Organisation of Knowledge I: Cataloguing [12 Credits]
1. Course Description
This course consists of theories and practices of bibliographic description i.e. cataloguing. The
course covers basic and advanced aspects of descriptive cataloguing, historical background,
theoretical and practical aspects of document description, manual and automated aspects of this
branch of the organization of knowledge.
This course addresses the theories, principles and practices of classification. It covers the
application of national standards to the creation of bibliographic records and other information
environments. It teaches the fundamental concepts of classification: understanding the various
approaches to and pitfalls in determining the theoretical foundations and the application of the
major classification schemes (DDC and LCC).
2. Objective of the Course
The main objective of the course is to enable students apply the standards used in cataloguing
library materials and interpret cataloguing rules effectively.
3. Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students should be able to:
Describe the underlying principles and standards used in cataloguing structure and
functions of MARC Format, Metadata and the cataloguing code.
Apply various cataloguing tools and aids, including online, copy and cooperative
cataloguing.
Determine the choice of access points, authority control and the creation of records/entries
for manual and automated databases.
Describe classification process in library and information environment and basics skills in
classification.
Apply, Analyze and evaluate the schemes of classification such as DDC, LCC schemes and
NML .
4. Course content
Module 1: Introduction to organization of knowledge and information
Introduction and definition of key concepts.
Manual vs electronic organization of knowledge.
Principles of cataloguing and level of cataloguing
Catalogues and databases.
Module 2: Descriptive cataloging
History of cataloguing and cataloguing rules.
Need and purpose of cataloguing
Cataloguing rules and codes, overview of AACR II.
Choice and creation of access pointsCreation of records/entries
Module 3: Standards and functions of organization of knowledge
MARC (Machine Readable Cataloguing) Format.
Library of Congress and Sears Subject headings Lists.
o Understanding the thesaurus format.
o Subdivisions: subject and geographic.
o Cross-references.
o Usage instructions.
Metadata
Cataloguing methods
Module 4: Methods in organization of knowledge
International standards for bibliographical description of library materials
Descriptive cataloguing: original /manual cataloguing.
Descriptive cataloguing: automated and copy cataloguing. Centralized and Cooperative
cataloguing.
Module 5: Content description (verbal classification)
Principles of subject and verbal classification.
Subject headings and Forms of catalogues
Authority control: names and subjects.
Principles and functions of bibliographic control.
Module 6: Introduction to classification
History and theory of classification
Universe of Knowledge
Book classification
Knowledge classification vis-à-vis book classification
Need, purposes and functions
Artificial classification
General principles and theory
PMEST arrangement
Limitations of classification
Module 7: Types and features of classification schemes
Enumerate and faceted classification
Components of classification scheme
General principals of classifying
Comparing classification systems
Module 8: Notation
Need, functions and characteristics
Types and qualities
Call number
General and special classification schemes
Subject Analysis
Module 9: Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
Introduction and basic concepts
Summary tables and the relative index
The schedules, The tables and Number building
Evaluation
Module 10: Library of Congress Classification
Introduction and basic concepts
The schedule and Cutter (book) numbers
LCC call numbers
Evaluation
Module 12: National Library of Medicine Classification
Introduction and basic concept
Structure of the NLM Classification
Relationship to MeSH
How to use the Index
Cross References and see also references
Module 13: Current developments/trends in classification
5. Teaching Methods
Lectures, demonstrations, group work and discussions.
6. Delivery
30 Lectures hours
15 Practical hours
7. Course Evaluation
Course work: 40%
Final Exam: 60%
8. Textbooks
Anglo-American Cataloging Rules [AACR] (2002) 2nd ed. - Ottawa: Canadian Library
Association; Chicago and American Library Association, 2002
Library of Congress Subject Headings. Latest edition – Washington: Cataloging Distribution
Service, Library of Congress.
Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings. (1991) 4th ed. Washington; Cataloging
Distribution Service, Library of Congress,
Chan, L. M. (1994). Cataloging and Classification: An Introduction. 2nd Ed. New York:
McGraw-Hill,
Funie, B. (2004). Understanding MARC: Bibliographic: Machine Readable Cataloging, 7th Ed.
Washington, DC: Cataloging Distribution Service, Library of Congress.
Gorman. M., & Paul W. W [Eds]. (1988). Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules. 2nd ed., rev.
Ottawa: Canadian Library Association.
Morgan, L. (1995). Descriptive Cataloguing 2 Workbook.
Read, J.M. (2003). Cataloguing without tears: managing knowledge in the information society.
Oxford: Chandos Publishing.
Taylor, A,G. (2006). Introduction to Cataloging and Classification,10th Ed. Westport, Conn.:
Libraries Unlimited,
Chan, L.M., & Mitchell, J.S. (2003). Decimal classification principles and application. 3rd ed.
Dublin, Ohio: OCLC
Chan, L.M. (1999). A Guide to the Library of Congress Classification: 5th ed. Englewood:
Libraries Unlimited.
Chan, L.M. (2007). Cataloguing and Classification. An Introduction. Scarecrow Press
Hunter, E. J. (2002). Classification made simple. 2nd ed. Aldershot. Eng. Burlington, Vt.
Ashgate.
Langridge, D.W. (1992). Classification: Its kinds, elements, systems and applications. London:
Bowker – Saur.
Scot, M. L. (2005). Dewey Decimal Classification 22nd ed: A study Manual and Number
Building Guide. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
Taylor, A. G. (2006). Introduction to cataloguing and classification, 10th ed. Westport, Conn:
Libraries Unlimited
Taylor, A.G., & Waynar, B.S. (2004). The Organization of Informations. Englewood Libraries
Unlimited.
Taylor, A., & Waynar, B. S. (2004). Waynar’s Introduction to cataloguing and classification, 9th
ed. Englewood’s Libraries Unlimited.
Sharma, C.K., & Sharma, A.K. (2001). Library Classification. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers
and Distributors (P) Ltd.
Prashant, K. (2006). Library Classification. Anmol Publication Prt. Limited
5. Teaching Methods
Lectures and group/individual practical assignments, take-home assignments, presentations and
attachments.
6. Delivery
30 Lecture hours
15 Practical hours
7. Course Evaluation
Coursework 40%
Final Examinations 60%.
7. Textbooks
