Differences between Broad and Close classification scheme

BROAD CLASSIFICATION

A method of applying a classification that omit detailed subdivision of its main class or that facilitate the user of smaller libraries of only its main classes and subdivision. Broad classification collorates works under the main division and main subdivision of the scheme without using its breakdowns into narrow concepts.

When library has relatively few items in a given subject area abroad classification might be useful then isolating each item by using specific classification notation

CLOSE CLASSIFICATION

The use of minute subdivision for arranging materials by highly specific topics. Close classification means classifying each work as specifically as possible using all available subdivision s in the classification scheme. Example; king james version (Bible),

·         DDC 220.5203-close classification

·         220-Broad classification

In classification there must be have 3 digits (ie 220) if have only one digits (ie 4) you ought to write 004 and if as in the DDC there should not write zero in a decimal place (i.e 220.03) you ought to erase zero number and write as 220.3

Henarally speaking

 Dewey Decimal classification scheme provide smaller libraries with an opportunity than does in library of congress classification (LCC) scheme to cut back to broader notation

CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE

The process of classification involved the following steps

1.      Establishing the main subject treated in a documents

2.      Having identified the relevant subject terms and using a subject heading list thesaurus to establish appropriate subject heading i.e seat lists of subject heading

3.       Check the relative index to have a clue number or an idea of a classification number.

4.      Confirm a clue idea number to the appropriate schedule.

5. If you classify single concept document this will mark the end but if you classify milt-concept document this may require reading the notes under the notation which may require going to auxiliary table

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CLASSIFYING

1. In general classify the item first according to subject then by the form in which the subject is represented; except in general class and literature where the form takes predominance over the subject. The subject concept of the document generally takes predominance over that form of the document.

For example; the book entitled “Thesaurus of internet” will be classified first by the internet (subject) then by the thesaurus (form). Encyclopedia of America; this will be classified under the general class because form takes predominance over the subject. A book entitled “Drama of French revolution”, here the form which is drama takes predominance over the subject which is French revolution (Literature book).

2. Classify an item where it will be most useful. Here the classifier has to consider the two things; first is the nature of the collection and the second is the needs of the users. Example; Biography of Nihuka

3. Place the item in the most specific subject division that will contain it rather than in general topic. This principle of course may be affected by the decision to use broad classification rather than closed classification.

NB: Considering the situation in which the classifier is placed with the best practice. For example; A document entitled “Understanding dogs” considering the principle that the document should be placed with the notation for “domestic animals”. Domestic animals are like dogs, cow, goat, and soon. Also each document should be placed at the some specific subject division rather than in general topic, for instance; the documents like mathematics, physics, and chemistry should be placed according to specific subject division that is science.

Thus; Physics= 540 and Chemistry= 530 all are group of science subjects.

4. Where an item deals with two or more subjects place it with the predominant subject, or within the one treated first. When an item deals with more than three subjects place it with general class that combines all items.

5. Do not classify basing on index alone even so compromising. Confirm the clue number provided in the related index to the respective schedule.

COMPONENT OF A CLASSIFICATON SCHEME.

A classification scheme consists of three main components these are

1 Schedule

2 Notation

3 Index

Two schedule

Vol. 2=000-599

Vol. 3=600-999

Vol. 4=Relative index

(Alphebatical listing)

All volumes of subject heading are available in relative index

SCHEDULES

A listing of the hierarchy of a classification system along with the notation of each level.

The subject terms are listed systematically in the schedules.

NOTATION

The codes assigned to subject terms listed in the schedules.

A representation in a system such as classification system with a set of marks usually consisting of numerals, letters or combination of both

INDEX

An alphabetical of all the subject terms listed in the schedule.

These indexes are listed and arranged alphabetical order from A to Z with their division, sub-division and sub-sub division.

The notation assigned to each subject terms is listed against subject terms in the index.

Thus when you want to seek the certain subject heading it will be located by code for each subject terms in order to easy to locate the document

SCHEDULES

The terms representing the subject content of document are arranged systematically showing their relationship.

The schedule is probably the most important part of the classification scheme.

This sometimes referred as bibliographic classification this because it depends on subject catalogue

Schedule is the mostly bulky volumes.

In DDC for example schedule covers vol.2 and 3

Volume 2 takes the range between 000-599

Volume 3 takes the range between 600-999

It provides all the instructional notes

CRITERIA FOR A SCHEDULES

1.All major disciplines should be represented if the classification is supposed to cover all the subject knowledge. Discipline is larger than that of subject terms

2 .The space allocated to each disciplines should be approximately proportional to the literature of the field.

3 .The order of classes should be bring all related subjects to close proximity

4 .The schedules must provide space for new knowledge simply because knowledge is dynamic rather than static.

5 .In order for the schedule to cover all the subject terms it is necessary to provide place for each subject terms whether simple or complex

NOTATION

In order to retrieve documents from shelves there is always a notation which is assigned to the subject heading of a document. The notation is shorthand code representing various subject heading used in describing the subject content of a document in a collection. A poor notation would bad to completely breakdown of the arrangement of document.

CHARACTERISTIC OF GOOD NOTATION

Good notation must be able to accommodate a new subject these would be

a.       Be flexible

b.      Simple to use

c.       Simple to say

d.      Simple to write

e.       Simple to tape

f.       Simple to copy

The notation is the link between the subject terms in the schedule which are arranged systematically and subject terms in the index which are alphabetically arranged.

For example

Mathematics in east Africa

510.678

Artificial name =510.67

Natural name= mathematics in the East Africa or

Note that  

Artificial name should be written in a spine part of a book or document