UNIT 2 TYPES OF CLASSIFICATION

Structure
2.0 Objectives
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Fixed and Relative Location Systems
2.2.1 Fixed Location Systems
2.2.2 Relative Location Systems

2.3 By Design Methodology

2.3.1 Enumerative Systems
2.3.2 Faceted Systems
2.3.3 Synthesis Grafted on an Enumerative Base

2.4 Knowledge Classification and Library Classification

2.5 Web Classifications: Ontologies
2.6 By Areas of Applications
2.6.1 Special Classifications
2.6.2 Users’ Interest Classification
2.6.3 General Classifications

2.7 By Form of Literature

2.8 Print and Electronic Versions
2.9 Summary
2.10 Answers to Self Check Exercises
2.11 Keywords
2.12 References and Further Reading

2.0 OBJECTIVES
After reading this Unit, you will be able to discuss different types of classifications by:
 history, i.e. fixed and relative location systems;
 methodology, i.e. enumerative and faceted Systems;
 areas of application, i.e. general and special systems;
 depth of details, i.e. broader and depth classifications;
 media, i.e. print and electronic versions; and
 environment, i.e. classifications for the web and ontologies.

2.1 INTRODUCTION
Classification of documents and other reading materials is indispensable for any library.
Various standard and local methods for arranging library materials, ranging from clay
tablets, papyrus rolls, monographs and other print documents, audio-video material,
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Library Classification CDs, multimedia and now web sources, have been employed from time to time by
librarians to organise their collections. Their classification has varied from home-made
or ad hoc systems to somewhat adapted from some universal knowledge classification
systems. Since the late nineteenth century librarians have developed many standard
classification systems pioneered by the Dewey Decimal Classification in 1876.

2.2 FIXED AND RELATIVE LOCATION SYSTEMS

2.2.1 Fixed Location Systems
These systems of Pre-Dewey era assigned a fixed place to a book on the shelves. The
“call number” indicated the shelf ground on which the book was stacked. For example,
a call number, say, 2.4.6.25 meant that it was the 25th book on the 6th shelf of 4th
almirah in the 2nd room of the library. Thus a book could be located even by a blind
person. Its advantage was saving of shelf space, as such systems require vacant place
only at the end of the shelf or almirah. (Present day systems called Relative Location
systems require space for intercalation of new books at every point on the shelves.) In
fixed location, maintenance of subject grouping was difficult. New books could be
accommodated at the end of the shelf. Whenever the books had to be shifted to another
place their call number had also to be changed frequently. That involved lot of labour
and wastage of time and money. Melvil Dewey (1876-1931) while working in the
library of Amherent College (Massachusetts) could not tolerate this wasteful task of
reclassification, too often. He invented a relative classification system to solve this
problem. His question was : “How to give permanent call numbers to books in a library?”

2.2.2 Relative Location Systems

In relative systems class number refers to the intrinsic subject of the book rather than
the shelf place. Decimal notation used by Melvil Dewey provided a neat technique for
dividing knowledge and by denoting each division and subdivision by decimal fraction
numbers. Call number indicated the subject rather than any fixed places on the shelves.
It was a master stroke which brought a paradigm shift in library classification. The new
books could be accommodated at their proper places without disturbing the relative
location of the existing books. In the new method, the shelf location of books changes
with addition of more books. Books on the shelves keep shifting to the right side, but
their relative location of the document remains the same: on its right and left it will
always have the same subject as its neighbours. Its great advantage was maintenance
of strict and finely divided subject collocations. For example, a new book on geometry
could be placed with earlier books on geometry without any problem. Not only this,
Geometry could be further divided into Euclidean Geometry, Plane Geometry, Solid
Geometry, Trigonometry, etc. Earlier a new book could only be placed at the end of the
almirah containing books on mathematics. Fixed location systems are now a dead history
as now all library classification systems are relative location systems.

