If it's a library's policy to assign one, and only one, classification
number, then you're stuck in the shelf-order mentality. We have plenty
of items in our collection for which two or more LC numbers make perfect
sense, but because our ultimate need is to put it on a shelf, we give it
only one. Even items in our online collections get a single
classification number. The decision not to consider adding more sure
seems like a holdover from the shelf.
Mark Sandford
Special Formats Cataloger
Cheng Library
William Paterson University
(973) 720-2437
-----Original Message-----
From: Next generation catalogs for libraries
[mailto:NGC4LIB_at_LISTSERV.ND.EDU] On Behalf Of Mitchell, Michael
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2012 8:39 AM
To: NGC4LIB_at_LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: Re: [NGC4LIB] Video of "Think Different"
-----Original Message-----
From: Next generation catalogs for libraries
[mailto:NGC4LIB_at_LISTSERV.ND.EDU] On Behalf Of Karen Coyle
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2012 8:08 PM
To: NGC4LIB_at_LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: Re: [NGC4LIB] Video of "Think Different"
[...]Libraries do classify their works, but unfortunately we classify
only to determine shelf order. I'd like to see experiments with
classification as navigation.[...] Karen Coyle
=================================================================
No we don't. We classify for topical collocation. We may use
classification numbers as part of a shelving scheme but that is not the
main purpose of classification. If it was we would just use accession
numbers.
It concerns me that people who don't understand current cataloging
theory and practice are purporting to be the experts best suited to
devise the next-gen cataloging.
Michael Mitchell
Technical Services Librarian
Brazosport College
Lake Jackson, TX
Michael.mitchell at brazosport.edu
Received on Mon Nov 19 2012 - 09:44:46 EST