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Library Classification
UNIT 3 GENERAL THEORY OF LIBRARY.
CLASSIFICATION
Structure
3.0 Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Theory of Library Classification
3.2.1 Importance of a Theory
3.2.2 Need of a Theory
3.2.3 Development of a Theory
3.3 Descriptive Theory of Library Classification
3.3.1 J.D. Brown (1862-1914)
3.3.2 E.C. Richardson (1860-1939)
3.3.3 E.W. Hulme (1859-1954)
3.3.4 W.C.B. Sayers (1881-1960)
3.3.5 H.E. Bliss (1870-1955)
3.3.6 S.R. Ranganathan (1892-1972)
3.3.7 Classification Research Group (London)
3.4 Dynamic Theory of Library Classification
3.4.1 S.R. Ranganathan
3.5 Summary
3.6 Answers to Self Check Exercises
3.7 Key Words
3.8 References and Further Reading
3.0 OBJECTIVES
After reading this Unit, you will get acquainted with the:
need and importance of a general theory of library classification;
two stages of development of theory of library of classification, viz., stage-l,
descriptive theory and stage-2, dynamic theory;
contributions of Brown, Richardson, Hulme, Sayers, Bliss and Ranganathan and
Classification Research Group (CRG) in stage-1 of this development;
singular contribution-of Ranganathan in stage-2 of the development; and
place of postulates, principles and canons in the theory of library classification.
3.1 INTRODUCTION
In this Unit, an attempt has been made to present in brief the general theory of library
classification. A theory refers to an organised set of principles, which provide the basis
for further investigation into, and the development of a subject. It explains existing
phenomena. A theory goes through the process of development from time to time and is
constantly changing and improving. This is equally true with the development of the
theory of library classification.
There are two distinct stages in the development of the general theory of library
classification. In stage-1, we notice the emergence of the descriptive theory distilled out
of the past practices in designing schemes of library classification and their use. In stage-
2, on the other hand, we .find .the development of a dynamic theory for guidance in
designing schemes with a greater degree of detail.
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Theory and Development of
Library Classification In stage-l, stalwarts like J.D. Brown, E.C. Richardson, Edward Hulme, W.C.B. Sayers,
H.E. Bliss and S.R. Ranganathan through their writings? and some of them through their
classification schemes, contributed to the development of the descriptive theory of
classification. The descriptive theory formed the basis for the development of the
dynamic theory in stage-2. In other words, these stalwarts laid the foundation for the
general theory of library classification.
In stage-2, we notice the development of the dynamic theory. It was called dynamic
because it was capable of carving out a methodology for library classification.
Ranganathan was the chief architect of this dynamic theory. He formulated basic laws,
postulates, canons and principles which gave a completely new direction to the
development of the theory of library classification. This new theory helps in designing
schemes of classification, which can withstand the challenges posed by the growth and
development of knowledge and their evaluation. Ranganathan, thus, turned classification
from an intuitional flair to a science based on objective methods.
3.2 THEORY OF LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION
Before we attempt to study the Theory of Library Classification, it is necessary for us to
know the importance of developing a theory. It is equally necessary for us to recognise
the need for such a theory.
3.2.1 Importance of a Theory
At the outset, one must know what constitutes a theory and how it is important for
development of a subject. A theory refers to an organised set of principles, which
provides the basis for further investigations into and the development of a subject. It
explains the what and why of the existing phenomena. It qualifies the subject to be
accepted as a discipline. It provides a scientific basis far` a subject and brings
respectability and status to it. Its importance for the growth and development of a subject
hardly needs emphasis.
3.2.2 Need of a Theory
If we look into the history of library' classification, we find that during the early stages of
its development it handled a small number of subjects constituting the whole of
knowledge, and a broad classification met the requirements of that time. The schemes
were prepared largely in response to the exigency of the time. These schemes seem to
have been guided by the purpose on hand rather than a theory that would stand the test of
time. These schemes solved the immediate and short-term problems. However, with the
passage of time the number of subjects into which knowledge could be divided steadily
increased, proving the existing schemes inadequate. With the growing complexity of
subjects enshrined in documents it became necessary to classify knowledge minutely.
This complexity called for a theory of library classification which could meet the -
challenges posed by the turbulent growth in knowledge.
3.2.3 Development of a Theory
In any sphere of life, practice precedes theory. Life force stimulates man to improvise,
design, and develop various aids - both at the physical and mental levels. After a long
experience is gained with an improvised aid, a theory is developed in order to understand
the, aid deeply and to systematise, improve, refine and develop it. So also it has been
with classification. Within fifty years: after the design of Decimal Classification,
Richardson add Sayers made comparative studies of the then known schemes for
classification; and they also evolved a Theory of Classification. It was largely a
"descriptive1rmulation" and "interpretative explanation". It was static and not dynamic.
The emphasis at this stage, according to Parkhi in his book Library Classification,
Evolution of a Dynamic Theory, was on the description of the practices followed by the
classificationists in designing their schemes and were considered as norms for designing
schemes.
On the other hand, after 1949, Ranganathan and his associates slowly evolved a Dynamic
Theory of Classification. The first consolidated account of this Dynamic Theory was
published in 1957 in the Prolegomena to Library Classification, by Ranganathan. This '
was further refined after the establishment of DRTC at Bangalore in 1962, which
provided facilities for
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General Theory of
deepening the Theory of Classification and making it more dynamic and applicable both Library Classification
to book classification and article classification. Consequentially, active work in the
design of depth classification schedules for the classification of articles progressed. The
need for such a dynamic theory is obvious as it only .could provide guidelines-for the
development of subject classification in the future.
Self Check Exercise
l) State in brief the difference between the descriptive and the dynamic theories of
library classifications..
Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below
ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
....
...
...
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3.5 SUMMARY
A theory refers to an organised set of principles, which provide the basis for further
investigations into, and the development of a subject. This is equally true of library
classification. There have been two stages in the development of the General Theory of
Library Classification.
In stage-1, there emerged the descriptive theory based on the practices followed in the
contemporary schemes of classification. The emergence of the descriptive theory was the
result of the efforts and contributions made by Brown, Richardson, Hulme, Sayers, Bliss,
Ranganathan and the CRG members. These stalwarts in their writings, and some of them
through their schemes of classification, propounded certain basic principles and canons,
which governed the design of schemes.
In stage-2, you can notice the emergence of the dynamic theory of classification, which is
capable of carving out a methodology for designing schemes with a greater degree of
detail and accuracy. The person primarily responsible for the genesis and development of
this dynamic theory was S.R. Ranganathan. The Laws of Library Science, Basic Laws,
Canons, Postulates, Principles propounded by Ranganathan are summarised and
presented in the preceding section (3.4) for your easy comprehension.
Having studied this Unit, you are now in a position to appreciate the-need for a General
Theory of Library Classification, and its development through the contributions of
personalities like Brown, Richardson, Hulme, Sayers, Bliss and Ranganathan. You
should now be able to understand better the three schemes of classification, namely,
Dewey Decimal Classification, Universal Decimal, Classification and Colon
Classification. In Unit 4, we will study bow the whole body of knowledge is mapped in
these three schemes.
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General Theory of
consistently in all classes in which that concept is present. Library Classification
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