular brackets). For example, Medical college library is 2, J3 (L) In the above example, in library science, 2,J3 represents college libraries to which is added (L) from the main class L Medicine` to derive medical college library by subject device. Let us take another example of subject device. Hindu Law is Z,(Q,2) where Z is law, and (Q,2) is Hindu religion from the main class Q Religion. 

13.5.4 Alphabetical Device Alphabetical device is also used to form or sharpen an isolate number. The device is used taking the first or the first two or three letters of the names of persons, or objects, or products widely accepted as such. The device can be used wherever warranted. The following are some examples where the device is used: 0, 157, 3M61,G Gora, a novel by Rabindranath Tagore Here, G stands for Gora 0,157,3M61,H+W Home and the world, a novel by Tagore. Here, the initial letters of the two words in the title are connected, using the plus sign (+). (H for Home and W for World) D93CM Maruti motor car. D93C is for motor cars and M stands for Maruti J,381B Basmati rice, where J,381 is rice' and B is-for Basmati. There are several other devices used in CC, which are already discussed in Unit 9, BIock 3 Self Check Exercise 7) Give and explain one example each of chronological, geographical and subject devices Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit. ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………….…………….…………….. Colon Classification (CC) 

13.6 PHASE RELATIONS 
65 Nowadays we come across several interdisciplinary subjects. This is the result of interaction between two or more subjects. For this purpose, CC has provided a device called Phase Relation. A phase relation may occur between two or more main classes; it may also occur within one and the same facet of a main class, or within one and the same array isolates. These three types are called inter-subject, intra-facet and intra-array phase relations respectively (see Unit 8 of Block 3). Besides, there are six kinds of phase relations indicated in CC. These six kinds are: 1) General relation phase. 2) Bias phase. 3) Comparison phase. 4) Difference phase. 5) Tool phase: 6) Influencing phase. The connecting symbol for a phase relation is composed of an ampersand (&) and a relation indicator as shown in the table below: Schedule of digits (CC 7' edition) Kind of phase relation Inter-subject Infra-facet Intra-array General a j t Bias b k u Comparison c m v Difference d n w Tool e p x Influencing g Following are a few examples to show the use of different kinds of phase relations in CC: 1) A general study of special and university libraries - Type: intra-facet, Kind: general, No.2,14&jK 2) Psychology for teachers - Type: Inter-subject, Kind: Nat, No.S&bT 3) Comparison of Jainism and Buddhism - Type: intra-facet, Kind: comparison, No.61,3&m4 4) Difference between undergraduate and postgraduate education Type: intra-array, Kidd: difference, No.T,181&w2. 5) Statistical analysis in library management - Type: inter-subject, Kind: tool, Nio.2:8&eBT 6) Influence of music on literature - Type: inter-subject, Kind: influencing, No.O&gNR. 

13.7 SYSTEMS AND SPECIALS Up to the sixth edition of CC, systems and specials were enumerated along with the concerned main classes. In the seventh edition, they have been listed in the schedule of basic subjects. However, they have been separately defined. Systems: The term system basic subjects denote a division of a main class expounded after a school of thought. A school of thought is a group, or succession of persons devoted to some cause or philosophy. The class number for a system is derived by the chronological device. Some examples of system facets are: B6-M8 Hyperbolic geometry, where B6 is geometry and M8 means the 1880s. The number stands for a system of geometry expounded in the 1880s. L-B Ayarveda. B is 999 to 1000 BC - a system of medicine that came into being prior to 1000, BC Study of Selected Schemes of S-N14 Individualistic psychology. It means a school of psychology that came into being in 1914. 66 Classification X-NI Communism. The number stands for a system of economics that came into being in the 1910s. Specials: The term special basic subjects denotes a division of a main class in which the subject of study is restricted in some special manner. The class number of specials are derived by enumeration. Some of the examples of special basic subjects are: 

13.8 MERITS AND DEMERITS OF COLON CLASSIFICATION Due to a sound theory and the provision of a hospitable notation, CC is capable of giving a unique number for almost every subject. The systematic order and the degree of detail due to analysis and synthesis are two great virtues of CC. As a result, it has achieved two objectives: i) provision of a helpful order in each class, and ii) facility in locating a given topic whether it is simple, compound or complex. It is claimed that CC can be effectively used in a computer-aided document finding system. The major drawback of CC is that there exists no machinery to keep up the revision work as in the case of DDC and UDC. The guidance provided in the recently published seventh edition is not enough and lacks clarity at places. It calls for a manual with numerous examples to explain the application of various rules. And above all, it is far from simple, the virtue most cherished by the users. 

