Library classification is the process of organizing the books and other materials in a library according to a set of standardized rules and guidelines. The purpose of library classification is to create a logical and organized structure for the library’s collection, making it easier for patrons to find and access the materials.
There are several different library classification systems in use around the world, such as the Dewey Decimal Classification system and the Library of Congress Classification system. These systems use a specific set of numbers or letters to represent different subjects or categories, and the books in a library are assigned call numbers based on their classification.
In general, library classification systems are hierarchical, meaning that they are arranged in a series of levels or categories, with more general categories at the top and more specific categories at the bottom. For example, in the Dewey Decimal Classification system, the main categories are represented by the digits 0-9, and the subcategories are represented by decimal numbers.
The specific rules and guidelines for library classification vary depending on the system being used, but they generally take into account the subject matter of the materials, the intended audience, and other factors such as the format of the materials (e.g. book, DVD, etc.).