2.3 BY DESIGN METHODOLOGY

2.3.1 Enumerative Systems
A classification is a map of knowledge which lists every subject and its subdivisions in
a top-down approach. Each subdivision is given a notational mark to denote it. Known
as class number, this notation, or a cluster of digits, is assigned to a document having
that topic as its specific subject. These are also known as ‘mark and park’ systems.
Enumerative classifications are pre-defined and frozen lists of subjects of the past,
18 present and of near future. These only provide readymade pigeon holes for documents
rather than finally individualising them according to their subjects and their various Types of Classification
documentary aspects. Most of the time these prove square holes for round pegs. These
are now considered rather old fashioned classification systems.

2.3.2 Faceted Systems

An enumerative system produces systematic but linear lists of subjects. Knowledge is
multi-dimensional and growing dynamically. An enumerative classification can represent
only one aspect of the specific subject at a time. Many aspects have to be left out. For
example, in the earlier editions of the DDC a simple subject like “Anatomy of Dogs”
could either be classified as “Zoology of Dogs” or “Anatomy ofAnimals”. Both aspects
could not be taken together. Thus such systems fail to classify co-extensively the present
day knowledge, not to speak of the subjects to emerge later. By the beginning of the
20th century these enumerative models were not very effective, yet no other model was
available, though the UDC (1895+) had made some improvements in the DDC to
denote some more auxiliary aspects of a document.
S.R. Ranganathan (1892-1972) after a long study and experimentation in late 1920s
developed a different method to classify multidimensional knowledge thrown by the
20th century industrial society. These are now known as faceted systems. A facet is any
of the many sides of a cut diamond. Ranganathan used this term in classification to
designate different aspects of a specific subject. Instead of making a long list of subjects
in some systematic order he divided a subject horizontally into various categories and
then vertically into different subdivisions known as facets and isolates respectively. For
example, the subject of library science could be divided into ‘Kind of Library’ Facet,
‘Kind of Document’ Facet, ‘Kind of Operation’ Facet, and ‘Kind of Service’ Facet.
The kind of service facet could be detailed as circulation services, reference services,
current awareness services, reprographic services, and so on. Space and time facets
are kept as common facets applicable to all classes of subjects. Later Ranganathan
developed a theory of “Five and only Five Fundamental categories.” These categories
are Personality, Matter, Energy, Space and Time. His postulate is that any subject
comprises of some or all of these categories. A subject is always made of any of these
categories. Nothing is beyond them. These facets are converted into digits and then
combined in some postulated order to produce unique class numbers to suit specific
subject of the document. Thus a class number can be tailored to exactly fit the document
instead of assigning a class number to a book from the long list of readymade class
numbers as in an enumerative classification. From a small list of facets numerous class
numbers can be produced by their combinations and permutations. It started a new
revolution in library classification.
This faceted system was later refined and developed into a very dynamic and effective
model based on postulates and principles for which Ranganathan developed a theory in
his famous book Prolegomena to Library Classification, (Madras Library Association,
1937). Its advanced version is called Analytico-synthetic classification. Such
classifications have proved useful for the growing universe of knowledge, for information
retrieval, and later have proved basis of designing all indexing languages. These are
equally efficient at the traditional role of shelf arrangement. Indeed these have become
popular methods of modern knowledge organisation. All the new library classification
systems are faceted, while old systems like the Dewey Decimal Classification, or the
Bibliography Classification (BC) and UDC are getting faceted through revision.

2.3.3 Synthesis Grafted on an Enumerative Base

It is a mix of the two systems. These basically enumerative systems have later developed 19
Library Classification some special tables of documentary aspects to be combined with the base number.
First such example is of the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) which started
simply as enhancement of the DDC in 1895. To the DDC base a multiplicity of auxiliary
subdivisions were added to make a class number multifaceted. As survival approach,
some additional internal tables are devised and many more provisions of number synthesis
have been invented to make them more hospitable and faceted to combat the dynamically
growing knowledge. The DDC in its 18th edition (1971) introduced five more tables
and made many more provisions for number synthesis through instructions and special
tables here and there. Being added quite late such a structure is not regular or uniform.
It is an add-on provision which has its own problems.

