Training+of+cataloguers,+Strategies+for+classification

=**Strategies for classification**=

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Why classify?
The purpose of classification is to keep books on like topics together and to aid browsing through the shelves. To this end we try to be consistent with our use of classification numbers, using the same number for a topic if that number has already been used. The classification scheme we use is Dewey, the 22nd edition, although there are many areas where we have not converted from the DC20/21 number yet. The following is an example of how a classifier at Leicester would go about selecting an appropriate classification number (not necessarily in that order).

MARC field 082
Make a note of the classification number that appears in the work record in the 082 field. If this record has been created by the British Library then this is a good starting point as usually, at DMU, we follow BL practices. If the record has been created by the Library of Congress, or some other body (e.g. Whitakers) then the number is a little more suspect. Also, if the record is for a pre-1996 book then the Dewey number used will probably be taken from a previous edition of Dewey so will need to be checked and/or updated.

This number that appears in the 082 field of the work record often appears on the back of the title page in the CIP information. It is that CIP information that forms the basis of the record so the number will be the same (unless the BL has created a record for an American publication, so the publication will have an American CIP entry on the title page verso and thus a dubious classification number).

If there is a number on the work record this may be used as a starting point only. Further checks will need to be made from the following selection, and any of these can be used as starting points if there is no number available from the work record:

★ **//The schedules.//**
The Dewey schedules consists of 4 volumes which include an alphabetical index of topics, a volume of tables, and two volumes of the main schedules. If you vaguely already know the number you are looking for then you can turn straight to the schedules and see what the description for that particular number is. If it’s not quite what you were looking for then you can look around that area using the summaries at strategic places to guide you around. If you have no idea of the number you’re after then use the alphabetical index. The same principles apply in the use of WebDewey, although browsing is not quite as easy.

★ **//The OPAC subject index.//**
If you know the topic you are looking for and want to see where we have put things on this topic before then try the OPAC subject index. Often this will lead you to the best number, but just be a bit careful as there are still some references lurking around form previous editions of Dewey, but this is not always obvious.

★ **//The OPAC keyword search.//**
If your topic isn’t too general, or if you’re looking for a combined subject, then it’s often a good idea to do a keyword search to reveal what numbers we have used in the past for this area. You can use either Prism or text-based OPAC, but the current version of Prism, without class numbers on the first screen, makes this type of search difficult.

★ **//Subject index terms.//**
If a phrase does not appear in the OPAC subject index then remember to fill in a slip indicating the terms, the classification number, the control number for the work and your initials. Leave this with the progress slip to be checked.

It is usually the case that a classification number is arrived at through using a combination of any or all of the above options!

**DMU practices**
For law we use option B, and are staying with DDC21 for the time being, which means that the country becomes more important than the branch of law. Thus, housing law, 346.03635 in the schedules becomes 344.10463635 for British housing law.

Any item purchased by school code 8 should be given a law number. If you feel that had it not been purchased by school code 8 that you would have classified it in a different area then give that number as an added entry.

Fashion books are classified at 391… rather than in the 740s.

Fashion designers are at 391 with the country subdivision following, so, 391.00944 for Christian Dior.

Sculptors are at 730 with the country subdivision following, so, 730.942 for a British sculptor, e.g. Henry Moore.

Ceramic artists go at 738.092 not 738.0942 (for a British ceramic artist)

Photographers are at 779.092

Architects are at 720.92

Printmakers go under country, e.g. 769.944 for a French printmaker

Glassmakers go under person treatment rather than country, so 748.2092 not 748.20941

Silversmiths go under 739.23092 (unless they are silver jewellery makers, or produce tableware or receptacles!)

And there are lots more …