Future of Classification

Classification now has to encompass ’non-physical’ media such as the Internet, yet still ensure access to knowledge held in traditional physical forms on library shelves. What does this mean for the future, and can classification cope with the virtual library? Written by a group of internationally-known specialists, this book reassesses traditional classification principles and the extent to which they provide the right basis for modern information storage and retrieval. First posing the radical question of whether classification is still really necessary, the book proceeds by emphasizing the need for systematic knowledge organization, with two chapters concentrating on classification in relation to IT and the Internet. Later chapters re-examine how present systems - Dewey Decimal Classification, Universal Decimal Classification and Library of Congress Classification - are likely to adapt, and provide a wealth of information sources for investigating the subject further. The Future of Classification delves deep into what makes knowledge-seeking successful. Those studying information storage and retrieval, and managers wanting to improve retrieval methods on which their service depends should read it.

’It is encouraging to see a resurgence in the use of classification in organizing information resources...this book is an excellent introduction to its achievements in the past, and its potential for the future.’ Library Association Record ’As a collection of timely papers it is a truly valuable publication. It establishes without doubt that classification has and will continue to have a contribution to make to the bibliographic control of publications in all formats and in the contexts of both tangible and virtual collections... the book should be read by not only lecturers and students, but all those concerned with the display of collections by means of a subject criteria.’ Journal of Documentation ’... the book is extremely readable. It provides an excellent general introduction to contemporary issues in classification, and is worthwhile reading for anyone who wishes to familiarize him or herself with current developments. It is already on the classification module reading list for students at UCL, and is particularly appropriate for that purpose, covering as it does the major part of the post-graduate syllabus for classification. But it also serves as a guide to practitioners in the field, and to those non-specialists who wish to update their awareness of knowledge organization matters, or who wonder whether classification really is an out-dated method of handling information. The lists of references supporting each chapter are extensive, and again provide an excellent guide to the literature of the field...overall the book gives a very clear, comprehensive, and accurate picture of the state of play in the field of Classification. It confirms the notion that Classification does indeed have a future, and must be essential reading for all who have an interest in this subject.’ Library and Information Research News ’...an interesting and imperative evaluation of where and how classification fits into the changing world of information organ

Rita Marcella, co-author with Robert Newton of A New Manual of Classification, also published by Gower, is Reader and Deputy Head of the School of Information and Media at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK. She became a lecturer at the university after working as a cataloguer and classifier in an academic library. Now retired, Arthur Maltby was formerly, amongst other posts, head of a university information studies department and an adviser on education and libraries at the Scottish Office. He has written or edited nine other books and numerous articles on topics as diverse as information retrieval, Irish history and Shakespeare.