In general, there are two kind of methods used in designing library classification schemes for content analysis of universe of subjects. The first method designs the scheme completely on the basis of the actual collections available in a library which can only provide an overall picture of universe of subjects in limited period but not an overall picture of universe of subjects. Therefore, it is unable to accurately reveal the overall situation of the universe of subjects, especially its neglected areas. The other methods designs it on the basis of the essence of growing universe of subjects which is created before analyzing the universe of subjects, so it is able to accurately reveal the overall situation of universe of subjects. Therefore, using the second method of classification, an attempt has been made to design a simplified, wider, and more flexible library classification scheme, with the help of relatively a few notational systems.
1. What is ODC?
The
word octadecimal is combination of
two words octa and decimal. The word octa comes from Greek word "okta" which means eight and
the word decimal means ten. Therefore,
octa-decimal system uses eighteen base notation, from 0 to 9 and A to H. Its
base is comparatively broader than the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), a
library classification scheme devised by Melvil Dewey in 1876, which uses the
numbers 0 to9. In DDC, ten base numbers have been employed in order to
accommodate all the universe of subjects. Likewise, the Universal Decimal
Classification (UDC) also uses ten base numbers, i.e. 0-9. These schemes have
narrow base. Unlike DDC and UDC, Colon Classification (CC), proposed by S. R.
Ranganathan, has used so many notations that it causes difficulty to both the
users and library professionals. Hence, ODC has proposed comparatively longer
base than DDC and UDC, but shorter base than CC because "the longer the
base, the shorter will be the average number of digits in a class number, or an
isolate number. The digits used in a class number need not have cardinal
values, since the class number is used only for arrangement and not for
counting. Therefore, the digits used in the notational system need not consist
only of letters of an alphabet or Arabic numerals. It may have mixed notational
system also" (Kent:1971, P. 164).
2. Why ODC?
ODC is designed as a standard
scheme for classification to suit the purpose of the large number of users by
introducing simple notational system to provide wide coverage, and has emerged
into this modern world of many novel areas of knowledge.
The Library classification
schemes for knowledge management in current use in the world such as DDC, UDC,
LC, CC, BC etc., are somewhat focused toward their country of origin, thereby
ignoring the other countries, Revisions and relocations are done quite
frequently and also on a large scale.
In order to meet, effectively and
productively, the onslaught of the ever-growing universe of subjects, a scheme
for library classification needs to be developed so that it can easily provide
somewhere to stay new developments without disturbing the basic structure of
the scheme. The OC is without a doubt the best general classification scheme to
meet such challenge. Not only is its basic pattern superior, but the
flexibility to special needs, which is one of its main features, ensures a
particularly appropriate order if a local variant is called for. Moreover, the
numbering system, which maintains its order, is brevity and is often highly
mnemonic, too.
DDC has not acknowledged
geographical division of SAARC except
Since the facet indicator should
be simple and easily remembered to distinguish or separate the character of the
ideas represented by facets. So OC has very simple or easily remembered
notation i.e. Roman Capitals (no mathematical symbols and punctuation marks)
for facet indicator. This type of notation for facet indicator is easy to
distinguish the idea and shelving books or filling catalogue cards also.
ODC
is based on theory of library classification developed by classificationists
and it does not have many rules and instructions to use. It will not require
reference tools to use it at the time of classifying documents.
The growth of universe of
knowledge is ever accelerating. It tends to become turbulently dynamic.
Therefore, CC has increased its main class but divisions, sections, and facets
are limited within octal numbering systems, i.e. 1 to 8 and it must result in
very long numbers for compound as well as complex subjects. Unlike CC, ODC has
increased not only its main classes but also its divisions, sections, and so on
equally. Therefore, it covers more subjects by using limited number of
notation(s).