13.9 PRACTICAL WORK IN COLON CLASSIFICATION,
 In chapters BB and BC of the seventh edition of CC, a few numbers are worked out. You are advised to go through these examples, worked out step by step. Following are three examples given for your guidance in identifying the fundamental categories and assigning them to appropriate facets. Transplanting rice seedlings in India in the monsoon Agriculture - J(main class BS/BF) Rice - Plant [1PI] - 381 Seedling - Organ [IP2] - 91 Transplanting - Action or energy [E] - D India - S - pace [S] - 44 Monsoon - Time [T] - v You also know the connecting symbols for each fundamental category. The number is, therefore, J,381,91:D.44 `v Treatment for headaches Medicine - L(BS/BF0 Head - Organ[1P1] Disease - Property[MP]-4 Ache - Pain(part of the disease)-17 Treatment - Action[E]-6 Hence, the final 'number is L,18; 417:6 William Shakespeare : Merchant of Venice Literature - O(BS/BF) Language - English'[IP1] - III (from the language schedule) Colon Classification (CC) Form - Drama [1P2] - 2 67 Author - Shakespeare, 1564 [1P3] - J64 (chronological device) Work - Merchant of Venice [1P4] - M+V (alphabetical device) The final number is, therefore, 0,111,2J64, M+V Follow the facet formula given at the beginning of each main class and you cannot go wrong. 13.10 SUMMARY Colon Classification is a freely faceted and analytico- synthetic scheme of classification. It has been developed on a well-thought out theoretical foundation. A lot of research preceded the formulation of postulates and principles. The five fundamental categories (P M E S T) are the basis for analysis in CC. Similarly, facetisation is the basis for synthesis in CC. Several principles have been worked out for the facet sequence. The devices - chronological, geographical, subject and alphabetical - used in CC have provided a high potential for forming new isolates and sharpening the existing isolates. The CC notation is, thus, very rich in hospitality. All the above mentioned salient features of CC are discussed in this Unit. 

13.11 ANSWERS TO SELF CHECK EXERCISES 1) Two basic operations involved in number building in CC are (1) Subject analysis on the basis of five fundamental categories, and (2) Synthesis. The former results in the facetisation of the subject. Synthesis consists of bringing together the facets manifest in the subject to represent as completely as possible the description of that subject. Synthesis also consists of adding to the subject those other aspects, which it shares with other subjects. Because of the operations of analysis and synthesis, CC is called an analytico-synthetic scheme. 2) When CC was first evolved it was not based on any principle except that the idea was struck by the demonstration of the meccano set that Ranganathan happened to see in London. There was no theory to build up the scheme further. This led Ranganathan to do research in this area and the years between 1:933 and 937 were spent in evolving a theory of classification. The results of this research were fi st published in the year 1937 in his Prolegomena to Library Classification. This, then, it the significance of the publication. The Prolegomena is the first publication where Ranganathan' s work of a general theory of classification was published; ; 3) The strenuous research carried on in the thirties and forties bore fruit to a large extent. The postulate of five fundamental categories was evolved. The common connecting' symbol (colon) was creating difficulties in building class numbers. Hence, in the fourth edition of CC, for each fundamental category a separate connecting symbol was provided except for space and time. It was no longer necessary to represent those facets in the number that were not manifest in the, document. CC, thus, became an almost freely faceted scheme and there lies the importance of the fourth edition. It ushered in the dynamism hitherto not obvious in CC. a) Geography - main class India - space b) Botany - main class Physiology - matter (property) Flowering Plants - personality c) Education - main class Assessment - energy Aptitude - matter (property) College students - personality Study of Selected Schemes of India - space 68 Classification 1980s - time d) Painting - main class Landscape - personality Water colour - matter(property) 17th Century - time France - space 5) Ranganathan realized that there could be as many five aspects of a subject . These he called five fundamental categories .If subject analysis is performed on the basis of these categories , it should reveal the different facets of a subject , which can then be synthesized to arrive at the appropriate subject representation in a notation. This also eliminates the necessity of the enumeration of specific subjects in schedules and achieves economy in size of schedules the fundamental categories yield facets and a scheme making use of these become an analytical and faceted classification . This is how fundamental categories are very significant. 6) Fundamental categories Connecting symbols Personality ,(comma) Matter ;(semi colon) Energy : ( colon) Space .(dot) Time ‘(apostrophe) 7) a) Chronicalogical: Example – colon Classification number =2:5N3 , where N3(1930s) is a chronological device to indicate that CC was evolved in the 1930s. b) Geographical device: Example – the Indian Immigrants in the USA number = Y,6J3A44 where 73 and 44 are geographical device. Y,6J - immigrants 73 - USA(geographical device) A - added as per the rule 44 - India(geographical device) c) Subject device: Example – Cement Production number =XX,(F,932) where X- Industrial economics (F,923) - Cement(subject device) 

