| CODE | LIS2512 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Classification and Subject Indexing | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Library Information and Archive Sciences | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | In the first part of the study-unit, an introduction to the theoretical, historical and cultural background of library classification systems will be explored. A number of library classifications currently in use will be discussed with special focus on the Dewey Decimal System which is studied systematically through practical sessions. Advantages and disadvantages of library classification will be discussed together with issues related to the Online Public Access Catalogue. Furthermore, the problems of managing classification and subject work in a library environment will be outlined. The second part of the unit introduces the student to the world of subject headings. The various approaches to subject indexing and the basic principles underlying thesauri and other information retrieval systems and methods will be discussed. Subject heading lists will be explained and their use will be compared to the use of thesauri. The benefits of using these tools effectively will be highlighted. This study-unit will make use of new tools that have become available thanks to the introduction of ICT in the world of libraries. It is therefore assumed that all students will have a basic knowledge of computer usage and the use of the Internet. Students will need their University user name and passwords during the practical sessions in the computer labs. Study-unit Aims The aim of this study-unit is to familiarise students with the basic principles of library classification system, especially the Dewey Decimal Classification and how to effectively use this classification to assign notations to library items. Another aim is for students to understand the need for assigning subject headings to library items and how these headings will benefit information retrieval. Comparisons with the use of thesauri and also with the use on uncontrolled vocabularies will also be made and discussed in class. Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: • Appreciate the need and usefulness of library classifications; • Distinguish between enumerative and synthetic approaches to classification; • Understand the basic principles of the Dewey Decimal Classification; • Form the basis for understanding the need to use subject headings and understand the structure of these lists; • Distinguish between the use of subject heading lists and thesauri; • Apply the traditional principles to the online environment. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: Use the Dewey Decimal Classification in both print and electronic format (WebDewey) and also be conversant with the allocation of subject headings to library items. This is achieved through practical sessions. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings The core texts of the study-unit will be: Classification in theory and practice / Sue Batley – Chandos, 2005. – xi, 181 p. (ISBN 1-84334-083-6 Shelfmark Z696.A4B3 [Short loan]) Classification: its kinds, elements, systems and applications / D.W. Langridge . - Bowker-Saur, 1992 . - x, 84 p. (Topics in library and information studies) (ISBN 0-86291-622-4 Shelfmark Z696.A4L359) Library research models: a guide to classification, cataloging, and computers / Thomas Mann . - Oxford U.P., 1993 . - xii, 248 p. (ISBN 0-19-509395-X Default shelfmark Z711.M36) Dewey Decimal Classification: a practical guide / Lois Mai Chan ... [et al.] . - 2nd ed., rev. for DDC 21. - Forest P., 1996 . - xvi, 246 p. (ISBN 0-910608-55-5 Shelfmark Z696.D7D4 1996) Dewey decimal classification, 22nd edition : a study manual and number building guide / Mona L. Scott ; : Libraries Unlimited, 2005. - xi, 348 p. (ISBN 1-59158-210-5 Shelfmark Z696.D7S36 [Short loan]) Library of Congress subject headings : principles and application / Lois Mai Chan ; . - 4th ed. : Libraries Unlimited, 2005. - xvi, 549 p..- (Library and information science text series) (ISBN 1-59158-154-0 Shelfmark Z695.C453 2005) Additional Texts: The subject approach to information / A.C. Foskett ; . - 5th ed. : Library Association Publishing, 1996. - xv, 456 p. (ISBN 1-85604-048-8 Shelfmark Z696.A4F672 1996) Guide to the use of UDC : an introductory guide to the use and application of the Universal Decimal Classification / by I.C. McIlwaine with participation from A. Buxton. - Rev. ed. : International Federation for Information and Documentation, 1995. - 124 p..- (FID occasional papers) On title-page: UDC Consortium (ISBN 92-66-00703-X Shelfmark Z696.U87M328 1995) Introduction to cataloging and classification / Bohdan S. Wynar. - 8th ed. / [by] Arlene G. Taylor : Libraries Unlimited, 1992. - xvii, 633 p..- (Library science text series) (ISBN 0-87287-967-4 Shelfmark Z693.W94 1992) |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Group Learning | |||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Robert Mizzi |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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