How to Build a Number in UDC Classification?

How to Build a Number in UDC Classification?

How to Build a Number in UDC Classification: A Guide for Library Science Professionals

The Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) system is an internationally recognized method of organizing knowledge in libraries, providing a logical structure for classifying documents. UDC is a powerful and flexible classification system used worldwide, especially for documents in specialized or multidisciplinary fields. Unlike the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), UDC provides more detailed and flexible categorization, making it ideal for scientific and technical information.

In this article, we’ll explain how to build a number in the UDC system, provide examples, and offer step-by-step guidance on classifying materials effectively. Whether you're new to library science or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you understand the key principles of UDC and how to create accurate classification numbers.


What is UDC?

The Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) is a numerical classification system developed by Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine in the early 20th century. UDC organizes knowledge into a hierarchical structure, allowing for detailed categorization across a broad range of subjects.

The system is based on decimal notation, where each subject is assigned a number. The UDC is a more versatile and precise system than DDC because it allows for subdivisions and compound numbers, making it suitable for scientific, technical, and interdisciplinary subjects.


Steps to Build a UDC Number

Building a UDC number requires understanding the subject of the material, selecting the appropriate class, and combining numbers to represent the detailed subject matter. Here’s how to construct a UDC number step-by-step:

1. Identify the Subject of the Document

The first step in building a UDC number is to determine the subject of the document. You need to be clear about the main topic, its focus, and any interdisciplinary aspects of the material.

2. Locate the Main Class

Once you have identified the subject, locate the main class that the document belongs to. UDC consists of 10 main classes, each covering a broad field of knowledge:

  • 000-099: Generalities (including libraries, information, computers, etc.)
  • 100-199: Philosophy and Psychology
  • 200-299: Religion
  • 300-399: Social Sciences
  • 400-499: Language
  • 500-599: Science
  • 600-699: Technology
  • 700-799: Arts and Recreation
  • 800-899: Literature
  • 900-999: History and Geography

The main class helps identify the broad area of knowledge the work covers.

3. Narrow Down to a Subclass

After finding the main class, narrow the classification down to a more specific subclass. This step involves looking for a more detailed number that reflects the document’s subject within the broader class.

For example:

  • A book on organic chemistry would fall under 540 (Chemistry).
  • A book on digital photography would fall under 775 (Photography).

4. Use Decimal Extensions and Compound Numbers

UDC allows for decimal extensions and compound numbers to further specify the subject. A compound number is created by adding two or more UDC numbers together to represent a more detailed subject.

For example:

  • 597.1 refers to Fish – Biology of fish.
  • 597.1+620.1 could be used for Fish – Biology and Fish farming, combining 597.1 for biology with 620.1 for agriculture and technology.

These combinations allow for greater flexibility in classification, especially for interdisciplinary subjects.

5. Consider Using Auxiliary Numbers

In UDC, auxiliary numbers are used for specific attributes or relationships. These numbers are placed after the main number and separated by a dot (.). They help identify specific aspects of the material, such as geographical location, time period, or language.

For example:

  • 333.75: Land use (with a focus on forestry).
  • 332.63: Financial institutions in Europe (where 332 represents finance, and 63 refers to Europe).

Auxiliary numbers allow for greater precision and clarity in classification.

6. Use Manual and Online Resources

If you’re unsure about a classification or need guidance, you can consult the UDC Manual or UDC Online resources. These resources contain detailed instructions and examples for creating numbers and help with more complex classifications.


Examples of Building a UDC Number

Let’s look at a few examples to understand how UDC numbers are constructed:

Example 1: A Book on Organic Chemistry

  1. Subject: Organic Chemistry.
  2. Main Class: Chemistry falls under 540.
  3. Narrow Down: Organic Chemistry is a subfield of chemistry, so it is classified under 547.
  4. Final UDC Number: 547 (Organic chemistry).

Example 2: A Book on Digital Photography

  1. Subject: Digital Photography.
  2. Main Class: The subject is related to Photography, which falls under 775.
  3. Detailed Classification: Digital photography is a modern technique, and 775.4 is used for digital imaging.
  4. Final UDC Number: 775.4 (Digital photography).