3. Objectives
- To provide a method for arranging books on library shelves in an order which is helpful to the users;
- To provide a method of arranging substitutes of the books themselves in a card catalogue and printed bibliography;
- To provide a method for arranging electronic data on internet in an order this is helpful to the users;
- It is a classification in the strictest sense depending on the analysis of idea context, so that related concepts are brought together, and haphazard arrangements like alphabetical order, evolutionary order, etc. is avoided;
- Both coordination and subordination are placing side by side of those classes, which are most like in subject mater. It is remembered that these classes are not divisions of one another, but are classes arranged according to their closeness of relationship in subject interest, and are often of equal rank;
- It is an octadecimal classification, constructed on the principle of proceeding from the general to the more particular by the division of the whole human knowledge into 18 main classes, 324 divisions, 5832 sections and so on, each further subdivided octadecimally to the required degree;
- Each main class represents either a broad discipline or a group of related disciplines. However, this is not true for 0 (Zero) main class generalities. This class indicates varied subjects;
- It is an aspect classification, in which a phenomenon is classed according to the context or discipline in which it is considered. For example, the term 'Morphology' occurs in widely different fields, such as Biology, Botany, Zoology, Medical Science, Crystallography, and Linguistics. A book entitled 'Introduction to Morphology' should be classified only after ascertaining the context in which the term morphology has been used in the book as well as in the scheme.
Principles for
growing universe of subjects
An
array of class numbers should admit of any number of new coordinate numbers
being added at the end of the array is called extrapolation in an array.
"The number of coordinate ideas based on
a characteristic may be larger than the number of digits in the base of the
notational system. In meeting such a situation, Ranganathan's theory uses
sector notation. In sector notation, the last digit of a species of digits is
made semantically empty but allowed to retain its ordinal value." (Kent:
1971, P. 164). It is a method used for increasing the capacity of an array with
the help of an empty digit. It becomes possible to add unlimited numbers to
represent coordinate ideas. An empty digit is a digit with ordinal value but
without semantic value. Roman capital “J” is used as an empty digit.
Let
us consider the following sequence, made up octadecimal numbering system:
0 1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8
9 A B
C D E
F G H
J0 J1 J2
J3 J4 J5
J6 J7 J8
J9 JA JB
JC JD JE … JH
JJ0 JJ1 JJ2 …JJH and so on.
Let
us assume that J is an empty digit. In that case it would have ordinal value
but no semantic value. In other words, J by itself has no meaning. But J0 is
meaningful. Similarly, other numbers beginning with a single, double J or
triple J and so on are meaningful numbers.
Let
us assume that J0 represents a class coordinate with the classes represented by
digits from 0 to 9 and A to H. Similarly, we may assume that numbers J1, J2,
J3, J4 and so on are all postulated to represent classes coordinate with
classes represented by digits from 0 to 9 and A to H.
An
array of class numbers should admit of the interpolation of any number of new
coordinate numbers being added at any point in the array is called
Interpolation in an array.
"As
the universe of subjects develops, a new main subject may emerge. The idea
plane will ask for it to be interpolated between two main subjects already
listed in the schedule. The class number of these two main subjects may each
consist of single digits which are consecutive in the ordinal scale of the
notational system. Therefore, no digit would be available to represent the new
main subject. To meet the situation Ranganathan's theory uses the concept of
emptying digit." (Kent: 1971, P. 165).The emptying digit is a digit which
has its usual ordinal value as well as semantic value, “having the power to
deprive the preceding rich digit of its power of representing an idea”.
With
the help of an emptying digit a new number between any two existing class
numbers in an array can be interpolated.
An
emptying digit deprives the preceding digit of its semantic value in a digit
group, but retains the ordinal value allotted to it. It helps in interpolation
between two consecutive ordinal numbers if there is no gap available between
them. Roman capitals “X”, “Y”, and “Z” can be employed as emptying digits.
The
Roman capital "X" is known as forward interpolation, the Roman
capital "Y" is known as central interpolation and Roman capital
"Z" is known as backward interpolation in array.
5. Characteristics
- It covers more subjects by using few numbers of notations;
- It has simplified subject relation system to combine / relate subjects and facets;
- It has very simple or easily remembered notation for facet indicator, i.e. L is for language, M is for matter, P is for person, T is for time, etc;
- It has more hospitality in chain due to octadecimal fraction and in array due to quite broad base number;
- It has least number of digits in every facet, so it will be easy to store in our memory;
- It has provision of infinite extrapolation for increasing the capacity of an array;
- It has provision of interpolation for new subjects between any two consecutive ordinal numbers;
- It has very good mnemonics quality notations;
- It has very simple shelving or filing order.
Definition:
A notational system in a faceted classification scheme is combination of two
sets of symbols having a particular ordinal value of each symbol. One set of
symbols is used to represent the classes and their subdivisions. Another set of
symbols is used to represent the facet indicators.
OC has mixed base, linear, right-handed,
multi-partite, and octadecimal fractional notation. The octadecimal point in
the beginning is omitted.
