UNIT 9 DEVICES IN LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION

Structure
9.0 Objectives

9.1 Introduction
9.2 Devices in Library Classification
9.3 'iLpos of Devices
9.3.1
9.3.2
9.3.3
9.3.4
9.35
9.3'6
9.3.7

Chronological Device
Geographical Device
Subject Device
Alphabetical Devioe
Enumaation Device
Devices for Hospitality in Arrays and Chains
Other Ibvi~svias: Fecet, Wase. Sup-Imposition. Mnmonic

9.4 Devices in use in Classification Systems

9.4.1 'Devices in' CC
9.4.2 Devices in DDC
9.43 Devices in UDC

9.6 Answeh to Self Check Exmises

9.7 Key Woda

9.8 References and Furtk Reading

This Unit introduces you to the various devices in library classification. 'Ibs typos of dsvMba .
d their use in di&#ent cldiication systems is highlighted.
After d n g this Unit, you will be able to:
get a clear idea of d c v i k and the'i need in library classification; and

II

obtain an insight into the use of devi'ccs in diffemnt classification systenb.

1

9.1 INTRODUCTION
In Block 2 of this Course,you have been exposed to the General Theory of C h i f i a t i o n and
how the various schemes of library classification like Colon Classification, Dewey Dodmrt
Classification and Uni&
Decimal Classification, ctc., map out the U n i v m of SubjtctP.

'Ihe purpose of Block 3 is to idtroducc you to the approaebcs to libmy c l t d i i W o n

specifically, fbe postulational and systmhs appmda Iba cmcqts of
categaias,
facet analysis, facet sequence, pbase relations and common isolates.

~~

lhiP Unit seeks to explain the ntyd for-andadvantages of use ofdevices in library uhdkab
with particular emphasis on their use in different classi6-

sysfms.

9.2 DEVICES IN LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION

k c e s in library classification may be termed as components used for formiag or s h a 1 ~ 8 . h ~

a facet in an analytico-synthetic classification andlor sharpening al subject in an onumentive

classification. Based on the characteristic used for this purposc, they are called as chronological
device, geographical device, etc. These devices are used by classification systems wtrtrmr
helpful and possible and are applicable both in the idea plane as well as in tbe notational p h .

D e v h s t n L l k o r S ~

Generally speaking, the advantages of the devices are that they:

avoid enumeration and thereby shorten an array in a schedule, and thus, the schedule itself;
give autonomy to the classifier; and
secure automatic conformity to the canons of consistent sequence, helpful sequence,
mnemonics, hospitality in array, and hospitality in chain.

On the question of preference of a device, if two or more devices are available in a particular
place, the earliest one available should be used, unless any other more important consideration
points to the contrary. However, in some cases it may be required to use two or more devices
at a time. For example, in some cases such as, special component for a language, or style for
fine ads. the components used should be arranged among themselves in a helpful sequence.
and the totality of the components should be enclosed in circular brackets.

Self Check Exercise

1)

What are devices and their advantages'?

M'r~teyour answer In the SI)CIL~:glven bctrl~v.
11) Check your answer with the answers p t k c r . a:

Notc: i)

,I

. :..; .,i

i:!,, i;.>i:

TYPES OF DEVICES *
I

The following devices have been in use in classification systems for forming or sharpening a
facet or a subject;
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
V)
vi)
vii)

Chronological Device (CD)

Geographical Device (GD)
Subject Device (SD)
Alphabet~calDev~ce(AD)
Enumeration Device (ED)
Devices for Hospitality in Arrays and Chains
Other devices, such as, Facet Device, Phase Device,
Supel--Imposition Device, Mnemonic Device.

'9.3.1 Chronological Device

l i Idea Plane

"In the idea plane, the CD is the device for forming or sharpening the focal ideas in a schedule
of isolates or of system basic divisions-chronological characteristic when their individualisation
admits of being made to depend conveniently and helpfully on their respective epochs of
origin, or birth, or first investigation, or discovery, or initiation, or occurrence, or any other
epoch that may be definitely associated with it in any manner, or any reason".

2 ) Notational Plane
"In the notatio~lalplane, the CD is the device of implementing the CD of the idea plane by
using a chl.onologica1 number for fonning isolate or sharpening of isolate number".

3) Chronological Number
" I. The epoch to be used to constnrct the chronolog~calnumber will be that which is specified in
the concerned rules or schedules, and if it is not so specified, hat which may be most appropriate".
"2. The chronological number should be taken from chap "DH of Time Isolate". It should be
worked out to the first, or the first two, or the tirst three digits of the year forming the epoch
-

..