13.12 KEY WORDS Adjunct : Something incidental or not necessarily essential that is added to the core. Analytico-Synthetic :A scheme of classification based on the analysis of, a subject into different facets. The facets are arranged by the prescribed postulates and the facet terms replaced by facet numbers. The facet numbers are finally synthesised into class numbers with the aid of appropriate connecting symbols. Anteriorising Value :The value that enables the number possessing it to precede other numbers not possessing it. Array :A set of numbers displayed in a row or column derived from the application of a single characteristic. Basic Facet :The main class or basic class. Empty Digit :A digit, which retains its ordinal value without having any semantic value (see ordinal value). 69 Colon Classification (CC) 

13.13 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

 Encyclopaedia of library and information science(1971). Vol5. New york: Marcel Dekker. Pp: 316-340. Foskett, A.C. (1982). The Subject Approach to Information. 4th ed. Clive Bingley: London. Raju, A.A.N. (1984). Decimal, Universal Decimal and Colon Classification: A Study in Comparison. Delhi: Ajanta Publications. Ranganathan, S.R. (1987). Colon Classification. 7th ed. Edited by M.A. Gopinath. Bangalore: Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science. 


Wednesday, March 25, 2015

03. Species of bibliographic classifications : enumerative and faceted P- 08. Knowledge Organization and Processing - Classification

इस ब्लॉग्स को सृजन करने में आप सभी से सादर सुझाव आमंत्रित हैं , कृपया अपने सुझाव और प्रविष्टियाँ प्रेषित करे , इसका संपूर्ण कार्य क्षेत्र विश्व ज्ञान समुदाय हैं , जो सभी प्रतियोगियों के कॅरिअर निर्माण महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान देगा ,आप अपने सुझाव इस मेल पत्ते पर भेज सकते हैं - chandrashekhar.malav@yahoo.com



03. Species of bibliographic classifications : enumerative and faceted


P- 08. Knowledge Organization and Processing - Classification

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 1. By area of Coverage  2. By Depth of Coverage Collapse  3. By function Collapse  4. From structural view point Collapse  5. Species of classifications according to Ranganathan Collapse  6. Current Thinking  7. Hybrid Systems  8. Categories by medium:  9. References Collapse  Learn More

Multiple Choice Question

0 / 1 Points

Question 1: Multiple Choice

4th edition (1952) of the CC was :-
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked Rigidly faceted
  • Un-checked Fully faceted
  • Wrong Answer Checked Analytico-synthetic
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked All the above
0 / 1 Points

Question 2: Multiple Choice

A bibliographic classification is mostly for :-
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked Making bibliographies
  • Wrong Answer Checked Shelf classification
  • Un-checked Information retrieval
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked Cognitive classification
0 / 1 Points

Question 3: Multiple Choice

According to S.R. Ranganathan, the UDC is:-
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked Fully faceted classification
  • Wrong Answer Checked Rigidly faceted classification
  • Un-checked Almost faceted
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked All the above
0 / 1 Points

Question 4: Multiple Choice

Classification given by Francis Bacon is :-
  • Wrong Answer Checked Scientific classification
  • Un-checked Knowledge classification
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked Library classification
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked All the above
0 / 1 Points

Question 5: Multiple Choice

Knowledge classification means:-
  • Wrong Answer Checked classification of entire knowledge of the world
  • Un-checked a theoretical and philosophical classification of knowledge
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked classification which is sophisticated and systematic
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked none of the above
1 / 1 Points

