Module 3: Organization of Library Materials

It is quite frustrating for researchers when a library does not have a catalogue.
This is worst if there is a catalogue, but the researcher cannot understand the
coding system used to organize the materials. This is the reason why this module
is not just presenting the catalogues but also the main classes of the various
classification schemes. This is presented under:

Unit 1: Library Catalogues

Unit 2: Classification of Library Materials

Unit 1: Library Catalogues

Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 The Concept of a Library Catalogues
3.2 Access Points
3.3 Physical Form of Library Catalogue
3.4 OPAC
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 Introduction

Have you ever been to the library with a particular title in mind and you walked
straight to the shelves without going through any catalogue? You are likely to feel
you are wasting your precious time, confused and discouraged. This unit will teach
you how to use the different types of library catalogues.

2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

• Identify the different access points
• Distinguish between a book catalogue and a card catalogue
• Distinguish between a card catalogue and OPAC

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• Locate a book on the library shelve using library catalogue

3.0 Main Content

3.1 The Concept of a Library Catalogues

Library catalogue is seen as a complete organized record of all libraries’ contents.

In other words, it is a list of all bibliographic items found in a library or group of
libraries.
The library catalogue can be likened to a book index. Just as the purpose of a book
index, is to point the reader to an information in the book without reading the whole
book, similarly, the library catalogue points the reader to the exact location of the
book on the shelf without having to search through all volumes of books on the
shelves.

The librarians, when processing a resource material provides the information with
many access points as required by library users who may look for the information
in the library.

3.2 Access Points

For a user to gain access to library collections, it is better to go through the

catalogue or an index to that collection. Access points are headings that users
employ to locate needed materials. For example; Title, Author and Subject are
three main access points. This means that the user can search and access the
needed materials through the title, author or subject. The ideal thing for every
library is to have three access points/catalogues/indexes (title, author and subject)
for all materials in the library. However, every document must have its main entry
which is its main access points.

3.3 Physical Form of Library Catalogue

Types of physical form of library catalogues are:

a. Book catalogue
b. Card catalogue
c. Microform catalogue
d. Online catalogue.

Book Catalogue

A book catalogue lists bibliographic records in alphabetical order by various entries

on pages of a book. This is the oldest type of catalogue. The book catalogue is
expensive to produce and easily gets out of date due to its inflexibility. You cannot
easily remove or insert bibliographic records (of old & new resources respectively).
For more people to have access at the same time, the library needs to print many

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copies which is expensive. This type of catalogue was gradually replaced by card
catalogues.

Advantages of Book Catalogue

1. Ease of use: The book catalogue is very easy to use by library cliental and
it is portable
2. Size: it is compact and can be easily carried to anywhere within the library
3. Cost: Once the first copy has been produced duplication of it becomes
cheaper. Multiple copies can be produced for other locations of the library

Disadvantages of Book Catalogue

1. Ease of use: Only one person can use this catalogue at a time, unless
multiple copies are produced. Library users may have to wait for each other
to have access to the book catalogue.

2. Flexibility and currency: Bibliographic records for new materials cannot be

inserted. For this to happen, you may have to reproduce a new book
catalogue or create a supplementary copy

Card Catalogue

A card catalogue is a file of cards usually in catalogue cabinet showing the users
the library’s collections. The cards give very relevant information about the books
in the library as well as indicating their location on the shelves. These cards are
filed alphabetically in catalogue trays that are placed in the cabinets. These
cabinets are arranged in a convenient location in the library for easy retrieval.
Kindly visit this link for an illustration on card catalogue,
http://www.yourdictionary.com/card-catalog

Advantages of Card Catalogue

1. Flexibility and Currency: Updating of the cabinet is easy and staff time is
saved. Cards for new materials can be added quickly and cards easily
removed for those items no longer in the collection.
2. Ease of use: The card catalogue is easy to use. Both staff and students find
it easy to use because of the alphabetical arrangement and the fact that
they are loose in the tray.
3. Availability: The card catalogue is easily available to library users. Several
users can have access to the card catalogue at the same time.
4. Cost: The cost of maintaining a card catalogue is not expensive. The cards
are easily available.