(Acknuwledgemenfsare due to Sarada Ranganathim Endowment for Library Science for giving permission
to reproduce the chapters (CU. CV, CW. CX and CY, p.43-45) on devices from 7Ih ed. of CC)
+

Approaches to Library
Classification

as specified in the respective rules and if there are no specific rules'on the point, according to
the following convention:
a)

For the first isolate in an array whose epoch falls within the century, the first digit alone
should be used. It will be a Roman capital.

b) Among the other isolates calling for the same first digit, the first two digits should be used.
The second digit will be an Indo-Arabic numeral.
c)

Among the other isolates calling for the first two digits, for the first isolate whose epoch
falls within the same year, the first three digits should be used. The second and the third
digits will be Indo-Arabic numerals.

d) For each of the other isolates calling for the same first three digits, some vacant neighbouring
year is to be used.
e)

If no neighbouring years are vacant to make the application of the above convenient, the
digits 1'2, etc., respectively may be added after the three-digited number. These added
digits should be read as integers and not as decimal fractions.

f)

For the period 1000 AD, the terms "century", "decade", and "year", in the above, should
be replaced by the terms "millennium", and 'cdecade" respectively".

4) System Basic Division

"The CD is used in the formation of a system basic division, for example."
In the 7&edition of Colon Classification Systems occur in the' schedules of Main Classes: B
Mathematics, C Physics, E Chemistry, L Medicine, R Philosophy. S Psychology, T Education
and X Economics. Apart from this you will also find the use of CD for the author number in
the Main Class '0 Literature'. In the schedule for Space Isolates, certain divisions are also got
by CD. Chronological device has also been used in the Language Isolate Schedule and in the
Main Class 'N Fine Arts'. In the case of Anteriorising Common lsolates CD has been used to
sharpen the isolates in [P2].
Some examples foim the 7thedition of CC are given below illustrating the use of CD.
S-M
CV"m44, N7 1
0,157,1M61,1
CN48
N6-(44,J)

Experimental Psychology
Indian Journal of Space Physics
Gitanjali By Rabindranath Tagore
Colnmon wealth
Moghul Painting

9.3.2 Geographical Device

1) Idea Plane

"In the Idea Plane, the GD is'the device for forming or sharpening the focal ideas in any
schedule of isolates or of some special basic divisions on the basis of the geographical
characteristic, when their individualisation admits of being made to depend conveniently q ~ d
helpfully on their respective geographical areas of origin, or prevalence, or habitation, or any
other places that may be definitely associked with them in any manner or for any reason".
2) Notational Plane

"In the Notational Plane, the GD 1s the device of implementing the GD of the idea plane, by
using a geographical number for forming or sharpening an isolate number".
"Rules utilise GD for the individualising of languages not enumerated in the family lists,
languages outside the three families in Asia, Europe, America and Australia qespectively, a
dialect and a jargon. GD is also employed to individualise certain religions".
You will find the use of GD at number of places in the seventh edition of CC.
I

It is clearly indicated in the schedules of CC 7thedition where the GD is to be applied. For

example in the schedules of 'SY Social Psychology', 'V History', 'Y Sociology', 'P Linguistics',
Common Isolates Schedule and 'Q Religion'.
The geographical numher should be taken form the Chapter 'DJ Space Isolates' of

F edition of CC.

In the schedules of 'SY Social Psychology', the Speciator 'fw by Culture' to the isolates in

[IPII-Individulas is to be divided by GD. See the example:

Indian Culture and Social Psychology
SY,1 = fw44
In the Main Class 'V History' GD is used for the isolates in [IMPT] for 18 Foreign Policy.
Indian Foreign Policy towards Pakistan
V,441844X
In the Main Class 'Y Sociology' the isolates in [IPI] 6B and 6G which represent 'foreign born'
are further divided by GD.
Sociology of British born people in Pakistan
Y,6G56.44X
The special components b, d, J, of [PI] in the Main Class 'P Lingiustics' are further sharpend
by GD.
Pakistani dialect of Punjabi
P,153 = d44X
In the schedule of 'Q Religion' the 'Q8 other religion' is further divided by GD.
Q8
4841 2
Q8441

Other Religion
Confucianism
Sikhism

In the Language Isolate Table other languages are got by GD.