Question 6: Multiple Choice

Library of Congress Classification is:-
  • Correct Answer Checked Fully enumerative
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked Almost enumerative
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked Almost faceted
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked Knowledge classification
0 / 1 Points

Question 7: Multiple Choice

The term in enumerative classification is :-
  • Wrong Answer Checked Older than faceted systems
  • Un-checked Later than faceted systems
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked Coined simultaneously
  • Wrong Answer Un-checked None of the above
1 / 7 Points Final Score:

ill in the blanks

Unmarked / 1 Points

Question 1: Open Ended

Vedic Classifications had _____ categories of knowledge.
Feedback: Ans:-Four
0 / 1 Points Final Score:

    

True-False

0 / 1 Points

Question 1: True or False

A print edition and electronic edition of a classification system have the same content and facilities.
Wrong Answer Checked True
Un-checked False
1 / 1 Points

Question 2: True or False

Enumerative classification is included in faceted classifications.
Correct Answer Checked True
Un-checked False
1 / 2 Points Final Score: 

   

1. By area of Coverage

1.1.   Special classification limited to a specific area of knowledge
1.2.   General classification covering the entire universe of knowledge


2. By Depth of Coverage

2.1  Broad Classifications which do not provide enough details and are suitable for small libraries, or provide a synopsis of the knowledge area covered by them.
2.2  Depth Classifications which provide maximum details and are usually required for documentation work in special libraries or information centers. Special classification usually are depth classification.

3. By function

On the basis these function classification can be divided into:-
1. Cognitive, 2.Bibliographical and 3. Biblioethical systems


3.1 Cognitive/Knowledge Classifications

These are usually termed as knowledge classification system. Their purpose is to show the map and structure of knowledge as viewed by the maker or it is the structure accepted by the majority. Mostly these are prepared by philosophers or scientists to take stock of knowledge. These can again be of two types:

3.1.1 Taxonomic Systems

Classification of some entities such as Plant Taxonomy, Animal Taxonomy, Periodic Table of chemical elements are a few examples. Classification of diseases, or occupations may also fall in these areas.

3.1.2 Knowledge Classifications

these are the maps of the entire universe of knowledge prepared by philosophers from time to time. In Vedas (1500 BC) the four categories of knowledge are
1. Dharm
2. Arth
3. Kaam
4. Moksh
Arsitotle (384-322) the Greek philosopher divided knowledge into the following ten categories :
            1.Substance
            2.Quantity
            3.Quality
            4.Relation
            5.Place
            6.Time
            7.Situation
            8.State
            9.Action
            10.Passion 
Francis Bacon (1561-1626) divided knowledge into three categories based on then known three functions of the brain:
            1.Imagination (Arts and Literature)
            2.Memory (History, etc)
            3.Reason (Sciences)
Ranganathan in his Prolegomena (1967,p 71) has gives an illustrative list of authors of some knowledge classification systems:
            1. Vedic seers (1500 BC)
            2. Aristotle (384-322 BC)
            3. Francis Bacon (1561-1626)
            4. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)
            5. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
            6. GFW Hegel (1770-1831)
            7. August Comte (1798-1857)
            8. Andre Marie Ampere (1775-1836)
            9. Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)
But the number of classifications in pure science is much more as given by BC Vickery (1918-2009) in his famous book classification and Indian Science London: Butterworths, 1958, pp.115-145.
These are all knowledge classifications which are preserve of the philosophers and scientists.

3.2 Bibliographical classifications:

They are library classification systems which are mostly designed to organize micro literature in the form of bibliographies and indexes UDC was designed for the purpose of arranging entries in the proposed universal bibliography  by the International Institute of Bibliography established in 1895 as the forerunner erstwhile FID (1931-2002). Obviously it is depth classification. CC and BC-2 can easily fit in this category.


3.3 Biblioetheal Classification

 Such systems are designed, at the first instance as library classification for arranging books on the shelves. These are shelf arrangement systems of the  modern librarianship. The DDC was designed for shelf arrangement of books. Later classification designed to improve upon the DDC had this purpose uppermost.
A cognitive classification can perform the latter two functions with equal ease while a bibliographical classification can equally be good as a shelf classification, but not vice versa. Nevertheless today’s library classification systems are mostly based on knowledge/cognitive systems.