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Disadvantages of Card Catalogue

1. Size: After some time, the library may need more cabinets for new cards.
Gradually, more and more cabinets will be acquired as the collection grows.
This might take up much space.
2. Human Error: Cards can be misfiled in error. Its implication is that, the
document on the shelf may never be used. Miss-filing and miss-shelving
are serious issues as they course serious problems in the library.
3. Ease of use: A library user can only see a card at a time. Its implication is
that he has to remember the title or know the subject heading of the
information he needs.
4. Cost: Filing of cards takes time. Imagine if you have catalogue in different
locations, you may have to do more work.
5. Flexibility and currency: The library cannot easily effect any correction on
the card except the card is reprinted.

Microform Catalogues

Microform Catalogues are photographed card catalogue or screen images that are
transferred onto microform. Basically, they are used as backup as online
catalogues have overtaken them.

Advantages of Microform Catalogue

1. Ease of use: Many records can be viewed at the same time. There are
indexes and headings to guide users.
2. Size: Microfiche or microfilm takes up very little storage space and can store
many records on one fiche or film
3. Cost: It is cheap to produce multiple copies

Disadvantages of Microform Catalogue

1. Ease of use: Microform catalogue is not common. Students find it difficult to

use. Expensive equipment is required for users to have access and use it.
2. Flexibility and currency: New bibliographic records cannot be inserted and
records of lost items cannot be deleted. It is just like the book catalogue that
you must reproduce to incorporate changes.
3. Cost: The first copy of the microform catalogue is expensive to produce.
There is also the problem of maintaining the equipment.

3.4 OPAC

On-line Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) is the most modern form of catalogue.
One needs a microcomputer with a large memory for it.Bibliographic records of all
documents in a collection are stored in the computer memory disk. OPAC is the
most efficient of all the catalogues. It is very flexible and can be easily updated.

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The records can be accessed through several points. As soon as bibliographic
records are inputted into the computer, they can be accessed instantly at different
points. Many on-line library catalogues such as library of congress online can be
accessed through the internet

Advantages of Online Catalogue

The main advantages of online catalogue are:

1. The database can be searched in almost any item of information of interest

to the users
2. The users can retrieve information in a variety of ways
3. It provides rapid search
4. It can be used from far away location, so that the users can access a local,
national and international cataloguing database.
5. The problem of having to file cards is eliminated
6. Online catalogues can be easily updated
7. It provides links to other catalogues, reference help and circulation
8. Online catalogue can also be made physical if need be.

Disadvantages

Some of the disadvantages are:

1. It is very sensitive in spelling and may retrieve different information due to

error.
2. Most times, the information retrieved may be too much which may confuse
the user
3. Training is needed for the users to optimally use online catalogue
4. Epileptic power supply and computer break down are all disadvantages.

Self-Assessment Exercises

1. Library catalogue can be best described as:

A. The research profit of all users

B. Collation of all bibliographic details of new materials.
C. An alphabetical list of subjects treated in a book.
D. A list of all bibliographic items found in a library.

2. One of the options below is a unique advantage of online catalogue

A. It can be used from far away locations, so that users can access a local,
national and international cataloguing database
B. Takes up very little storage space and can store many records

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C. It is easily available
D. It is easy to use

Feedback
2. A
1. D

4.0 Conclusion

Most libraries keep only one particular type of catalogue. The onus is on
researchers including students to learn how to use the different types of
catalogues. However, whenever you need help don’t hesitate to call on the librarian
who is always willing to help out. In the next unit you shall be introduced to the
different classification schemes to help you understand the coding systems used
in the catalogues.

5.0 Summary

To recap what you have learned in this unit, click on the video below or copy the
link and paste on a web browser. The video is a summary of what you have read
in this unit. You could also click on the audio version and listen. You can also
download them and play offline.

