Classification Systems (course notes)

In summary differences between LCC and DCC are Size and Specificity, Notation, Structural, Mnemonics, Indexing, Tables, and their application.

-LCC has many more enumerated numbers DDC employs more number building that LCC. LCC is more specific.
-DDC uses only Arabic numbers
-LCC is alphanumeric
-LCC tends to be more flexible and economical (LCC numbers for the same topics can be much shorter)
-DDC is hierarchical and short numbers express broad topers and long number narrow topic (the decimal point in DDC means the number sequence puts narrow topics after the broader only)
-LCC is a practical arrangement it subdivides topics by alphabetizing their geographical or topical aspects
-DDC provides mnemonics (memory aids)
-Schedules for LCC main classes are developed independently of one another and
-LCC has no universal mnemonic.


Points to remember:
-Need to decide if using abridged or unabridged format for DDC,
Sears List of Subject Headings for the abridged numbers for smaller libraries.
and how to apply DDC's options for biography.

-DDC revises it schedules more frequently than LCC so need to implement changes sometimes.

-Decisions regarding classification and shelving made in a library should be carefully documented in writing and maintained in a file with other cataloguing policies and procedures.


We use DDC in Schools because of the “browsing” capabilities of the DDC and the mnemonic aspects. We use LCC in post secondary institutions because of the scale of the collection. In our course readings it is suggested that there should be a program in grade 12 where high school seniors learn to use and do research with LCC system since that is what they will use at Post secondary. It has been a long time since I looked anything up in a University library. I get most of my information from the book store. I am embarrassed to say that I did not know that Universities used a different classification system than public schools.