Patterns of Notation used in DDC, UDC and CC

 

Patterns of Notation Used in DDC, UDC, and CC

In library classification systems, notation is used to represent the organization of knowledge, and the way in which it is represented can vary between systems. The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), and Colon Classification (CC) each use unique patterns of notation to represent subjects, categories, and subcategories. Below is an overview of the notation patterns used in each of these classification systems.

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1. Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

Pattern of Notation:

Numeric Notation: The Dewey Decimal Classification system primarily uses numeric notation. Each subject or category is represented by a number, often with decimals to indicate more specific subcategories.

Structure: The notation typically consists of a series of digits, starting with broad categories and becoming more specific as more digits are added.

Features of DDC Notation:

First Three Digits: Represent broad categories (e.g., 500 for Science).

Decimal Expansion: Decimal points are used to subdivide subjects into more specific areas (e.g., 510 for Mathematics, 512 for Algebra).

Hierarchy: More detailed subcategories are created by adding digits after the decimal (e.g., 510.92 for Mathematics related to a specific author).

Alphanumeric: The book number or other identifying codes (for authors or titles) can be added after the main class number using a combination of numbers and letters.

Examples:

500: Science

510: Mathematics

512: Algebra

510.92: Mathematics related to a specific author (e.g., Euler)

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2. Universal Decimal Classification (UDC)

Pattern of Notation:

Alphanumeric Notation: The Universal Decimal Classification system uses a combination of numbers, punctuation marks (such as colons, hyphens, and slashes), and sometimes letters. The notation is more flexible and can represent more specific relationships between subjects.

Structure: UDC notation includes numbers (which can be integers or decimals), colons (to link related subjects), and symbols to express the hierarchical and interrelated nature of knowledge.

Features of UDC Notation:

Numeric Class Numbers: Similar to DDC, UDC starts with numeric class numbers (e.g., 64 for sociology).

Colon Notation: Colons are used to indicate relationships between different subjects (e.g., 64:316 for sociology of work).

Decimal Expansion: Decimal points are used for more detailed classifications (e.g., 64:316.3 for specific subtopics in sociology).

Alphanumeric Extensions: Occasionally, letters or other symbols are added to further specify the subject, particularly in multi-faceted topics.

Examples:

64: Sociology

64:316: Sociology of work

64:316.3: Sociology of work, studies on employment

00: Generalities (a broad category often used for works that don't fit neatly into a specific subject)

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3. Colon Classification (CC)

Pattern of Notation:

Alphanumeric Notation with Symbols: The Colon Classification system uses a combination of alphabetic symbols, numbers, and punctuation marks (mainly colons) to represent subjects. The colons act as dividers between different facets of knowledge (Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, and Time — PMEST).

Structure: The notation is faceted and synthetic, meaning that it combines different aspects (facets) of the subject matter, which are divided by punctuation (colons) to express relationships and organize knowledge.

Features of CC Notation:

Faceted Classification: Subjects are analyzed based on their different facets (e.g., P for Personality, M for Matter, E for Energy, etc.). Each facet is represented by a symbol and is linked together with colons.

Hierarchical Structure: The notation reflects the hierarchical relationships between concepts (e.g., P:M:E for Personality, Matter, and Energy as separate but related concepts).

Flexibility: New facets or concepts can easily be incorporated without disturbing the overall structure, allowing for greater adaptability.

Examples:

P:M: Personality and Matter (showing a relationship between these two facets)

P:M:E: Personality, Matter, and Energy (adding a third facet to the classification)

P:M:E:T: Personality, Matter, Energy, and Time (a more detailed expression involving four facets)

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Comparison of Notation Patterns

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Summary of Notation Patterns:

In conclusion, each classification system — DDC, UDC, and CC — employs different notation patterns to organize and represent knowledge. DDC uses a straightforward numeric system with decimal points for greater specificity. UDC combines numbers and punctuation, while CC uses a more complex and flexible faceted system with colons to indicate relationships between different facets of knowledge.