Video

Audio

6.0 References/Further Reading

Library cataloguing theory

http://164.100.133.129:81/eCONTENT/Uploads/Library_Cataloguing_theory.pdf

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Unit 2: Classification Schemes
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 The Importance of Library Classification
3.2 Types of Library Classification Schemes
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 Introduction

For the effective use of library resources, organization of such resources is

important for easy retrieval. One way of organizing library resources is by
cataloguing. You have learned the functions and the different types of catalogues.
Now, the focus shall be on the way library resources are organized, which is
classification? Classification is the act of grouping like documents together,
basically according to their subject content.

2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to source for information using different
library classification schemes.

3.0 Main Content

3.1 The Importance of Library Classification

Numerous books acquired in the library must be arranged to increase their utility
to the optimum level. Users will find it difficult to locate a document, if there is no
arrangement of any sort.The library user lacks time and would not be patient to go
through all the library resources because he needs just one document. Even for
the librarian, it will be difficult to search through all documents to get a required
one.

Due to the varying forms and purpose of documents, it becomes essential to

arrange them systematically on shelves. A user would be in a better position to
help himself if shelves are provided with an adequate number of shelf guides. He
would thereby require less assistance from the reference staff. In a situation where
the library collection is unclassified, library guides will be useless to users and
users will feel lost. So, in order to provide an effective reference service, it is

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essential that the documents are arranged systematically. This would also help
save the time of the reference staff and as well as that of the readers themselves.

The purpose of library classification is to create a system out of disorder and

provide a comprehensive view of the documents on a given subject. This leads to
maximum use of a collection, thus satisfying the law of library science as
formulated by SR Ranganathan. These lanes are as follow:

Books are for use (First law)

Every reader his book (second law)
Every book its reader (third law)
Save the time of the reader (forth law)
Save the time of the staff (corollary to the forth law)
Library is a growing organization (fifth law)

The basic aim of librarianship is to bring the user in contact with a specific
document or information. Out of the various techniques that a librarian may adopt
to achieve this, library classification is one of them. It helps to organize documents
and information so that users can use sources of information effectively.

3.2 Types of Library Classification Schemes

1. Library of Congress Classification Scheme (LC)

2. Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme
3. Universal Decimal Classification (UDC)
4. Bliss Classification Scheme
5. Colon Classification Scheme

Library of Congress Classification Scheme (LC)

Most academic libraries use library of congress classification scheme. For

example, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Library uses this scheme.
Library of congress classification scheme consists of 21 classes (A-Z). The
scheme is based on the collection of library of congress in United States. It was
mixed notation. This means that it uses both letters and numbers. It also uses
cutter numbers to further specify a document. Cutter numbers are special numbers
given to individual authors. The notations and cutter numbers together form the
class mark or call number of a book.

The Main Classes of LC

A General works
B - BJ Philosophy, Psychology
BL - BX Religion
C Auxiliary Sciences of History
D History: General and Old World (Eastern Hemisphere)

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E- F History: America (Western Hemisphere)
G Geography, Anthropology, Recreation
H Social Sciences
J Political Science
KD Law of the United State Kingdom and Ireland
KF Law of the United State
L Education
M Music, Books on Music
N Fine Arts
P-PA General Philosophy and Linguistics
PA Supplement Classical Languages and Literature; Mediaeval and
Modern Literature
P B – PH Modern European Language
PG Russian Literature
PJ – PM Languages and Literature of Asia, Africa, Oceanic, American Indian
Languages, Artificial Language
PN, PR, PS, PZ General Literature, English and American Literature, Fiction
in English; Juvenile Literature
PQ Part 1 French Literature
PQ Part 2 Italian, Spanish and Portuguese
PT Part 1 German Literature
PT Part 2 Dutch and Scandinavian Literature
Q Science
R Medicine
S Agriculture
T Technology
U Military Science
V Naval Science
Z Bibliography; Library Science

A typical book classified, using the Library of congress classification scheme will
have its class mark or call number as follows:

Title: Understanding Politics: ideas, institutions and issues

Author: Thomas M. Magstadt
Class Mark (call number): JA/LC Class mark
66
M 33 / cutter number
2011/date of publication

The class mark is found at the spine of every book in the library or at the left upper
side of a book.

