CURRICULUM-BASED CLASSIFICATION CASE STUDY AT SOUTHWEST COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE LIBRARY Daniela Solomon

Classification Bring related items together in a helpful sequence from the general to the specific. Classification is important for the socially useful end of intermediating communication between information systems and individuals.

Factors that influence communication organizational structure of the information system; the representation of resources; the ability of the information system to create meaningful contexts; the relevance of the organizational structure of the information to the individuals’ knowledge.

Factors that influence subject-based classification Knowledge evolution Linear representation inadequacy The classification’s nature and structure The vocabulary used and the biases introduced by this vocabulary Political aspects of promoting professional groups

Requirements for the information professionals In order to fulfill its social value, classification systems need to bring the right information to the public as it needs it. Information professionals need to acknowledge the informational needs of the public they serve, and, if necessary, create / change classification systems.

Alternative classification systems Advantages: customized scheme, adapted to its specific content and user groups; flexibility, as they are easier to change and include new areas of interest. Disadvantages: they are time consuming - and therefore expensive; requires extensive specialist subject knowledge; it is a very subjective process and it is relatively easy to overlook something and this can lead directly to a lack of consistency. To be cost effective, these alternative classifications need to be very carefully developed and documented, and continuously maintained.

The case of naturopathic medicine N.D.s Attempt to maximize the patient’s wellness, to prevent health problems, to treat the whole person and not just the immediately presenting symptoms by finding the underlying causes of a condition. M.D.s Treat symptoms and combat diseases by using more formulaic, faster acting remedies, such as drugs and surgery.

NLM Classification for CAM Complementary and Alternative Therapies WB 880 Mind-body interactions. Mental healing WB 885 Faith healing. Christian Science healing WB 890 Special systems of therapeutics. Complementary therapies (General or not elsewhere classified) WB 900 History of special systems or complementary therapies WB 903 Anthroposophy (used in medicine) Cf. BP 595-597 General works. WB 905 Chiropractic WB 905.6 History and philosophy WB 905.7 Chiropractic as a profession. Ethics. Peer review. WB 905.8 Diagnosis WB 905.9 Therapeutics WB 920 Eclecticism WB 925 Herbal medicine. Phytotherapy WB 930 Homeopathy WB 935 Naturopathy WB 940 Osteopathy WB 960 Radiesthesia WB 962 Reflexotherapy

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Library Mission Statement Southwest College Library supports the curriculum, enhances the College learning environment, and helps to complete the larger institutional mission of medical education, patient care, and research, with emphasis on the natural therapies.

Changes made at SCNM Library Pharmacology Homeopathy Nutrition and Diet Therapy Acupuncture Physical Medicine Environmental Medicine

Herbal Medicine vs. Pharmacology NLM and LCC include medicinal plants in Pharmacology class. For naturopathic physicians, “pharmacology” refers only to synthetic prescription drugs while medicinal plants are part of CAM practice Medicinal plants have been moved next to the Herbal Medicine class – “the approach to healing which uses plant or plant-derived preparations to treat, prevent, or cure various health conditions”

Homeopathy Homeopathy restores the natural balance and help the body cu cure itself. Allopathic practitioners generally are skeptical about homeopathy’s beneficial results. NLM Classification for homeopathy Homeopathic Remedies  see Materia Medica Homeopathy  WB 930  History  WB 930 Infant or child  WS 366 Veterinary medicine SF 746 In treatment of particular diseases or system with the disease or system See also Formularies, Homeopathic See also Pharmacopoeias, Homeopathic

Nutrition and Diet Therapy NLM has diet therapy in Practice of Medicine section, vitamins and general nutritional requirements in Biochemistry section, and general diets in Physiology section. N.D.s believe that dietary supplements, vitamins, diet therapies, and nutrition are all part of Practice of Medicine and contribute to disease cure and maintenance of an optimal health. Everything was gathered next to NLM Classification’s Nutrition Class.

Conclusion SCNM Library has acknowledged the need for changes within its in-practice-classification and acted accordingly to meet students and faculty information needs. First-hand observations: the Library staff now gets fewer questions about discrepancies between the previous arrangements on the shelves and students’ understanding; usage continues steadily to increase, especially within the modified classifications.

SCNM Library – true to its marketing slogan: “A Customized Information Service that Fits Your Natural Health Research Needs” THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!