Organize your library with a clear, adjustable system for every shelf.
This practical guide introduces an English classification scheme designed for easy growth. It explains how staff and readers can use a single, interleavable notation to place books by broad topics and then add finer details as subjects expand.
The edition explains how to apply the system in real libraries, including how to assign class letters and numbers, how to handle general versus specific works, and how to print both class and accession numbers in catalogs. It shows how to keep shelves tidy, how to differentiate sections with labels, and how to manage composite books that cover multiple topics. Practical examples illustrate shelving decisions, numbering schemes, and the role of indicators and accession records in a busy library.
What you’ll experience:
- A clear map of main classes and their letters (A through K, plus auxiliary letters) and how to extend them when needed
- Step-by-step guidance for marking, shelving, and cataloging with a unified notation
- Techniques for composite works and multi-topic books to keep finding aids reliable
- Real-world tips on open-access libraries, indicators, and the relationship between class numbers and accession numbers
Ideal for librarians, library staff, and readers who want a one‑system approach that stays flexible as collections grow.
- Understand the flexible, sequential numbering that adapts to new subjects
- Learn how to combine class letters with numbers for precise locations
- See how to manage open stacks, indicators, and catalog entries
- Get guidance on shelving plain class markings and avoiding misplacements
Ideal for readers of library science and library staff seeking a practical, enduring approach to classification.