The Future of Classification

Classification now has to encompass ’non-physical’ media such as the Internet, yet still ensure access to knowledge held in traditional physical forms on library shelves. What does this mean for the future, and can classification cope with the virtual library? Written by a group of internationally-known specialists, this book reassesses traditional classification principles and the extent to which they provide the right basis for modern information storage and retrieval. First posing the radical question of whether classification is still really necessary, the book proceeds by emphasizing the need for systematic knowledge organization, with two chapters concentrating on classification in relation to IT and the Internet. Later chapters re-examine how present systems - Dewey Decimal Classification, Universal Decimal Classification and Library of Congress Classification - are likely to adapt, and provide a wealth of information sources for investigating the subject further. The Future of Classification delves deep into what makes knowledge-seeking successful. Those studying information storage and retrieval, and managers wanting to improve retrieval methods on which their service depends should read it.

Rita Marcella, co-author with Robert Newton of A New Manual of Classification, also published by Gower, is Reader and Deputy Head of the School of Information and Media at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK. She became a lecturer at the university after working as a cataloguer and classifier in an academic library. Now retired, Arthur Maltby was formerly, amongst other posts, head of a university information studies department and an adviser on education and libraries at the Scottish Office. He has written or edited nine other books and numerous articles on topics as diverse as information retrieval, Irish history and Shakespeare.