Organization of Resources

LIB 630 Classification and CatalogingSpring 2012

Why organize a collection?

Why Organize Your Library?

An organized . . . library should be efficient to use so you know what resources you have and exactly where they are.

• Adapted from a Q & A for Lentz Libraries Architecture and Design Library Services

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The Alternative is like the Net!

Michael Gorman:

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How do you organize a collection?

Three C’s!!!

Cataloging

Classification

Categorization

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Cataloging?5

A technical definition

Cataloging The process of creating entries

for a catalog. In libraries, this usually includes bibliographic description, subject analysis, assignment of classification notation, and activities involved in physically preparing the item for the shelf, tasks usually performed under the supervision of a librarian trained as a cataloger. • Online Dictionary for

Library and Information Science

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Elements of cataloging

From ODLIS definition:

1. bibliographic description

2. subject analysis

3. assignment of classification notation (meaning the symbols used by the classification system)

4. activities involved in physically preparing the item for the shelf

The bottom line in cataloging?8

So, what is cataloging?

Cataloging : Is the whole process of preparing an item

1. So that a library user knows that it exists in the library or at another library (adding it to the catalog; this is cataloging proper)– Involves description for access points (possible

search points like title, author, etc.) according to strict standards with stringent punctuation rules

2. So that a library user can locate it on the shelf (classification)

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What is classification?

Library classification system of arrangement adopted by a library to

enable patrons to find its materials quickly and easily. While cataloging provides information on the physical and topical nature of the book (or other item), classification, through assignment of a call number (consisting of class designation and author representation), locates the item in its library setting and, ideally, in the realm of knowledge. • Current predominating systems include the

Dewey Decimal Classification, the Library of Congress Classification, the Bliss Classification, and the Colon Classification; many special and research libraries devise their own unique systems.

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What about “categorization”?

Arranging a collection by category: Format (e.g. oversized vs. regular size;

picture books vs. chapter books) Genre (fiction vs. nonfiction, and further

subdividing within fiction: fantasy/science fiction, historical fiction, etc.)

Level (lexiles or grade level or AR level, etc.)

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One way to look at arranging by category

© Copyright Fundación Germán Sánchez Ruipérez, 2012

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How to arrange the space and the collection in the school library

Advantages of genre organization?13

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