Library of congress classification LIS 640 Archer-Capuzzo • Nele fritz & Tori linville

Library of congress classification Introduction Began in the early 20th century: created by Herbert Putnam in 1897 Considered a universal scheme – covers the “universe of knowledge” Not multilingual Updates monthly on the LCC website: loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcc Created for the Library of Congress (LOC) – has some aspects that don’t work for all libraries because it wasn’t built for all libraries Second point: based loosely on Cutter’s “Expansive Classification” class outline for their own library Currently considered one of the most widely used classification systems in the world Tried to use DDC – “LC representatives talked with Dewey to try to convince him to allow them to adapt his scheme but ran afoul of his intransigence” (82). Third point: In contrast to the Dewey Decimal System Fourth point: LCC can be found online exclusively – website or PDF, not printed any more Classification Web subscription access allows search, browse, etc. by classification Photo credit: prologue.blogs.archives.gov/herbert-putnam-library-of-congress-2/

Major LLC Components In common with other classification schemes Verbal description of things and concepts represented in / by LCC (topic by topic) Meaningful arrangement of topics convenient for users References within the schedules to different aspects or other topics (like related term references in alphabetical lists) Alphabetical list of terms that are used in the schedules leading to notations Organization ensures the revision, republishing, maintenance of LCC First point: Notation alongside the verbal description; one entire group of notation and description form the schedules Instructions for use are included

What’s the deal with lcc? LCC is hierarchical and enumerative Hierarchies are shown through indentions First point: Enumerative meaning that it exhaustively lists topics – more enumerative than DDC because attempts to list a notation for every possible topic (see p. 553) Apologies for photos – didn’t have a scanner Photo credit: D. Joudrey & A. Taylor. (2018). The organization of information. p. 553

The deal, continued LCC is is often linked to the LC Subject Heading – if you have one already the other is easier to find Screenshot taken from id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85054012.html

The main squeeze (& by squeeze we mean classes) LCC has 21 main classes represented by letters Each own class has its own description, notation, terminology, instructions known as its schedule Classes don’t utilize every letter Topics under main classes are represented by digit numbers & whole numbers can be extended by decimal numbers Updates are created by inserting new notations Some sub-topics are alphanumerical (letter-digit combination) First point: letters are not initials for classes Second point: Classes were created by subject specialists and have some inconsistency in between them There are five spare classes, leaving room for expansion – hasn’t come close to using all possible space LLC letters are doubled in most cases, allowing for a potential of upwards of 17,000+ sections “In most places in LCC letters are doubled, giving the potential for up to 676 divisions vs. the 100 available to DDC (and if three letters are used, LCC could offer up to 17,576 sections vs. DDCs 1,000 sections!)” (558). Fourth point: Each cutter represents a different author (automatic cutter generator online) For section G: Cutter numbers available Photo credit: D. Joudrey & A. Taylor, The organization of information (2018) p. 552

ANATOMY OF A CALL NUMBER Another example: Classifying Bridges and Crowns: An Introduction by D.N. Allan, a book published in 1986 Classification Number: RK666 (stands for crown and bridge work in prosthetic dentistry in LCC) Cutter Number: A45 = represents names beginning with the letters a-l-l in the Library of Congress’s cutter table 1986: publication date RK666 A45 1986 Photo credit: D. Bawden & L. Robinson. (2012). Introduction to information science. Example: D. Joudrey & A. Taylor. (2018). The organization of information. 18.

CUTTER NUMBERS Cutter numbers are placed after the classification number – there is usually one cutter; sometimes two, never more than two Each cutter represents a different author (automatic cutter generator online) The cutter table offered in J&T is on page 587. For section G: Cutter numbers available Photo credit: K. Snow, A practical guide to Library of Congress classification

Date Guidelines Date part of LCC number is always the published date and in Arabic numbers  If the date is unknown, catalogers then use another date (copyright, distribution, etc.) First point: NOT not the copyright date and if in Roman numbers, it has to be transcribed -  Work letters for years indicate different editions published in the same years (reprint, other country editions, etc.)

Works cited D. Bawden & L. Robinson. (2012). Introduction to information science. D. Joudrey & A. Taylor. (2018). The organization of information. Snow, K. (2017). A practical guide to Library of Congress classification. Home | Library of Congress. [web page]. Retrieved March 15, 2018, from https://www.loc.gov/