4. From structural view point

 From their structure the library classifications are broadly divided into the following categories:
a)      Enumerative  Systems
b)      Faceted Systems


4.1 Enumerative System

Library classifications prior to Ranganathan’s Colon Classification (CC,1933) were more or less structurally similar. The term enumerative classification was coined post - CC to distinguish such system. It is just as the term landline telephone was coined only after the invention and popularity of cellular phones. Ranganathan’s system was a faceted system by structure. It was a game changer in the theory and practice of library classification. The term “Enumerative Classification” was coined to distinguish Ranganathan’s system from rest of the lot.
An enumerative system is designed as a classification system which systematically lists (enumerates) all subjects of past, present and foreseeable future divided into disciplines, main classes and their subdivisions. How deep and granular the subdivisions are determines the depth of classification. If divisions are broad then it is not a depth classifications. A depth classification entails dividing subjects deep down into its various hierarchical subdivisions and related aspects to classify micro and non-book material.
However depth and broad classifications are relatively qualitative terms. There is no hard and fast line to demarcate the two nor there is any quantitative standard. For example, the DDC not considered too detailed for research libraries is not a broad classification  either.  The UDC though designed as a depth classification at present is available in two versions, Standard Edition, and Abridged Edition or Pocket Edition. However, the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) though a example of purely enumerative classification, is an in depth classification in 25 parts contained in 45 volumes.



4.2 Faceted Classifications

The first truly faceted classification was Ranganathan’s Colon Classification (first published in 1933). Though the library classification historians see clear but undeveloped antecedents of a faceted system in the UDC first published in 1904.
Features
In a faceted classification there are no readymade class numbers. Instead, every main class is first divided into what is called facets belonging to different categories of concepts. Facets are further divided into what is called isolates. An isolate is the smallest i.e. further indivisible, unit of knowledge:
Universe of knowledgeAlternate TextDisciplines/Sub-disciplinesAlternate TextMain classesAlternate Text CategoriesAlternate TextFacetsAlternate TextIsolates
A faceted system provides rules, grammar and devices to combine these isolates with the main class to form a class number co-extensive with the subject. It means every class number in a faceted classification has to be synthesized. A faceted system instead of a list of subjects and their class numbers is a sort of machine to turn out myriads of class numbers  with a physically very slim schedule.


5. Species of classifications according to Ranganathan

However, Ranganathan true to his method of theorize and philosophize concepts did a very minute analysis of the species of classifications. He put forth a few more between these main two species. These as in evolutionary order are:
            1.Enumerative
            2. Almost Enumerative
            3.Almost Faceted
            4. Rigidly Faceted
            5. Freely Faceted/ Analytico-Synthetic
He elaborates and illustrates their characteristics and features as follows:

5.1 Enumerative Classification

Ranganathan defines, “An enumerative scheme for classification consists essentially of a simple schedule enumerating all subjects of the past, the present and the anticipated future”. Such a schedule will have necessarily to be long. The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is cited as an example par excellence of their kind. Every subject, its subdivision and so called standard subdivision are embedded in the readymade class numbers. Another example of such a system is the International Classification (1961) by Fremont A Rider (1885-1962 ) which has a 922 pages and 17576 frozen class numbers all consisting uniformly of three alphabetical digits. Though simple it would not be an exaggeration to say that it had a still birth. No library is using it. It means a library classification both broad and enumerative cannot sustain itself in the environment where knowledge is growing exponentially and multidimensionally.


5.2 Almost Enumerative

According to Ranganathan such a scheme is purely enumerative with  addition of a few separate schedules of common isolates. To represent mathematically:
Almost enumerative classification = Purely enumerative + A few schedules of common isolates.
In addition to main classes and their subdivisions resulting in compound subjects. It also provides some separate schedules of common and geographical isolates. It helps to construct monolithic class numbers for a few more compound subjects. Length of the schedule is fairly long. Editions 2 (1888) to 14 (1942) of the DDC fall in the category. Subjects Classification  (SC 1906) by J.D. Brown (1867-1914) of UK is a good example of this specie. The SC consists of main schedule of basic and compound subjects and a categorical table. Indeed the hospitality and resilience of such a system in low and it is soon over powered by the cascade of new subjects. But since edition 16 (1958) the DDC is marching towards a faceted system. And since the 18th edition (1971) the DDC is heavily equipped not only with many (auxiliary) tables, but also employs synthesis of numbers by various ways through “add to….” instructions from the schedules 000/999 and also with some internal tables here and there. Though its base remains enumerative, yet the class number it can freshly generate outnumber the listed compound subjects. Eric Hunter (2009) terms such system as faceting grafted on an enumerative base. The present DDC is its best example


