world of knowledge

þ The world of knowledge encapsulates the depth and breadth of knowledge that exists and is contained in information packages knows as information bearing objects. There is a need to organize these IBOs as a means of creating order and finding a logical way in which to retrieve information for various purposes. Hence …

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1classification

“Classification is the act of organizing the universe of knowledge into some systematic order.” Within the library system, the elements that need organizing are books and other media that are shelved in a systematic order based on the cataloging system. Information on how to locate the material is found in catalogs (computer or printed), bibliographies, and indexes. Most libraries use the Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress classification systems. Organization is hierarchical from the general to the specific (i.e. geography is a large heading and a specific body of water can be specific).

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1cataloging

The concept of cataloging is centered around the idea of standardization. Descriptive cataloging involves the creation of a bibliographic record as well as a choice and form of entry (AACR2). Subject cataloging involves classification (LC, for example) and subject headings (Library of Congress Subject Headings). Authority control enables most users to use the same language and therefore access information in a more uniform manner. Verbal subject analysis involves the process of assigning subject headings and vocabulary control; creating standard access points creates a common set of terms by which those who seek information can find it. Library of Congress Subject Headings is the largest “list” of common headings and includes many terms that can link the searcher to the desired topic (i.e. broader, narrower, and related terms).

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!notation

Notation can be described as a short description of subjects within a sequential order. There are different types of notation: pure (one type of symbol is used—DDC), mixed (combination of letters and numbers—LCC), hierarchical (structural order—DDC), and expressive (relationships among connected subjects—UDC).

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¥metadata

Metadata represents the larger whole by utilizing terms that enable one to access the desired record describing the attributes and content. The Dublin Core Metadata Standards encompasses 15 elements—title, subject, description, source, language, relation, coverage, creator, publisher, contributor, rights, date, type, format, and identifier—within three groups content, intellectual property, and instantiation. Although this standard has been criticized for its simplicity, its used of controlled vocabulary and accessibility is found to be more user-friendly, especially with regard to internet records.

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€descriptive elements, encoding standards & authority control

The ways of making each record both unique and accessible through authority control are through the use of: Descriptive elements (author, title, date, format, size); content standards for description (i.e. AACR2); and encoding standards (MARC).

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ýthe future

As technology continues to connect us more as world citizens, the development for more content standards will emerge. The types of material we classify will also continue to grow and change and, along with it, our need to create new ways of keeping the whole system together.