Essential classification

Classification is a crucial skill for all information workers involved in organizing collections. This new edition offers fully revised and updated guidance on how to go about classifying a document from scratch. Cataloging authority Broughton leads the novice classifier step by step through the basics of subject cataloging, with an emphasis on practical document analysis and classification. Her book deals with fundamental questions of the purpose of classification in different situations, and the needs and expectations of end users. The reader 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. Key areas covered include:

the need for classification; the variety of classification; the structure of classification; working with informal classification; management aspects of classification; and classification in digital space.

Fully updated to reflect changes to the major general schemes (Library of Congress, LCSH, Dewey and UDC) since the first edition, and with added chapters on working with informal classification, from folksonomies to tagging and social media, this new edition will set catalogers on the right path.

The need for classification -- First principles of classification -- The variety of classification : systems and structures -- The classification scheme : internal structure -- Types of classification scheme -- Order in the classification scheme -- Content analysis 1 : document description -- Content analysis 2 : practical constraints -- Controlled indexing languages -- Word-based approaches to retrieval -- Library of Congress Subject Headings 1 : basic headings -- Library of Congress Subject Headings 2 : structured headings -- Classification scheme application -- Library of Congress Classification 1 : basic classmark construction -- Library of Congress Classification 2 : use of tables -- Dewey Decimal Classification 1 : general properties and basic numbers -- Dewey Decimal Classification 2 : number building -- Universal Decimal Classification 1 : general properties and basic number building -- Universal Decimal Classification 2 : auxiliary tables -- Faceted classification -- Managing classification -- Classification in digital space.