Basic Study of major schemes of Library Classification: DDC, UDC and CC

 Basic Study of Major Schemes of Library Classification: DDC, UDC, and CC

Library classification schemes provide a systematic way of organizing and categorizing knowledge so that information can be easily accessed and retrieved. Three major classification systems used globally are:

1. Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

2. Universal Decimal Classification (UDC)

3. Colon Classification (CC)

Each of these schemes has unique features, structure, and applications. Below is an overview of each.

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1. Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

Overview:

Developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876, the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is one of the most widely used library classification systems in the world, especially in public libraries.

DDC organizes knowledge into ten main classes (numbered from 000 to 999) that cover broad areas of knowledge, such as philosophy, science, and the arts.

Structure:

The DDC is hierarchical, with each class divided into subclasses, which are further divided into more specific subjects.

It is a decimal system, meaning that each class is subdivided using a decimal point. For example, 500 represents science, and 510 refers specifically to mathematics.

Main Classes (00–99):

000 – General Works, Computer Science, and Information

100 – Philosophy and Psychology

200 – Religion

300 – Social Sciences

400 – Language

500 – Science (Natural Sciences)

600 – Technology (Applied Sciences)

700 – Arts (Fine & Decorative Arts)

800 – Literature

900 – History and Geography

Key Features:

Simple to use: The DDC is straightforward, allowing libraries to organize books quickly.

Decimal notation: It uses a numeric notation with decimal points, making it easy to break down broad subjects into more specific ones.

Broadly used in public libraries: DDC is the most commonly used classification system, especially in English-speaking countries.

Limitations:

Cultural bias: Some critics argue that DDC, with its Western bias, can sometimes overlook non-Western cultures and perspectives.

Not suitable for all subject areas: Certain fields, especially those in the humanities and social sciences, may not be adequately detailed.

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2. Universal Decimal Classification (UDC)

Overview:

The Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) was developed by Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine in the early 20th century as a more detailed, international expansion of the Dewey Decimal Classification system.

UDC is widely used in specialized libraries, research institutions, and by information professionals around the world, especially in Europe.

Structure:

UDC uses a decimal system, similar to DDC, but it allows for more flexibility and precision by incorporating more extensive subdivisions and combining numbers, often using colons to create additional levels of classification.

It covers the entire universe of knowledge in main classes, sub-classes, and special topics. It allows for more detailed notation compared to DDC.

Key Characteristics:

Decimal notation: Like DDC, UDC uses a decimal system but with more elaborate subdivisions (e.g., 64:316 for sociology of work).

Faceted structure: UDC allows for the integration of multiple facets (subject aspects), allowing for more detailed classification.

International use: It is more commonly used in European countries and international libraries dealing with a wide range of interdisciplinary topics.

Key Features:

Flexibility: UDC is highly adaptable and can be used for a variety of subject fields, especially those that require a nuanced approach.

Specialized applications: It is preferred in areas like science, technology, and documentation.

Multilingual: UDC has been translated into many languages, making it a truly international system.

Limitations:

Complexity: UDC is more complex than DDC and may be harder for non-specialists to understand and apply without training.

Detailed but dense: The system’s granularity may be overwhelming for smaller, less specialized libraries.

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3. Colon Classification (CC)

Overview:

Colon Classification (CC), developed by S.R. Ranganathan in 1933, is an enumerative and faceted classification system that is mainly used in Indian libraries.

CC organizes knowledge into categories that can be expressed using symbols like colons (:) and punctuation marks to represent relationships between concepts.

Structure:

Unlike DDC and UDC, which are more hierarchical, Colon Classification is based on faceted analysis, breaking down subjects into independent categories or facets such as Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, and Time (known as PMEST).

It uses colon (:) as a separator between different facets, allowing multiple facets to be combined to classify a subject.

Key Facets in CC:

Personality (P): Refers to the subject's creator, individual, or entity.

Matter (M): Represents the subject's content or substance.

Energy (E): Indicates the process or activity related to the subject.

Space (S): Refers to the geographical or spatial aspect.

Time (T): Refers to the historical or temporal aspect.

Key Features:

Faceted classification: CC allows greater flexibility in combining different aspects of a subject.

Colon notation: Uses punctuation like colons (:) to represent relationships between facets, making it a very distinct and flexible system.

Highly flexible: CC is ideal for organizing diverse and complex subjects, as facets can be added or changed easily.

Limitations:

Complexity: The use of colons and punctuation can make the system complex and harder to understand for users unfamiliar with it.

Regional usage: While highly useful in India, it is less widely adopted internationally compared to DDC or UDC.

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Comparison of DDC, UDC, and CC

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Conclusion:

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is simple, widely used, and most suitable for general libraries.

Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) offers more flexibility and precision, especially for specialized or interdisciplinary subjects.

Colon Classification (CC), with its faceted structure and use of colons, is ideal for organizing complex and diverse knowledge but may be more difficult to apply in less specialized contexts.

Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of classification scheme largely depends on the library’s needs, the type of materials being classified, and the complexity of the subject matter.