2.4 KNOWLEDGE CLASSIFICATION AND

LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION
Classification is a process, a logical visual method of simplification and understanding.
No phenomena or object can be understood without classifying it. It organises all sorts
of entities and depicts their due place in the universe. Classification can be both of
abstract and concrete entities; of ideas and things. It is essentially a life process of
learning, doing and living successfully. Human civilisation progressed as primitive humans
learnt to classify the visible phenomena around. Let us say man learnt of edible and
non-edible things; divided animals into useful and harmful groups. It was another (more
sophisticated) act of classification when man related clouds with rain, and rain with
growth of vegetation and life; and related certain herbs with certain diseases. All that
became knowledge by and by. It has rightly been said that all knowledge is classification.
Knowledge is defined as sum total of facts, beliefs, experience, memories, expressed
feelings, arts, sciences, fiction and myths conserved by the society. Thinkers in all ages
have tried to categories knowledge to understand its nature, categories, boundaries
and growth. That became knowledge classification. Knowledge classification is outlining
and mapping to depict its structure and boundaries. It leads to better understanding of
its history, nature, kinds, properties, growth and also gaps in it. It becomes guide for the
educationists, scientists and librarians. Knowledge classification is both speculative and
empirical, and is a province of philosophers and scholars. One example of knowledge
classification is Vedic categories (1500 BC) of knowledge in Dharma, Artha, Kam and
Moksh.
Library classification is book or document classification. Documents are nothing but
carriers of knowledge and information. In modern libraries documents are classified on
the basis of their knowledge contents. Therefore, knowledge classifications have become
basis of library classifications. But knowledge is abstract and fluid and takes the shape
of its container and carrier. Books on the other hand are physical and solid entities to be
arranged on shelves. Documented knowledge has some non-subject aspects such as
language, viewpoint of the author, format, media, etc. All these have to be accounted
for in a library classification. Library classifications are in fact more detailed, have notations/
symbols to be assigned to documents, separate common tables for physical aspects,
and have also a detailed index of subjects. Therefore library classifications are more
formal and complex than the knowledge classification on which these are based.
Self Check Exercise
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answer given at the end of this Unit.
1) Make a comparative study of the features of faceted and enumerative systems of
20 classification.
 ..................................................................................................................... Types of Classification

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2.5 WEB CLASSIFICATION: ONTOLOGIES

Ontology is a powerful classification tool for the semantic web which describes and
represents an area of knowledge. It specifies description for classes, relationships that
exists among entities and properties that entities have. Ontology characterises well defined
concepts, their taxonomy and many sided relationships. It is a hierarchical collection of
concepts arranged in categories combined with multidimensional relations in order to
reflect vocabulary of that area of knowledge. It is a web of connections. An ontology
which is used for knowledge organisation and retrieval in an electronic environment has
the power of traditional hierarchical classifications, subject headings lists and thesauri.
It combines elements of all the three. Ontologies are sources of controlled and
standardised terms which help to organise information in a more precise and
multidimensional ways. They yield better search results by using new search techniques
and natural language processing. Some examples:
Biogen Idec: Using semantics in drug discovery research
www.bio-itworld.com/issues/2006/oct/biogen-idec.
MINDSWAP: Using ontologies to aid terrorism intelligence gathering
http://mindswap.org/papers/Terrorntology.final.pdf.

2.6 BY AREAS OF APPLICATIONS

Another division of library classifications can be by the subject area covered. There are
general classification systems which cover the entire universe of knowledge; the other
categories are special classifications covering a specified subject or limited area of
knowledge. These by default are broader and depth classifications, respectively.

2.6.1 Special Classifications

A classification for specific area of knowledge, for example, Economics, even Banking,
Occupational Safety, Diamond Technology, Women Studies, Indology, etc. are examples
of special classification. Some examples of special classification schemes are:
Uniclass: Unified Classification for the Construction Industry (London: RIBA, 1997)
London Education Classification, University of London, 1974.
London Classification of Business Studies, (London Business School, 2000)
Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms (Washington: American Psychological
Association)
Special Classifications inevitably are depth classifications used for classifying and indexing
micro literature in the form of journal articles, research reports, theses, etc. These are
eminently useful for information retrieval in special libraries and information centers.
Ranganthan calls it depth classification.
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Library Classification Kinds of Special Systems
Special classifications usually do not exist alone. Every special library has documents
on its special area and also on related subjects. Evan a nuclear science library may have
books on fiction, sociology, management, etc. A special classification such as classification
of business studies may require another general classification for classifying documents
in other areas such as political science, sociology, psychology, mathematics. For
classifying in related and other areas usually a standard system is adopted. On the other
hand a special classification may be a mere extension of certain class of a general
classification system. For example, in India many local made detailed extensions exist
of the DDC class numbers like 954 Indian History, 294 Indic Religions, 181.4 Indian
Philosophy to adequately classify such subjects in Indian libraries.