OC has used the following four species
of digits:
10 Indo-Arabic numerals (0 to 9)
22 Roman capitals (A to Z excluding I, N,
O, & V)
1
Punctuation mark (dot “.”)
Indo-Arabic numerals "0 to 9"
and Roman capitals "A to H" are used to form Octadecimal numbering
system;
Roman capital “J” is used as an empty
digit;
Punctuation mark dot “.” is used to represent for facet indicator
of special auxiliary;
Roman
capitals “K, L, M, P, Q, T, and W” are used to represent for facet indicator of
common auxiliaries;
Roman
capitals “R and S” are used to represent for indicator digits of relation of
subjects;
Roman
capitals “X, Y, Z” are used as an emptying digit;
Roman
capital “U” is used to represent for facet indicator of subject device;
7. Ordinal value of digits in Octadecimal Numbering System
The numbering system, having eighteen
base numbers, is called octadecimal-numbering system. These eighteen symbols
are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, & H. and place
values increase in the power of 18. Each digit of a base has a particular
ordinal value, which defines the position of a digit in a series. For example,
digit 5 in an octadecimal numbering system comes after 4, and before 6. In
other words, the position of digit 5 in the series 0 to 9& A to H is 6th in
order. Similarly, all the digits in base, weather it consists of numerals or
alphabets or both, possess a particular ordinal value. It is the ordinal value
of the digits that facilitates the arrangement of entities in a group in
classification.
8.
Shelving or Filing Order
The filing order of ODC is based on a progression
from general to particular, so the main class generalities and common
auxiliaries which are general by definition come first. Secondly, the simple
number comes; thirdly, the simple number linked by notation dot “.” is filed
after simple number. Fourthly, the compound subjects of those simple subjects
come. Complex subjects are more particular than simple subjects by definition,
so they file in the last.
Examples
0L6E5 Nepali language
0PL6E5 Nepali speaking people
0PW76 Nepalese
0TFC Twenty first century in AD
0K35 Handbooks
0W76
E8 Inorganic chemistry
E8.8 Ores of Inorganic chemistry
E80L6E5 Documents in Nepali about Inorganic
chemistry
E80PW76 Inorganic chemistry for Nepalese people
E80TC0 Inorganic chemistry of 21st
century in AD
E80K35 Handbooks of Inorganic chemistry
E80W76 Inorganic substances in
E81 Alkali metals
E813 Sodium
E813.F3 Sodium chloride
E8F3 Chlorine
E8R7A Difference between Inorganic and Organic
chemistry
E8UF The inorganic elements technology
Citation
order means the order in which the facets or elements (building blocks) are
combined when a compound number is built. If the classification is used
pre-coordinately to organize books on the shelf in a library or create a
systematic display on an OPAC, the combination order is pre-determined to
ensure consistency.
The citation order and filing order are generally
reverse to each other.
Therefore,
the citation order for the OC is:
W T Q P M L K
For
example: The class number of “Bibliography of politics of Nepal in 20th
century” is A0W76 TB9K2, i.e. A is main class which represents “Political
science” W76 is a facet which represents Geographical area, Nepal, similarly TB9 is also a facet which represents 20th
century, likewise K2 is also a facet which represents Bibliography. Zero before
W is added according to the rule of OC, i.e. One zero is added before first
auxiliary. All facets have combined with the help of citation order.
“Any
systematic arrangement, which breaks the whole collection into groups, is
certainly better than haphazard arrangement. Some arrangements are better than
others. We should choose that arrangement which meets our requirements in the
best possible manner. Choice should thus take into consideration the purposes
for which the users use books. Library classification scheme must be
purpose-oriented” (Krishna Kumar:1991, P. 234).
The octadecimal classification scheme is
a purpose-oriented library classification scheme. The whole schedule of OC is
subject arrangement i.e. classification by subjects. But other type of
arrangement is also possible by using this scheme, i.e. to give greater
priority to any facet in a compound number by citing it first.
The other types of classification are as
follows: -
i. Linguistic Classification
Linguistic classification is the
arrangement by language throughout. Thus books are separated first by language
and then are arranged by subject within the language. This principle also comes
into use when an author’s works are separated into editions and translation.
Examples:
0L619UE5 English language – Physics
0L6DDUE8 Maithali language – Inorganic chemistry
0L6E5UEB Nepali language –Environmental Science
Chronological Classification is a
supplementary arrangement of material in a suborder according to time or period
in which the subject is consider. Thus books are separated first by period or
time and then are arranged by subject.
