INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT I
1. Briefly discuss why cataloguing is important. List the types of catalogue system?
#Enable a person to find a book of which either, the author, or the title, or the subject is
known;
# Assist in the choice of a book as to its edition (bibliographical) and as
to its character (literary or topical)
# Show what the library has by a given author, on a given subject, or in a given kind of
literature
Traditionally, there are the following types of catalog:
Author catalog: a formal catalog, sorted alphabetically according to the names of authors,
editors, illustrators, etc.
Subject catalog: a catalog that sorted based on the Subject.
Title catalog: a formal catalog, sorted alphabetically according to the article of
the entries.
Dictionary catalog: a catalog in which all entries (author, title, subject, series) are
interfiled in a single alphabetical order. This was a widespread form of card catalog in
North American libraries prior to the
introduction of the computer-based
catalog.
Keyword catalog: a subject catalog, sorted alphabetically according to some system of
keywords.
Mixed alphabetic catalog forms: sometimes, one finds a mixed author / title,
or an author / title / keyword catalog. Systematic catalog: a subject catalog,
sorted according to some systematic subdivision of subjects. Also called a
Classified catalog. Shelf list catalog: a formal catalog with entries sorted in the same
order as bibliographic items are shelved. This catalog may also serve as the primary
inventory for the library.
2. What is Dewey decimal classification? Explain its strengths and weaknesses.
Dewey Decimal System, is a proprietary library classification system first published in the
United States by Melvil Dewey in 1876. Originally described in a four-page pamphlet, it has
been expanded to multiple volumes and revised through 23 major
editions, the latest printed in 2011. It is also available in an abridged version suitable for smaller
libraries. OCLC, a non-profit cooperative that serves libraries, currently
maintains the system and licenses online access to WebDewey , a continuously updated version
for catalogers .
Major Advantages of DDC are:
1. The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system has a long history (127
years) of expansion and adaptation to the needs of the communities it serves.
2. The DDC is published in both full and abridged versions, as well as, now, online versions of
the full and abridged editions in a format called ‘Web-Dewey .’
3. The DDC uses very well recogized Arabic numerals and the numbered
notation makes it easily understandable from one culture to another.
4. The DDC breaks down into relatively well structured and ordered disciplines,
divisions, and sections. Thus, the scheme is hierarchical, like a family tree, showing the
relationship of specific subjects to the parent subject.
5. The DDC has bi-weekly updates to its current edition put out online.
6. The class numbers are easy to write, type and remember– at least to hold in
one’s mind long enough to get from a library’s catalogue to the shelves.
7. The Dewey scheme has an excellent relative index and the schedules are
inexpensive.
8. The scheme allows for the close classification (lengthy numbers for
specific subjects) or broad classification (shorter numbers where fewer details
are required).
9. Alternative placing is provided for several subjects so that the differing
libraries can cater to the requirements of their own clientele.
10. The Classification scheme allows for expansion so that new subjects can be
included. This facility is known as ‘hospitality’.
Major Disadvantages of DDC:
1. The provision of only ten main classes’ means that the base is too short, resulting in lengthy
classification numbers.
2. The limitations of division and subdivision by only 10 places leads to the squeezing of
subjects into a conglomerate last division called
‘others’.
3. The arrangement of classes has been criticized, especially the separation of language from
literature; social sciences from history; psychology from
medicine.
4. There is a bias towards Protestant/ American aspects prevalent in both the history and religion
disciplines. These problems are being addressed in each
new revision and edition.
5. Within the DDC there are some disciplines that are closely related, yet quite separate
numerically like literature 800-899 and languages 400-499.
6. Within the DDC there are also some classes like ‘Technology,’ in the 600s
which the call numbers are very crowded, and others that are very sparse.
7. The DDC is not as easily expandable as classification systems like the Library of
Congress Classification system when new subjects or technologies emerge.
8. There is the potential for very large classification call numbers as a result of number building,
and the need for extreme accuracy by some libraries.
3. Explain the concept of call number in cataloguing theory.
Each book in the library has a unique “call number”, which is a combination of letters
and numbers. A call number is like an address; it describes the exact location of the book
and tells you where to find the book on the shelves. It also tells you something about the
subject matter of the book.Each call number may contain three, four or five lines.
4. Explain the history and development of library catalogue codes
5. Write an essay on recent trends in library classification and cataloguing?
www.lisbdnet.com/objectives-of-library-catalogue/
www.tufs.ac.jp/common/library/guide/kensaku/card-e.html
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewey_Decimal_Classification
www.lisbdnet.com/advantages-disadvantages-ddc-dewey-decimal-classification-scheme/
https://www.angelo.edu/services/library/handouts/lcnumber.php
Submission date: March 25, 2020
