LIBRLT110 Intro to Libraries: Comparing Library Classification Methods

This assignment delves into the core concepts of library classification, focusing on the organizational approaches used to categorize and arrange library materials. It examines two primary classification schemes: the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and the Library of Congress Classification (LCC). The assignment highlights the characteristics of each system, including their notation, hierarchical structure, and the types of libraries where they are typically employed. The student analyzes the DDC, emphasizing its decimal-based structure, its use in public libraries and schools, and its hierarchical and symmetrical arrangement. In contrast, the assignment explores the LCC, contrasting its mixed notation, non-hierarchical nature, and its use in research-oriented libraries. The student references specific sources to support the analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of these fundamental library classification methods.

Surname 1
Name
Professor
Course
Date
Library classification
1
Based on my understanding of what was learned in the lecture and basically on library
classification, the organizational approach used first starts by analyzing the methods of
organization. In this case, there are different ways of organizing a collection of various
items in the library. This involves a photo showing the collection representing events such
as birthdays, vacations or subject for instance family pet, computer study or trips. The most
significant thing in the organizational approach is to arrange the various categories
according to their use. Dewey decimal classification scheme is done electronically
(Markey 648). Some of the characteristics of the Dewey decimal classification are that it is
used primarily in public libraries and in schools. Dewey decimal classification has the word
decimal in its name simply because it is a division of knowledge into other broad subjects.
It has pure notation which means it has numbers only. It has a hierarchical arrangement and
its classes have the same basic structure. Finally, it has a symmetrical type of arrangement.
The types of the library typically used include universal and philosophical libraries. It has
as well the main 10 classes including, generalities, philosophy/psychology, social sciences,
religion, languages, natural sciences/maths, applied sciences/technology, literature/rhetoric
and finally geography and history (Wiegand 194). Each of the ten classes is further divided
into ten subdivisions making a sum of 100 divisions.

Surname 2
2
In an analysis of what was learned in the lecture, the Library of Congress is engaged with
the experts' subjects to design different sections of the scheme. It has been learned that
legal experts work on law books and scientific books. The experts working with the
development of the scheme are provided with the general directives on how to design the
scheme. It is done a systematic way to classify the items based on their subject and the
efficiency of use. The characteristics of the Library of Congress involve mixed notation
which means it includes numbers and letters in its classification. It is no hierarchical
classification using the Library of Congress. This means no system hierarch of the
arrangement, especially when classifying the item (Chan 92). It has classes that are arranged
differently. This based on the use of the class as arranged. It is not symmetrical type
classification meaning each item has its arrangement of the protocol (Davis 49). It has a
series of schemes of classification and schedules as well as for instructions for classifying.
The type of library used in the Library of Congress classification includes a single library
and practical library. The other libraries used include the college and university libraries.
Moreover, it includes some of the special libraries

Surname 3
Works cited
Chan, Lois Mai. "Library of Congress Classification as an online retrieval tool: Potentials
and limitations." Information technology and Libraries 5.3 (2016): 181-92.
Davis, Stephen Paul. "HILCC: A hierarchical interface to Library of Congress
Classification." Journal of internet cataloging 5.4 (2015): 19-49.
Markey, Karen, and Anh N. Demeyer. "Dewey Decimal Classification Online Project:
Evaluation of a Library Schedule and Index Integrated into the Subject Searchin
Capabilities of an Online Catalog. Final Report." (2016). 646-648.
Wiegand, Wayne A. "The" amherst method": The origins of the dewey decimal
classification scheme." Libraries & culture (2018): 175-194.