2.6.2 Users’ Interest Classification

The ultimate function of a lending library is to serve its users to their satisfaction. A
classification is a tool to manage a library. By definition it is an arrangement of information
material in a way useful to the majority of the users. In other words it is a rational
sequence of maximum utility. Convenience of library users is a weighty consideration, if
not the overriding one in a classification. It is always advised to put a book at the most
useful place. Practical utility must govern all arrangements, feel many librarians and
classifiers.
But this is a utopian thought, or an ivory tower theory. In fact this logical or systematic
arrangement is forced on the library users. We have assumed without much research
that shelf arrangement is useful, meets the needs of, and matches with the habits of the
users. Certainly, it is based on the theory of one-size-fits-all. Here we are certainly
living in our make - believe world that the inverted Baconian arrangement or its like are
useful and logical.
In fact different user communicates and organisations need different arrangements
transcending the traditional division by orthodox disciplines. A user oriented library
classification need not be overly logical. The essence of reader interest arrangement is
to classify material in a bold and utilitarian way which cuts across traditional groupings.
The aim is to group library materials the ways which coincide with the user’s thinking,
interest, activity and needs. It is not a cognitive classification of a field of knowledge,
but a contrived arrangement to serve local needs. A group of housewives may prefer all
reading and information material on domestic chores such as child rearing, cookery,
home-remedies, laundry work, interior decoration, pet care and personal body care
arranged together, close by. In a junior college the students of commerce may need at
one place books and other documents on elementary economics, accountancy, office
management and mercantile law. In such situations the librarian may well adopt a shelf
arrangement influenced by curriculum than by logic. It is called utilitarian arrangement
and is not any negation of classification.
For this, we can have a broken order. If using the DDC we can place 400 languages
together with 800 Literature. Similarly 320 Political science may be followed by 350
Public Administration. We may use some artificial digit in the call numbers to show this
contrived proximity. Some libraries adapt their classification in such ways. If supported
by adequate shelf guides it has high potential of satisfying users’ needs. Arthur Maltby is
of the opinion that the user interest arrangement needs more attention and research. It
may provide a real step forward a in shelf arrangement which is waiting for an innovation
for long.
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2.6.3 General Classifications Types of Classification

A classification of the entire universe of knowledge is known as general classification.

These are also known as universal classifications. Dewey Decimal classification (DDC),
Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) Colon Classification (CC) and Library of
Congress Classification (LCC) are some outstanding examples of this category.

By Levels of Details
Universal classifications are further of two kinds known as full and abridged editions,
depending upon their level of details and use in a kind of library.
Full and Abridged Editions
These are the standard editions having full details and generally aim at large general
libraries, say a university library, or large public library. Historically speaking till 1980s
the UDC was available in three versions of details, namely, Full, Medium and Abridged
editions having about 2,30,000, 70,000 (70% of the full), and 20,000 (10%) entries
respectively. Abridged edition was meant for small libraries whereas Medium edition
was adequate for general libraries. Full edition was available in many small fascicules
which were meant for highly special libraries. At present UDC has two official versions:
the Standard version of 70,000 entries and the Pocket/Abridged edition meant for
teaching and shelf arrangement of small collection in libraries. Similarly, the DDC is also
available in full version of four volumes and one volume abridgement. The latter is now
in 15th edition (2012). The Abridged Dewey Decimal Classification is useful for a small
library of about 20,000 titles. This simplified edition is a good model of a broader
classification. It is quite popular in small public and school libraries. This trend of varied
versions goes back to the Expansive Classification (1893) by C.A. Cutter (1837-
1903) who planned to design his system in a series of seven schedules of successive
increasing details. The first version was suitable for, say village libraries, the final version
was meant for large libraries of the magnitude of national libraries having huge collection
in all areas of knowledge. Abridged versions being comparatively inexpensive are also
popular in developing countries. Abridged DDC is also very useful for teaching. It may
also be used in conjunction with some special classification to cover remaining general
areas of knowledge.

