Introduction to classification techniques. The course covers the Library of Congress (LCC) and Dewey Decimal classification schemes (DDC), the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and emphasis is placed both on the theoretical, philosophical and practical approach.

• Understanding the basic functions of bibliographic tools (online library catalogs, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Library of Congress Authorities, OCLC WorldCat, etc.)
• Understanding concepts related to thematic analysis, indexing, thesauri, controlled vocabularies and natural languages
• Apply the classification as a procedure in both LCC and DDC
• The implementation of the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) in thematic cataloging

Week #1: Introduction to classification

Week #2: Terminology, rules and basic classification vocabulary

Week #3: Dewey Decimal Classification: Basic concepts

Week #4: Dewey Decimal Classification: Tables

Week #5: Dewey Decimal Classification: rules

Week #6: Library of Congress Classification: basic concepts

Week #7: Library of Congress Classification: Schedules

Week #8: Library of Congress Classification: link structure

Week #9: Library of Congress Subject Headings

Week #10: Cutter numbers / tables

Week #11: LCSH and correlation with taxonomic systems

Week #12: Comparison of LCC & DDC taxonomic systems

Week #13: Recap

• Cataloger’s desktop: http://desktop.loc.gov
• [Subject Headings Manual] List of the Subject Heading Manual PDF Files http://www.loc.gov/aba/publications/FreeSHM/freeshm.html
• Library of Congress Classification Web: https://classificationweb.net/
• Classification and Shelflisting: http://www.loc.gov/aba/cataloging/classification/
• WebDewey: http://dewey.org/webdewey/standardSearch.html

Lectures, lab sessions obligatory for each lecture, examples of classification, visits to the library

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Mid-term review of progress, written exam at the end of semester in theory and laboratory