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)

Discussion of precision in information retrieval highlights a prototype online catalog, ILSA (Improving Library Subject Access), developed at Indiana University of Pennsylvania that uses subject clusters and classification. Topics addressed include problems with keyword searching, controlled vocabulary, and thesauri; natural language mapping…

In this research project, subject terms from the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) Schedules and Relative Index were incorporated into an online catalog as searcher's tools for subject access, browsing, and display. Four features of the DDC were employed to help searchers browse for and match their own subject terms with the online catalog's…

Recommends an expansion of MARC codes for decimal class numbers to enhance automated subject retrieval. Five values for a second indicator and two new subfields are suggested for encoding hierarchical relationships among decimal class numbers. Additional subfields are suggested to enhance retrieval through analysis of synthesized numbers in…

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)

Discusses the history and development of the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC). Topics include the relationship with Dewey Decimal Classification; revision process; structure; facet analysis; lack of standard rules for application; application in automated systems; influence of UDC on classification development; links with thesauri; and use…

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,…

Explores the potential usefulness of the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system as a tool in online retrieval. Unique features of LCC are described and a theoretical analysis of its potentials and limitations in terms of subject browsing, enhanced vocabulary, and class number searching are presented. (CDD)

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…

There are 16 papers in this collection from the Division of Bibliographic Control: (1) "Report from the Section on Cataloging" (Tom Delsey); (2) "Section on Bibliography Report" (B. C. Bloomfield); (3) "Report from the Section on Classification and Indexing" (Robert P. Holley); (4) "The Cost of Cataloging" (French and English versions; Genevieve…

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…

Techniques for building a world-wide information infrastructure by reverse engineering existing databases to link them in a hierarchical system of subject clusters to create an integrated database are explored. The controlled vocabulary of the Library of Congress Subject Headings is used to ensure consistency and group similar items. Each database…

In response to recent trends towards automated bibliographic control, this issue of "Drexel Library Quarterly" discusses present day bibliographic classification schemes and offers some insight into the future. This volume contains essays which: (1) define "classification"; (2) provide historical background; (3) examine the Dewey Decimal System,…

Examines the structure and principles of various hierarchical guides, or hotlists, which attempt to give subject access to World Wide Web resources on the Internet. The lists are compared to classification schemes and to Library of Congress subject headings, and browsing and search engines are compared. (Author/LRW)

Describes plans for an investigation of gopher protocol use for browsing and searching for information available via the Internet. Use of classification schemes based on traditional library models will be compared to the use of an existing gopher. Research questions, literature on related issues, construction of the classification schemes, and the…