2.7 BY FORM OF LITERATURE

Apart from subject specialisation, special forms of documents such as, official reports,
patents, standards, maps, CDs and videos are arranged by different methods. Some
official documents such as reports, patents and standards bear some special code number.
These are arranged by that official number. Pamphlets are usually arranged by title.
Popular fiction is mostly arranged alphabetically by author. There is also what is called
user oriented system. These are local even ad hoc arrangements to place together all
books at one place likely to be required by a single group of users. J. Mills has listed the
following sections or form of documents which may require a different type of
arrangement in a library:
1) Age and grade of the reader.
2) Books for short loan or those for reference.
3) Current and reserve stock.
4) Size of documents.
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Library Classification 5) Other physical considerations, i.e. films, cassettes, CDs , etc.
6) Factual and imaginative literature.
7) Language of the documents.
8) Documents of temporary significance.
9) Value of documents, like manuscripts, rare materials, special editions, etc.
10) Form of presentation, like bound periodicals etc.
11) Date of printing, incunabula.
12) Documents for abnormal readers, such as the blind.

2.8 PRINT AND ELECTRONIC VERSIONS

Traditional classifications are not only being used for classifying electronic and web
documents, the IT itself has been used as a tool and medium for designing and publishing
classification systems. As a result many classification systems are now available in
electronic form. The 21st edition (1996) of the DDC available on a CD was known as
Dewey for Windows (DfW) which has many more useful features over and above the
print version. The electronic and much enhanced version of the DDC-23 (2011) known
as Web Dewey 2.0 is now available only through “OCLC Connexion” on the Internet
to the licensed users. Abridged Web Dewey is also available in the same way. Electronic
versions are updated monthly. Electronic version of the Library of Congress Classification
is available on the www as Classification Web (www.loc.gov/cds/classesweb). The
website includes both the LCC number and LC subject headings with links between
many of the class numbers and their LCSH equivalent. It also displays co-relations
among LCC, LCSH and WebDewey. On the extreme, Broad System of Ordering
(BSO, rev. ed. 1991) is now available only as machine readable form on disk and on
the web at (www.classbso.demon.co.uk). All these electronic versions are easy to use,
versatile with many more features including expert systems for number building, and are
easily updated. Unlike the print or CD versions web versions cannot be pirated or
duplicated.
Self Check Exercise
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answer given at the end of this Unit.
2) Explain the special features of the electronic version of the DDC.
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2.9 SUMMARY
In the universe of classifications there are three types of them: Classification as such of
any entity which also includes the process and methods of classification. It is applicable
to all phenomena, objects and entities whether abstract or concrete. We can classify all
living things, human beings, mammals, dogs, languages, chemicals, fruits, plants, everything
24 and anything.
The second category is, taxonomies, that is classification of animals and plants to study Types of Classification
their evolution and group them in families. It is essential for simplification, understanding
and for living with sanity and success. As human beings we are classifying every moment
unconsciously. Classified abstract knowledge becomes knowledge classification which
is a field of philosophers, educationalists and scientists. These range from Indian Vedas
(1500 BC), Greek philosophers (Aristotle, Plato, 300 BC), Muslim scholars of Medieval
ages to Conrad Gesner, Francis Bacon, and August Comte.
Third category is of library classifications which are applications or adoption of
knowledge classification to classify and arrange books and other reading materials in
libraries. For individualised arrangement of documents and to display the internal and
external features of the documents (media, viewpoint, form and language) a library
classification has some additional features over the knowledge classification. Modern
library classifications which originated in late 19th century can be divided into various
categories and types. Since the beginning we have traditional enumerative systems which
are long systematic lists of past and present subjects along with their class numbers.
Also known as “mark and park” systems, these are bit old fashioned and out of favour
of the librarians. Though easy to use indeed these are not effective to classify and index
dynamically growing multi dimensional knowledge. These have given way to faceted
systems which first divide knowledge into traditional main classes and then each main
class into various categories, facets and other aspects of the subjects. These facets are
combined to tailor the fitting class number for the specific subject of the book. There is
nothing readymade. Some advanced faceted systems also termed as analytico-synthetic
classifications are quite useful for depth classification and indexing for information
retrieval. S R Ranganathan is the father of faceted systems which have been much
improved by his disciples and the Classification Research Group, London. By all account
faceted system are basis of all information retrieval and have a bright future in knowledge
organisation. But to organise and retrieve information on the semantic web we need
ontologies which are hierarchical systems showing deep hidden and multiple relations.
General classifications are available in various versions of details such as full, medium
and abridged editions to suit large and small libraries. General classifications such as the
DDC, CC, LCC meant for general libraries cover entire universe of knowledge, while
there are numerous special subject classifications delving into much more details suitable
for depth classification and information retrieval in a specified area of knowledge. These
range from a narrow subject, say Indian History to a multidisciplinary subject like
Indology or Women Studies. However, Library of Congress Classification, spread
over to 41 volumes, and also being available as an outline with sufficient details, serves
both as general and special classification. S R Ranganathan was of the opinion that a
general classification like the CC can serve as both. He compared his system to a trunk
of an elephant which can pick a heavy log of wood and a light leaf with equal ease. But
broad and depth classifications are relative, even subjective, terms. For some even the
full versions of UDC and LCC may prove broader, and such libraries may resort to
special or super special depth versions to serve their needs. These classification systems
are available both in print and electronic versions, latter are now termed as vocabulary
management systems. The electronic versions of DDC and LCC are much more
enhanced, versatile, multi functional and remain always updated. For researching the
semantic web ontologies have been developed which are classifications with myriads
of deep links.