Examples:
0T90U32 10th
century BC - Hinduism
0TB9UH 20th
century- Agricultural Sciences
0TC0UF 21st
century- Technology
Classification by form is the
arrangement by type of publication. Thus books are separated first by form and
then are arranged by subject. It is used in all system where all encyclopedias,
directories, dictionaries, and periodicals are picked out from the other books
in their subjects and put in a separate section or department.
Examples:
0K31UE Encyclopedias
– Science
0K33UE5 Dictionaries
– Physics
0K51UF Periodicals
– Technology
iv. Classification by place
Classification by place is the
arrangement by place. Thus books are separated the place with which it is
concerned and then are arranged by subject.
Examples:
0W76U9
0W78U8
0WH3UA
The library collections can be arranged
by different way with the help of citation order. Thus the variation of
citation order satisfies the purpose-oriented library classification.
The
scheme consists of:
ii. Auxiliaries
iii.
Relation of subjects
iv.
Subject Device
v.
Index
The
universe of subjects has been organized into three broader groups and divided
into eighteen main classes.
1-6 Humanities
7-D Social Sciences
E-H Science and Technology
0 Generalities
1 Philosophy
2 Psychology
3 Religions.
Theology
3 Religions.
Theology
4 Languages.
Linguistics
5 Literature
6 The
arts. Music. Sports
7 Education
8 Geography
9 History
A Political Sciences
B Social Sciences
C Law Jurisprudence
E Pure Sciences
F Technology. Engineering.
Computer Science
G Medical Sciences
H Agricultural Sciences. Animal
husbandry
D Economics
E0 General Sciences
E1 Fundamental Mathematics
E2 Applied Mathematics
E3 Astronomy
E4 Mathematical Physics
E5 Physics
E6 [VACANT]
E7 Chemistry
E8 Inorganic Chemistry
E9 Physical Chemistry
EA Organic Chemistry
EB Earth Science
EC Paleontology
ED Environmental Science
EE Biological Science
EF Microbiology
EG Botany
EH Zoology
The
coordination and subordination of mathematics, chemistry and biology are placed
side by side where as in DDC & UDC only biology are placed side by side.
Each division has eighteen sections and so on
"A
new main subject may emerge by the fusion of two or more main subjects. Biophysics,
bioengineering, and biochemistry are examples of such fused main
subjects." (Kent: 1971, P. 166).
In
this schedule, two or more subjects of main schedule are fused together in such
way that each of them loses its individuality, gives a new main subject. These
subjects are compound (not complex) subjects taken from fused relation. The
subject whose class number is the earlier class number is cited as the first
subject. In other words, the subjects are arranged in ascending order of the
class number.
The
indicator digits for fused subject relation at zero level is S0, at first level
is S1, at second level is S2, at third level is S3, at fourth level is S4 and
at fifth level is S5.
If there is no common digit between two or more ODC
numbers is known as zero level relation; similarly if there is one common digit
between two or more ODC numbers is known as first level relation and so on.
For
example, the class number for “Biochemistry” would be E7S1E. Here, biochemistry
is neither biology nor chemistry, but it is a new subject achieved by the
fusion of “Biology” and “Chemistry”. The class number of biochemistry
"E7S1E” is taken from fused relation. Its divisions and sections are also
possible. In this fused subject schedule, the possible divisions and sections
of fused subjects are assigned. The schedule is not listed in one place and not
treated as main subjects. So, OC has not shelved the fused subjects with main
subjects is its limitation because fused subjects are not complex subjects.
Examples:
4S0B Socio-linguistics
8S0A Geopolitics
E3S15 Astrophysics
E3S17 Astro-chemistry
E3S1E Astrobiology
E7S1E0K2 Bibliography of biochemistry
E7S1B Geochemistry
ECS0GUF Biomedical Engineering
10.ii. Auxiliaries
The auxiliaries help in eliminating repetition in the various schedules they group certain recurring and general subordinate concepts such as language table, area table, time table, person table, variant table, etc. The table of auxiliaries serves the mnemonic function as well. The ODC uses two kinds of auxiliaries: general or common and special. The common auxiliaries can be used in all the schedules of the scheme where as special auxiliaries can be used only in specific schedules or their parts. The notation Zero “0” is added before first auxiliaries only while combining the two or more auxiliaries in a simple subject.
