Overview

Classification is a crucial skill for all information workers involved in organizing collections, but it is a difficult concept to grasp - and is even more difficult to put into practice. Essential Classification offers full guidance on how to go about classifying a document from scratch. This much-needed text leads the novice classifier step by step through the basics of subject cataloguing, with an emphasis on practical document analysis and classification. It deals with fundamental questions of the purpose of classification in different situations, and the needs and expectations of end users. The novice is introduced to the ways in which document content can be assessed, and how this can best be expressed for translation into the language of specific indexing and classification systems. The characteristics of the major general schemes of classification are discussed, together with their suitability for different classification needs. After reading this book the novice will have an understanding of the function of classification, will be able to choose the best classification scheme for a particular purpose, and will have practical experience of the application of schemes using real documents, exercises and worked examples. This guide is essential reading for library school students, novice cataloguers and all information workers who need to classify but have not formally been taught how. It also offers practical guidance to computer scientists, internet and intranet managers, and all others concerned with the design and maintenance of subject tools.

Full Product Details

Author:   Vanda Broughton
Publisher:   Facet Publishing
Imprint:   Facet Publishing
Edition:   2nd New edition
ISBN:  

9781856045148

ISBN 10:   1856045145
Pages:   272
Publication Date:   15 October 2004
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. The need for classification 3. First principles of classification 4. The variety of classification: systems and structures 5. The classification scheme: internal structure 6. Types of classification scheme 7. Order in the classification scheme 8. Content analysis 1: document description 9. Content analysis 2: practical constraints 10. Controlled indexing languages 11. Word-based approaches to retrieval 12. Library of Congress Subject Headings 1: basic headings 13. Library of Congress Subject Headings 2: structured headings 14. Classification scheme application 15. Library of Congress Classification 1: basic classmark construction 16. Library of Congress Classification 2: use of tables 17. Dewey Decimal Classification 18. Universal Decimal Classification 1: general properties and basic number building 19. Universal Decimal Classification 2: auxiliary tables 20. Faceted classification 21. Managing classification.

Reviews

Essential Classification might be optimised for the LIS student or novice practitioner, but others engaging with classification and subject indexing are likely to find this book an invaluable working tool. It is, as the title predictably suggests, essential. - Library Review

'I would strongly recommend it to any librarian, novice or experienced, who is required to classify, or simply has an interest in how classification schemes came to be.' Mmit and Lamit News 'If you are in the market for a classification and cataloging textbook, take a look at this one.' Library Journal

Author Information

Vanda Broughton MA DipLib is a Lecturer in Library and Information Studies at the School of Library, Archive and Information Studies, University College London. She has taught, written and led training courses on classification for many years. She is joint editor of the new edition of the Bliss Bibliographic Classification scheme, is a member of the UDC revision working group, and also of the UK Classification Research Group

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions