The second of two articles examines some modern classification schemes and the logic behind them. Examples of unusual classification within the Dewey Decimal system are given, and social and political influences on classification schemes are noted. (MES)

A survey of 660 Pennsylvania school librarians indicates that, though there is limited professional interest in the Library of Congress Classification system, Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) appears to be firmly entrenched. This article also discusses the relative merits of DDC, the need for a uniform system, librarianship preparation, and…

Discusses theoretical and practical progress made in the classification of information for retrieval in the last 20 years and suggests alternatives to the Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classification systems. (JVP)

Offers illustrations of anomalies and prejudices found in common information retrieval tools: "LC Subject Headings" (9th edition), "Dewey Decimal Classification" (19th edition), "Universal Decimal Classification" (3rd abridged edition). Index terms in areas of sexual bias, social strata, politics, knowledge, customs,…

Criticizes the 19th edition of "Dewey Decimal Classification" for violating traditional classification goals for library materials and ignoring the desires of libraries and other users. A total reform is proposed to eliminate Phoenix schedules and to accept only those relocations approved by an editorial board of users. (RAA)

Perreault's essay presents a critical review of "The Joy of Cataloging," a collection of 44 essays, addresses, reviews, and letters by Sanford Berman, head cataloger at the Hennepin County Library (HCL) in Edina, Minnesota. Cataloging principles ascribed to Berman include naturalness and fullness of language, file integration,…

This discussion of the classification of African literature in major schemes provides a review of the literature and examples from Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal classifications. A proposed class (PV) comprising categories of general African literature, African literature in European languages, and African literature in indigenous languages…

Describes and evaluates several fiction classification systems from the perspective of how well they answer likely reader queries regarding subjects of novels, and their utility for browsing. The usefulness of subject headings for card catalogs and print and online indexes to enhance topical access to fiction is discussed. (Author/MBR)

The retiring editor of Dewey Decimal Classification recounts the development of the system from the 16th through the 19th editions, i.e., 1956-1980. During this period, the system has undergone major changes to internationalize its character. Special provisions have been incorporated for branches of history, geography, language, literature, the…

National bibliographic developments worldwide are planned with awareness of international context and of advantages of following internationally used standards. The information gap between librarians in rich and poor countries through unavailability of high technology in poor countries where international bibliographic tools are in use appears to…

These three articles address issues in library cataloging that are affected by automation: (1) the impact of automation and bibliographic utilities on professional catalogers; (2) the effect of the LASS microcomputer software on the cost of authority work in cataloging at the University of Arizona; and (3) online subject heading and classification…

This paper argues that the ancient people of Kemet (Egypt), "the black land," built and operated the first major libraries and institutions of higher education in the world. Topics of discussion include the Ancient Egyptians as an African people; a chronology of Ancient Kemet; literature in Kemet; a history of Egyptian Librarianship; the…

This study analyzes the sociocultural factors that affect translations of the Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC) from English into four other languages, i.e., Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, and Turkish. The study was performed in three stages: each entry in each translation was compared with the edition of DDC on which it was based; each class of…

Describes the Dewey Online Retrieval System (DORS), which was developed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to experiment with classification-based search strategies in online catalogs. Classification structures in automated information retrieval are discussed; and specifications for a classification retrieval interface are…

Three articles describe methods for teaching library skills. The first presents a song used to teach students the Dewey Decimal system; the second describes a reading program incorporating Halloween and foreign countries; and the third includes short poems designed to teach students to care for library books properly. (CLB)