10.ii. a. Common auxiliaries
The common auxiliaries are applicable
through out the various main schedules, fused subject schedules. The various
tables of common auxiliaries and their connecting symbols are given in the
following table:
|
Common
Auxiliaries |
Facet
Indicator |
|
Kasto Table |
K |
|
Language Table
|
L |
|
Matter Table |
M |
|
Person Table |
P |
|
Quality Table |
Q |
|
Time Table |
T |
|
Area Table |
W |
Examples:
A0W76 Politics
of
A0W76V2 Bibliography
of Politics of
A0W76TB9K2K2 Bibliography of bibliography of Politics of
Nepal of 21st century in AD
10. ii. b.
Special auxiliaries
The special
auxiliaries, unlike the common auxiliaries are not listed in one place, and do
not have such extensive applicability. They occur at various places in the
schedules, and express concepts that are recurrent, but in a more limited
subject range. The facet indicator of special auxiliary is “.” dot.
Examples:
56C1.1 Sanskrit poems
E8.8 Ores
of inorganic elements
E884.6 Physical properties of iron elements
One of the modes of formation of subjects in the
universe of subjects is called loose assemblage. Loose assemblage mode of
formation is concerned with mutual relation and is represented by relation of
subjects in library classification.
OC has
provided the following six kinds of relationship between two or more subjects:
a. General relation
b. Comparison / difference
c. Bias
d. Fused
e. Tool
f. Influence
Table of indicators digits in different
levels of relations
|
Kinds of
Relations |
Zero level
|
First level
|
Second level
|
Third level
|
Fourth level
|
Fifth level
|
|
General |
R0
|
R1
|
R2
|
R3
|
R4
|
R5
|
|
Comparison/Difference |
R6
|
R7
|
R8
|
R9
|
RA
|
RB
|
|
Bias |
RC
|
RD
|
RE
|
RF
|
RG
|
RH
|
|
Fused |
S0
|
S1
|
S2
|
S3
|
S4
|
S5
|
|
Influence |
S6
|
S7
|
S8
|
S9
|
SA
|
SB
|
|
Tool |
SC
|
SD
|
SE
|
SF
|
SG
|
SH
|
Examples
2RCG Psychology for doctors
33S72 Influence
of Hinduism on Buddhism
3BR7F Comparison
between Judaism and Islam
8R0A General
relation between geography and political science
E2RD5 Statistics
for physicists
E5R77.E Difference
between physics, chemistry and biology
EGR1H The
General relation between botany and zoology
11.
iv. Subject Device
A full schedule
developed at one place is repeated by analogy at other places or some classes
of materials are given the same development as the whole classification. The
Roman capital ‘U’ is the indicator digit for universe of subjects. It is used
to combine schedule to schedule, and is known as subject device. The notation ‘U’
in the beginning is disappeared. But it is appeared in middle. It is not a
common auxiliary so don’t prescribe notation zero “0” before it.
Examples:
GUF Medical technology (not G0UF)
HUF Agricultural
technology
(not H0UF)
This
device is also used to apply a subject as common auxiliaries; e.g.
32 Hinduism
33 Buddhism
330WU3C Buddhism in Christanity areas
3C Christianity
3C0WU32 Christanity in Hindu areas
Index
entries of common auxiliaries and schedules are arranged alphabetically word by word in the last part of the scheme.
- Dewey, Melvil (1996), Dewey decimal
classification and relative index, Mitchell, Joan S. (Ed.), 21st
ed.,
- Kent, Allen; Lancour, Harold (1971), Encyclopedia of library and information science, Marcel Dekker,
- Khanna, J. K.; Kapil,
- Khanna, J. K.; Vohra, R. (1986), Handbook of library classification systems, Beacon
Books,
- Khanna, J. K. (1984), Analytico-synthetic classification, ESS ESS, New Deldhi.
- Krishan Kumar (1991), Library manual, 4th ed., Vikas Publishing House,
- Krishan Kumar (1979), Theory of classification, 4th rev. ed., Vikas
Publishing House,
- Ranganathan, S. R. (1979), Prolegomena to library classification, 3rd ed., Asia
Publishing House,
- Ranganathan, S. R. (1960),
- Sengupta, B.; Ohdedar, A. K. (1971), Library classification, The World
Press,
Websites
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colon_classification
- http://www.iskoi.org/doc/colon.htm
- http://www.tnrdlib.bc.ca/dewey.html
- http://www.udcc.org/about.htm
- http://www.udcc.org/scheme.htm
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