2.10 ANSWERS TO THE SELF CHECK EXERCISES

1) Enumerative classifications are old systems which provide readymade class
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Library Classification numbers. Their schedules are long and frozen. They usually fail to provide
co-extensive class numbers for the subject of the document. They are also less
hospitable to the new subjects. Faceted systems have slim schedules. Here subject
of the document is first analysed into facets which are arranged in a citation order.
Then a class number is constructed which fits the subject of the document. They
provide solutions to the problems of enumerative systems. Faceted systems are
also better for database design and retrieval in computerised databases.
2) www.oclc.org/dewey

2.11 KEYWORDS
Enumerative Classification : These are long and systematic lists of subjects of
past and present along with their class numbers.
Also called as ‘Mark and Park Systems’, these
create pigeon holes for the subjects to fill in which
usually prove to be square pegs in round holes
and vice-versa.
Facet : A group of entities obtained by applying a single
characteristic, e.g., kind of libraries facet in library
science.
Faceted classification : A system in which a main class is first divided
into various facets and the facets are combined
in a specified order to tailor a class number
according to the specific subject of the document.
Fixed location systems : The pre-Dewey systems which only indicated
shelf ground of a book just like the house number
in a street and sector of a city.
Knowledge classification : Systematic outline of knowledge known at a time
to study its growth and structure. It is knowledge
mapping.
Ontologies : Hierarchical and multi-relational classifications for
the semantic web.
Special classification : Depth classification for limited and narrow area
of knowledge used for information retrieval and
classifications of micro subjects like theses, journal
articles, patents, research reports, etc.
Taxonomy : Scientific classification of animals and plants.

2.12 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Hunter, Eric. Classification Made Simple. 2nd ed. London: Ashgate, 2002. 1-23.
Print.
King, Brand E and Kathy Rienold. Finding the Concept not Just the Word: A
Librarian’s Guide to Ontologies and Semantics. Oxford, UK: Chandos, 2008. 7-
14. Print.
Maltby, Arthur. Classification in the 1970s. London: Clive Bingley, 1972. 19-23.
Print.
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Mills, J. A Modern Outline of Library Classification. Mumbai : Asia, 1962. 3. Print. Types of Classification

Ranganathan, S.R. Prolegomena toLibrary Classification. 3rd ed. Mumbai: Asia,

1967.Chaps CT-CY, 94-110. Print.
Satija, M.P. “Classification: An Essay in Terminology”. Knowledge Organization
27.4(2000): 221-229. Print.

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