Example 3: A Book on Fish Farming

  1. Subject: Fish Farming.
  2. Main Class: Fish biology is classified under 597.1.
  3. Extension: Fish farming is a technological subject, so we use 620.1 for agricultural technology.
  4. Compound Number: 597.1+620.1 (Fish biology and farming).
  5. Final UDC Number: 597.1+620.1.


Challenges in UDC Classification

While UDC offers flexibility, it can also present challenges in some cases. Some common challenges include:

1. Ambiguity in Classification

Certain subjects may fit into multiple UDC categories, especially interdisciplinary works. In these cases, it’s essential to choose the most relevant class based on the document's primary focus.

2. New and Emerging Subjects

With the constant development of new fields, UDC may not always have an established number for every subject. In such cases, you may need to create a new classification or use an existing one that closely matches the subject.

3. Complexity in Multi-disciplinary Subjects

Books or documents that cover more than one discipline may require combining multiple numbers, which can be complex. Understanding how to apply auxiliary numbers and compound numbers is key to correctly classifying these materials.


Conclusion: Mastering UDC Classification

The Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) system is a detailed and flexible method for organizing knowledge in libraries. By breaking down subjects into specific classes, divisions, and extensions, UDC allows libraries to efficiently categorize a vast array of materials. Mastering the process of building UDC numbers ensures that documents are classified accurately and can be easily found by users.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, library professionals and students can confidently build UDC numbers, ensuring effective library organization and management. Whether you’re classifying a book on chemistry, photography, or any other subject, UDC offers a powerful tool for organizing knowledge and making it accessible to library users around the world.

By following these principles and examples, you’ll be well on your way to mastering UDC classification and organizing knowledge efficiently.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to make accession register for library?

How to make accession register for library? Creating an accession register for a library is essential for maintaining proper records of books and resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making an effective accession register: Below in this article practice and feel the real accession register experience. 1. Decide the Format: Physical or Digital You can maintain the accession register in two formats: Physical Register – A manually written record book. Digital Register – A spreadsheet (Excel, Google Sheets) or library management software. 2. Define the Required Fields An accession register should have specific fields to record details of each book. Below are the common fields: Field Name Description Accession Number A unique number assigned to each book Date of Entry The date when the book was added Title The name of the book Author(s) The writer(s) of the book Publisher The name of the publishing company Edition The edition of the book P...
Read more

Examples of Current Awareness Services (CAS) in Library and Information Services

Examples of Current Awareness Services (CAS) in Library and Information Services ✅ What is CAS? Current Awareness Service (CAS) is a type of alerting service provided by libraries to keep users informed about the latest developments in their fields of interest. CAS is proactive—it delivers new and relevant information to users regularly without them having to request it. The goal is to help users stay up-to-date with recent publications, news, research, or technological advancements in their subject areas. 🔍 Real-World Examples of CAS in Libraries 1. New Arrivals Bulletin (Books, Journals, Reports) Description : The library prepares and shares a regular list of newly acquired books, e-books, reports, and journals relevant to specific user groups (faculty, students, researchers). Example : “Weekly New Titles in Computer Science” – Sent via email to computer science faculty and students. 2. Subject-Specific Email Alerts / Newsletters Description : Customized emails with...
Read more

Catalogue card size

Catalogue card size Catalogue Card Size A catalogue card is a physical card used in traditional library cataloging systems to store bibliographic information about library materials. The size of the catalogue card is standardized to ensure consistency and usability across various libraries. The typical size of a catalogue card is: 3 inches x 5 inches (7.6 cm x 12.7 cm) This standard size was adopted to fit comfortably into the drawers of card catalogs , which were used to store and organize the cards in alphabetical order by author, title, or subject. Reasons for the Standard Size : Uniformity : A standard size ensured that cards from different libraries could be used in a uniform cataloging system and fit into the same size drawers. Space Efficiency : The 3 x 5 inch card size was large enough to hold the necessary bibliographic information but small enough to save space in library catalog cabinets. Convenience for Handwriting and Printing : This size was convenient...
Read more