Dewey Decimal Classification

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Among the modern classification scheme, Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is
the oldest. It is also widely use especially in school libraries. You may come across
very few academic libraries that use Dewey classification scheme to organize their
collection. Unlike the library of congress classification, Dewey classification is pure
and not mixed. It uses only numbers. For further specificity of subject terms, it
employs decimals.

The Main Classes of Dewey Decimal Classification

000 Generalities
100 Philosophy and Psychology
200 Religion
300 Social Sciences
400 Language
500 Natural Sciences and Mathematics
600 Technology (Applied Sciences)
700 The Arts Fine and Decorative Arts
800 Literature and Rhetoric
900 Geography and History

Each main class is divided into 10 divisions and each division into 10 sections. For
example, the main class 600 – Technology (Applied Sciences) can be further sub
divider into another ten (10) sub-classes as follows:

600 – 609 Technology (Applied)

610 – 619 Medical Science Medicine
620 - 629 Engineering and Allied Operations
630 – 639 Agriculture and Related Technologies
640 – 649 Home Economics and Family Living
650 – 659 Management and Auxiliary Services
660 – 669 Chemical and Related Technologies
670 – 679 Manufactures
680 – 689 Manufacture of Products for Specific uses
690 – 699 Buildings

Again each of these ranges of numbers can be further subdivided into ten (10) e.g.

610 – 619 Medical Sciences, Medicine can be subdivided as follows:

610 Medical Sciences Medicine
611 Human Anatomy, Cytology, Tissues
612 Human Physiology
613 General and Personal Hygiene
614 Public Health and Related Topics
615 Pharmacology and Therapeutics
616 Diseases
617 Surgery and Related Topics

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618 Other Branches of Medicine
619 Experimental Medicine

Each of these topics may be further divided into more specific subject areas. A
decimal point is used after the first three digits to separate the specific subjects.
For example, 612-Human Physiology can be further subdivided into ten as follows:

612 Human Physiology

612.1 Blood and Circulation
612.2 Respiration
612.3 Nutrition
612.4 Secretion, Excretions, Related Functions
612.5 Reproduction, Development Maturation
612.6 Motor Functions and integument
612.7 Nervous and Sensory Functions
612.8 Regional Physiology

University Decimal Classification (UDC)

University Decimal Classification (UDC) is based on the 5 th edition of Dewey

Decimal Classification. This classification scheme is widely used in French
speaking countries of North Africa, in Spain and Latin America and throughout
Eastern Europe. In the English-speaking world, it is used by special libraries and
most especially in those with strong emphasis on technological interests.
There are many similarities between DDC and UDC, for instance the ten (10) main
classes of DDC are retained in UDC. However, class 4 (language class) was
merged with class 8 (Literature class) in UDC.

Example of UDC notations

903 Prehistory, Antiquities

903’12 Hunting and Fishing cultures
903’13 Primitive Farming cultures
903’14 Pastoral cultures
903’15 Normadie cultures
903’16 Advanced Farming cultures
903’18 Town, city cultures (Civilization)

Bliss Classification

Bliss Classification is also called Bibliographic classification (BC). It was devised

by Henry Evelyn Bliss in 1935. The system is utilized most extensively in British
libraries. It consists of 35 main classes, consisting of 9 numerical and 26
alphabetical classes. It has a notation system that utilizes upper case and

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lowercase Roman letters; with Arabic numerals for common subdivisions. Each
main class and each subclass is fully faceted.

