The Fundamentals of Library Classification

Classification is a procedure of grouping similar items and objects and is essential in formulating groups that is known as classifying which results in Classification. This process helps the user to arrange, organize and make a logical sense of articles which also assists the user to locate them in an easy manner. Classification is the ability to distinguish objects through their similarities and dissimilarities which is distinct in their identities for human beings. Classification systems in libraries generally play two roles. Firstly, they facilitate subject access by allowing the user to find out what works or documents the library has on a certain subject. Secondly, they provide a known location for the information source to be located (e.g where it is shelved). Until the nineteenth century, most libraries had closed stacks, so the library classification only served to organize the subject catalog. In the twentieth century, libraries opened their stacks to the public and started to shelve the library material itself according to some library classification to simplify subject browsing. Librarianship consists of the selection, acquisition, organization and dissemination of knowledge presented in the form of books, periodicals, film, photographs, maps, gramophone records, audio and video tapes, Compact Discs, DVDs, Microfiche and Microforms. Knowledge must be organized in a library in an appropriate manner with the objective of dissemination. The classification of library involves placing together in classes the objects which contain characteristics in common and to separate from them the objects that do not have same characteristics. Classification also forms the basis of an order in handling literature and its records. It reveals the strengths and weaknesses of library collections and it is therefore essential for a systematic, comprehensive and representative book selection, through revision and withdrawal of unwanted stock. It also analyses the contents of books for readers through the medium of catalogue and is extremely helpful in the compilation of Bibliographies. It facilitates book display and can also be used for recording books issued out to the readers and when returned by them which allow an easy return of books to the shelves and in their right places.