Classification and its Practical Applications
WILLIAM E. DOUBLEDAY · 2021
In the Library of Congress Classification, for example, literature is arranged by language, by period, and by alphabetical order of authors’ names within the period. Detailed consideration of the principles and theories of classification lie beyond the scope of these pages: it is with practical applications. Textbooks on classification reveal the fact that other codes also exhibit problems, and each has its own good qualities. One special application of classification marks remains to be noticed—their use in libraries where indicators are employed. In such libraries classification is usually relegated to the catalogue, and the shelves reflect the promiscuous class order of the indicator, the class letter and the individual number of each book in its class being all that is required for indicator charging. With a classified stock it is necessary to have one or more copies of the governing code—or a sufficient summary thereof—available for public reference.