University Assignment: Library Classification Methods and Analysis

This assignment analyzes two primary library classification systems: the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and the Library of Congress Classification (LCC). The DDC is discussed in terms of its electronic approach, unique characteristics like decimal word information and pure notation, hierarchical and symmetrical arrangement, and its application in public, universal, and philosophical sciences libraries. The LCC is presented as an expert-driven system, focusing on subjects with a mixed notation of numbers and letters, an asymmetrical arrangement, and its use in practical, single-field, college, university, and special libraries. The assignment references specific works to support the analysis. The assignment highlights the characteristics, arrangement, and application of each system, providing a comprehensive overview of library organization methods.

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Name
Professor
Course
Date
Library classification
Question 1
The organizational approach of the Dewey decimal classification is based on the physical
arrangement of the items in the collection. Reflecting on what was learned in the lecture, the
electronic approach is applied in the arrangement of the items in the collection (Fields and
Tschera 259). The electronic arrangement of the items basically aims at effective access and
use of the materials. Dewey decimal classification has very unique characteristics making it
easy to use. Based on what was introduced in class, it has special decimal word information
of its names to give distinguishable divisions of language in their broad subjects. The other
unique characteristics include pure notation. This is a clear indication that the classification
of the items in the collection is done by the use of the numbers. Dewey decimal
classification has 10 major classes that involve philosophy and psychology, languages,
natural sciences and mathematics applied sciences and technology, social sciences, religion,
literature and rhetoric, generalities, and geography history. Those 10 classes are further
subdivided into the other 10 subdivisions and chain proceed to lead to formation if 100
categories of divisions. Moreover, Dewey decimal classification has a hierarchical
arrangement of items having a certain pattern of arrangement (Rosenberg and Christine
227). Besides, Dewey decimal classification has a symmetrical arrangement with a

Surname 2
noticeable pattern of symmetry. The type of the library used includes public libraries, the
universal libraries, and philosophical sciences libraries.
Question: 2
The library of congress classification organization approach involves the engagement of the
experts' subjects. The subjects are designed and arranged in different sections of the
collection. The books focused on this organization approach include law books and applied
scientific books. Those working in the development scheme are directed with instructions
on how designing should be done to make the access and use of the books effective for users
(Higgins 262). The arrangement of the books is done systematic way to make sure the users
will not struggle to locate the book win the collection. The special characteristics about the
Library of Congress include a mixture of the notations by use of the numbers and letters in
the arrangement. The other characteristics include none asymmetrical arrangement because
numbers used help in easy allocation. No hierarchical pattern or arrangement is identified
with the Library of Congress because the classes have a different pattern. In connection to
what has been learned in the lecture, different forms of scheme s form the Library of
Congress classification (Guenther 32). Some of the library used includes a practical library
for carrying experience and a single library having a collection of a particular single field.
There are other special libraries associated with this which include the universities and
colleges libraries and finally the special libraries that contain special collections for special
reasons. The other libraries used include the college and university libraries. Moreover, it
includes some of the special libraries

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Works cited
Fields, Anne M., and Tschera Harkness Connell. "Classification and the definition of a
discipline: The Dewey decimal classification and home economics." Libraries &
culture (2014): 245-259.
Guenther, Rebecca S. "Bringing the Library of Congress Classification into the computer
age: converting LCC to machine readable form." Advances in Knowledge
Organization 5 (2016): 26-32.
Higgins, Colin. "Library of Congress Classification: Teddy Roosevelt's world in
numbers?." Cataloging & Classification Quarterly 50.4 (2012): 249-262.
Rosenberg, Jason B., and Christine L. Borgman. "Extending the Dewey Decimal
Classification via Keyword Clustering: The Science Library Catalog
Project." Proceedings of the ASIS Annual Meeting. Vol. 29. 2012. 214-227.