5.3 Almost-Faceted

Such a system consists of a large schedule enumerating most of the known subjects and of foreseeable future in addition to a few schedules of common and special isolates. Mathematically:
Almost Faceted=Almost Enumerative+A few schedules of special isolates.
Such a classification system also enumerates many compound subjects and a few complex subjects but many more class numbers for such subjects can be constructed.
In the brief line of evolution of library classification systems the UDC (1895/1903) is the first an almost-faceted classification. Apart from separate comprehensive tables of auxiliaries of form, place, ethnic groups, time, language and view point, it has also a series of some special auxiliaries applicable to a specific main class or its divisions. Signs of addition, relation and grouping provide much more synthesis of compound and complex subjects. Number addition Properties, Relations, Number of auxiliaries is increasing as recently common auxiliary schedules of materials and persons have been added.
In such faceted systems the length of schedules reduces but the number of class numbers it can churn out increases enormously. A faceted class number is structured and various facets can be easily recognized.
Another example of such a classification is the Bibliographic classification (BC,1944-1953) by H E Bliss (1870-1955). It consists in large general tables listing basic and compound subjects. Its auxiliary tables comprise of form subdivisions, schedules for space, time and language subdivisions. Further it has seven auxiliary schedules of historical and philosophical subdivisions. Here third category of auxiliary schedules is of special isolates of limited application. Indeed the system is resilient and hospitable to relatively micro subjects.Class number is visibly structured and its class numbers are polylithic.


5.4 Fully Faceted Classifications

Last in the line of evolution is the fully faceted classification. Mathematically:
Faceted classification=Almost faceted  + more and more isolates.
Enumerative < almost enumerative < almost faceted < fully faceted.    
In a fully faceted classification there are only basic subjects, schedules of categorised special isolates under basic classes, and maximum schedules of common isolates. In addition the classification system provides some rules for syntax of facets and a few connecting symbols to connect and distinguish facets from each other to avoid cluttering. Class numbers for compound and complex subjects have to be built according to the rules by classifiers, howsoever simple these might be. Nothing is readymade expect basic classes, thus with a small schedule a huge number of class numbers can be easily built as a child builds different toys with a small meccano kit. Thus a faceted classification is a machine or a process to synthesize class numbers.
Fully faceted = Basic subjects + Special isolates + common isolates


5.5 Evolution of Faceted Systems

But due to pioneering and constant research by S R Ranganathan there has been an evolution in faceted classifications to solve its day to day problems and to make library classification more user friendly and efficient in information retrieval. In his own terminology Ranganathan divides faceted classification into two evolutionary stages:
1)   Rigidly faceted classification
2)   Freely faceted classification



5.5.1 Rigidly Faceted

This is a primitive faceted system having all the requisites of a faceted system. The first three editions of the Colon Classification (1933/1939/1950) are termed as rigidly faceted as at this stage facet formula for every subject was predetermined and so was rigid. Even if any of the intervening facet was missing, its absence had to be indicated. Absent facets were indicated by dummy connecting symbols in the CC. Till 1950 Colon (:) was the only connecting digit. For example, take the title “Libraries in India”. Here Personality, Matter, and Energy facets are absent, but their absence was shown by colons in their place to make the class number:
2 : : : 44
Here the first colon is for Personality, the second for Matter, and the third of course for the space India 44. Though time facet is also absent but its absence is obvious being the last facet. Such a class number looked unwieldy and cumbersome. A small error on the part of the user in noting the shelf number proved highly troublesome in locating the book. Also the predetermined and rigid facet formula prevented addition of new facets in compound subjects. Use of Rounds and Levels was not possible. It means hospitality to new subjects was discounted. Ranganathan was on the look for twenty five years for a neat solution to the varying problems.