The outline of bliss classification is as follows:

2/9 Generalia, phenomena, knowledge, information science and Technology

A/AL Philosophy & Logic, 1991

AM/AX Mathematics, Probability, Statistics, 1993
AY General Science, 1999
B Physics, 1999
C Chemistry, Chemical Engineering 2000
D Space & Earth Sciences
Astronomy
Geology
Geography
E/GQ Biological Sciences
Biology
Biochemistry
Genetics
Virology
F Botany
G Zoology
GR Agriculture
GU Veterinary Science
GY Ecology
H Physical Anthropology, Human Biology, Health sciences,
1980
I Psychology & Psychiatry 1978
J Education 1990
K Society (includes Social Sciences, Sociology & Social
Anthropology)
L/O History (includes Archaeology, Biography and Travel)
P Religion, Occult, Moral and Ethics. 1977
Q Social Welfare & Criminology. Rev.ed.1994
R Politics & Public Administration. 1996
S Law, 1996
T Economics & Management of Economic Enterprises. 1987
U/V Technology, Engineering. 2000
W Recreation, Arts, Music
X/Y Language, Literature

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Colon Classification

The colon classification (CC) has a set of main classes that are divided into facets.
All facets are regarded as manifestations of five fundamental categories namely.

i. Space
ii. Energy
iii. Matter
iv. Personality

Main classes of colon classification

A Generalia
U Area study
W Generalia Person Study
O1 Information Science
1 Universe of subjects
2 Library Science
3 Book Science
4 Journalism
5 Exhibition Technique
6 Muscology
7 Systems Research, Systemology
8 Management Sciences
A *Z Science (natural and social)
A Natural Sciences
B *Z Mathematical and Physical Sciences
B *ZZ Mathematical Sciences
B Mathematics
C *Z Physical sciences
C Physics
D *Z Engineering and Technology
D Engineering
E *Z Chemical Sciences
E Chemistry
F Chemical Technology
G *Z Biological Sciences
G Biology
H *Z Earth Sciences
H Geology
I *Z Plant Sciences
I Botany
J *Z Agriculture and Forestry
J Agriculture
K *Z Animal sciences
K Zoology

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L *Z Medical Sciences
L Medicine
M Useful Arts
MZ Mysticism and Spiritual Experience
N *Z Fine Arts and Literature
N Fine Arts
O *Z Language and Literature
O Literature
P Linguistics
Q *Z Religion and Philosophy
Q Religion
R Philosophy
S *Z Behavioral science
S Psychology
T *Z Social Sciences
U Geography
V *Z History and Political Science
V History
W Political Science
X Economics (Macro - economics)
Y Sociology
Z Law

Moys Classification Scheme

Most academic libraries use Moys classification scheme for classifying specifically
their law materials. Basically, this scheme helps to remove the short comings
observed in class K-Law, the library of congress classification scheme.
Main Classes of Moy’s Classification Scheme.
K Journal and Reference Books
KA Jurisprudence
KB General and Comparative Law
KC International Law
KD Religious Legal System
KE Ancient and Medical Law
KF – KN Common Law
KP Nigerian Legal System
KR Africa
KS Latin America
KT Asia and Pacific
KV Europe
KW European Community Law
KZ Non – Legal Subjects

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Self-Assessment Exercise

1. ________, _________, _______, _______ and _______are the five

basic types of library classification schemes.

2. _________ is the scheme mainly used in academic libraries

Feedback
2. Library of Congress Classification Scheme
Classification and Colon Classification Scheme
classification Scheme, Universal Decimal Classification, Bliss
1. Library of Congress Classification Schemes, Dewey decimal

4.0 Conclusion

You have just concluded a study on library classification schemes. This is to enable
you understand the system of coding and organizing library materials. Without this
knowledge you may find it difficult to understand and use the catalogues of several
libraries.

5.0 Summary

To recap what you have learned in this unit, click on the video below or copy the
link and paste on a web browser. The video is a summary of what you have read
in this unit. You could also click on the audio version and listen. You can also
download them and play offline.

Video

Audio

6.0 References/Further Reading

Library Classification Schemes: an Overview

http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/31769/10/10_chapter%203.pdf

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