5.5.2 Freely Faceted

Solution to the problem was found in 1950 by breaking its rigidity and to have a flexible facet formula as per the need of the subject to be classified. It was a sort of a break through to break the rigidity by prescribing a different connecting symbol for each of the category, though space and time category still shared the common connecting symbols that is a dot (.). Later finding some difficulties the Time facet was given an exclusive connecting symbol of inverted comma (). This breakthrough was reported in an American publication of 1951 edited by Jesse Shera and M. Egan. From the 4th edition (1952) the CC appeared as a freely faceted system. Thus for the above subject “Libraries in India” the class numbers became 2.44. It automatically shows the absence of all facets except of Space.
Libraries in 20th century
              2N
Libraries in 20th century India
             2.44N
Thus the facet formula becomes handy, very resilient and accommodative of any number of new facets in the form of  Rounds and Levels.

5.5.3 Analytico-Synthetic Classification

Design of a freely faceted classification has been a fairly continued process. In a freely faceted classification there is nothing predetermined about facets, their number and sequence. But it also involves the analysis of subjects into categories and facet sequence has to be determined in the Idea plane based on some clearly stated Postulates and Principles. S R Ranganathan systematically and scholastically has formulated a set of Basic normative principles, cannons, postulates and principles for work of analysis, naming concepts and synthesis of class numbers by dividing the whole work in three planes, namely Idea, Verbal and Notational Planes.
Analytico-synthetic classification based on a dynamic theory of classification has essentially to be freely faceted. Usually the two are deemed as two sides of the same coin. It may be stated that the UDC is commonly deemed faceted, but it is not analytico-synthetic in the strict sense. It is synthetic but really not analytical of subjects and it is not based upon postulates. It recognizes no categories of subjects. At the same time, it may be conceded that UDC was freely faceted much before the CC as it prescribes different connecting symbols for each of its auxiliaries. Not only this, it also allows the freedom of choosing the sequence of auxiliaries that is citation order to suit local convenience. It’s flexibility is unmatched.









6. Current Thinking

In current classification literature published all over the world Ranganathan’s scholastic categories of species of classification are not popular. It could also be due to the fact that his qualifying terms such as almost enumerative or almost faceted are non-scientific. In sciences there is no criterion to measure something “almost”. Popularly there are only two categories of enumerative and faceted systems. Enumerative systems are led by Library of Congress Classification while the CC is the aboriginal example of a faceted system. Such scholars also surely include UDC in the category of faceted systems. Nevertheless they accept over the years a third specie has emerged from old systems trying to adopt some of Ranganathan’s ideas and methods. It is faceting grafted over an enumerative base. Its best example is the evolution of the DDC especially since its 18th (1971) edition when the number of auxiliary tables was raised to seven in addition to provision of some internal tables of limited applicability here and there. (Now the DDC has only six such tables) Further number of “add to….” provisions is increasing edition by edition. Indeed the DDC, as of now, is a class in itself, Ranganathan’s Theory of species of classification notwithstanding.


6.1 Comparison

Here is a student comparison of enumerative and faceted systems:
Enumerative
Faceted
It is primitive/aboriginal
It is modern and emerged later
It is inductive & hierarchical
It is a literal and horizontal in its divisions
Lists past, present and anticipated subjects and their class numbers in hierarchical order
Lists main classes and their concepts divided into various categories and facets
Class numbers are mostly available readymade with some provisions to construct a few more
No class number is readymade, except that of basic subjects or main classes
Class numbers are monolithic, sometimes even the common isolates are undistinguished, e.g. 546.91,503
Class numbers are polylithic, show the structure of the class number and its various facets, e.g.
2:51.44‘N
Chain indexing to derive subject headings form the class number is not that easy
Eminently suitable for chain indexing
Not adept in electronic database searching
Very useful for database and web searching
Comparatively difficult to design but easy to apply
Conversely, easy to design but comparatively deemed difficult to apply
Theory in designing enumerative systems is nominal, even non-existent 
Mostly these are based on a sound theory. But Ranganathan’s CC goes to the extreme limits to build  a minutely thrashed out theory
Physically and textually schedules are bulky and large and with detailed subdivisions. The LCC has more than ten thousand pages.
Schedules are slim and isolates divided into facets are compartmentalized.
CC has only 200 pages.
Requires a comprehensive index to locate class numbers for most of the subjects
Dependence on alphabetical index is quite less
Soon overpowered by the emergence of new subjects. Frequently requires new editions to specifically classify new subjects
With devices and rules can help to classify new subjects without waiting for the new editions
Soon becomes dated
Ranganathan calls it is a self perpetuating system
Leaves nothing for classifier by way of autonomy or creativity
Provides lot of autonomy to the classifier and leaves lot of space for creativity
These are the systems of past and their application limited only to libraries
These are systems of the future and faceted system can be designed for various industrial products and services. These are quite useful classification systems for warehouses of different goods

However an enumerative system is not all outmoded. For a small and static collection, it is the best system in terms of cost and efforts.

7. Hybrid Systems

Since the invention of the Colon Classification synthesis of class numbers has become a trend.  Even the born enumerative and hierarchical systems are now increasingly making provisions for synthesis to provide co-extensive class numbers for micro-subjects: It is done through:
1)   Provision of more and more general auxiliary tables of form, language, people, places, relations, materials, processes and many more.
2)   Provision of tables of special subdivisions (internal tables) under different classes e.g. in the DDC a long table of diagnosis and treatment of diseases has been given under 614 diseases. The DDC and UDC now abound in such tables.
More provisions of synthesis of numbers are made through “Add to ... instructions”. It is taking a part or whole of a number from anywhere in the schedules for addition to a base. Such a provision did exist in the DDC since the second edition, yet from the 18th edition (1971) it has increasingly resorted to it to provide specific class numbers. The DDC is the best example of such a trend. With so many synthesis provisions while keeping the base intact makes it a unique but hybrid system. In the future all new systems will invariably be faceted with more and more devices and concepts for resilience and flexibility. But the old systems like the DDC will still continue to invent provisions for adding more facets on the enumerative base. Evolution of classification still continues as predicted by Ranganathan.


8. Categories by medium:

There are two kinds  library classifications by media:
1.         Online classifications
2.         Print classifications
            Classification plays an important role in online searching and retrieval. At the same time, computers have enormously facilitated the design and editing of classification systems. Most of the living classification systems have digitized their print schedules and held them in computers since 1990s. Now their various versions and editions are rather born digital and various versions and products are derived from the databases of classification systems held as electronic files, for e.g. the UDC is now converted into Master Reference File (MRF) .The electronic edition of the DDC, now known as WebDewey, is prepared from the DDC database called Editorial Support System (ESS). The electronic editions have many additional features for number locations, number synthesis, have many notes and additional material and facilities not possible in print versions. The print versions derived from the databases are merely discounted versions or toned down versions of the electronic form. The major systems such as the DDC, UDC, LCC are available both as print and electronic versions.



9. References

  1. Hunter, Eric J. Classification made simple, London: Ashgate, 3rd ed. 2009, pp.59-69.
  2. Krishan Kumar. Theory of classification, 4th edition, New Delhi : Vikas, 2004, pp. 80-88
  3. Maltby, Arthur Sayers Manual of Classification for Librarians, 5th edition. London : Andre Deutsch, 1975, pp.: 139-150
  4. Ranganathan, J.R. Prolegomena to library classification, 3rd ed. Bombay : Asia, 1967, pp. 94-112
  5. Satija, M.P. The Theory and Practice of the Dewey Decimal Classification System, 2nd ed. Oxford : Chandos, 2013, pp.21-23

Do you know

  • Concept of species of library classification emerged only after the publication of the CC in 1933. Earlier all library classifications were of the same species – latter called enumerative systems.
  • The term landline telephone was only coined after the invention of mobile phones.
  • Knowledge classification has no species

Points to remember

  • Species are kinds of classification differentiated by their internal structure and design methodology.
  • Two broader species are enumerative and faceted; over the years a third one has emerged in which faceting is grafted on an enumerated base.
  • For Ranganathan there are two species of a fully faceted classification: Rigidly faceted and freely faceted – latter is also analytico-synthetic in nature which is the most advanced specie.
  • In the history of library classifications there is progressive evolution from faceted to analytico-synthetic systems with the exception of RIC in 1961.
  • An enumerative system is difficult to design, but easy to use though bulky in size.
  • A faceted system is easy to design  but relatively difficult to use though slim in size.
  • A faceted system is a machine to design, class numbers, whereas an enumerative system is a register of subjects and their class numbers.
  • A faceted classification is more hospitable and has inbuilt mnemonic notation.
  • A faceted classification is much more efficient in information retrieval.
  • Enumerative system is most suited for a static universe of knowledge.