4
41
42
'

Asian Languages
Chinese
Japanese

In the case of ACI, the isolates in [PI] are sharpned by GD'

Indian Journal of Economics (started in 1972) = X"m44,N72

9.3.3 Subject Device

I ) idea Plane
"In the Idea plane, the SD is the device for forming or sharpening the focal ideas in a schedule
of isolates on the basis of subject-characteristic, when their individualisation admits of being
made to depend conveniently and helpfully on a subject in any manner or for any reason".
2) Notational Plane
"In the notational plane, the SD is the device of implementing the SD of the idea plane, by
using a CN for forming or sharpening an isolate number. The CN so used should be enclosed
in circular brackets; and it should be taken as fused and treated as if it were a single digit".
"This device is employed at different stages in certain subjects. Many illustrative divisions by
the SD are given in CC Schedules. Special reference may be made here, to the ethics part of
the schedule, and to the " M I Property" schedule. In some cases, it will be found that the
number used for the SD has been modified slightly. But, such modifications should not be
freely indulged in by individual classifiers. This may be called a Quasi-Subject Device. It
amounts to enumeration with due deference to the Canon of Scheduled Mnemonics".

Examples
2,B(V;78)
NA,9(2,J3).
R4,4(T)
V;3(X)

National Archives Library

Architecture ofa l l e g e Library Buildings
Ethics for Teachers
State and Economics

In same cases the special components of Space isolates are also further divided by SD.
1 = (47)
1 = ( P 11 1

Muslim Countries
English Speaking World

Apprnacbes to Liibmry
Classinestlm

9.3.4 Alphabeticai Device .

1) Idea Plane
"In the idea plane, the AD is the device for forming or sharpening the focal ideas in a schedule
of isolates, on the basis of name-characteristics, provided that they have internationally accepted
names and their alphabetical mngement is as helpful as any other, if not more helpful".
2) Notational Plane

"In the notational plane, the AD is the &vice of implementing the AD of the idea plane, by
using the first, or the first two, or t b first three, etc. initial letters of the internationally
accepted name, for forming or sharpening an isolate number. But, the letter "J" should be used
in the place of the letter "I"; and the letter "P" in place of the letter "On."
For example: Othello (English drama by Shakespeare) 0.11 1 ,U64,P. Here in this class number
letter 0 is replaced by letter P.
3) Names of Iaolates with the Same Flrst Three Letters

'If more than one IN is m a of the same three letters, in the case of the second, third, etc.,
of such isolates, the digits 1.2, etc. may be added respectively after the three said lettersn.

4) The Alphabetical Number for Multlnomlal Terms

'In applying AD to a binomial nnme - that is. a name with two words --AD should be applied
to each component word and two 'AD components should he connected by the indicator digit
"+"(plus).

Examples taken from the names of dmnas of Shakespeare:

M+V
T+S
TW+N
CJ

Merchant of Venice
Taming of the Shrew
lbelfth Night

The following convention is suggested in dealing with names having the same initial letter. The
first letter alone may be used for the most favoured entity that is, the entity which hss the
greatest literary warrant, or which Is the first on which a book arrives. Thc first two letten are
to be used if the name of another entity has the same two initial letters as the one ahnady
selected for two-letter representation. The number of letters used may
further increased to
the necessary extent".

"The Schedules or the Rules generally indicate the places where AD has to be used".

5) Unrestricted Use of AD
"The AD can be used without any restriction in an array of order 1 or when the AD numbs
succeeds an empty digit".
?his device is used very heavily in CC 7.edition. It has been clearly i n d i d the use of AD
at various places, e.g., such as Language Isolate Schedule, Geographical Isolates Schedule for
names of individual Viruses, Bacteria in Microbiology or names of different bra& of Bicycler
in Engineering, for different varieties of rice in Agriculture and for individual worlcs of author
in the Main Class Literature, etc.,

Examples:
Shakespeare's Macbeth
0,lllYasM
Basmati Rice
J,381B
Atlas Bicycle
D935A
The h g a River
44=9N=zf70Ci
Bantu Laungage
(It is an Afric#n Language) = 6B
Paramecium CoMdMum Rotozoa
GV,8P+C

Congress Party of India

v,44,47c
B m a s Hindu University
T,18.44,d,B

Devices In Library ChuMcation

'

'In the idea plane, t& ED is the device of fwming focal ideas in any m y of a schedule by
their enumeration in a sequence preferred on the basis of the canon of d n a l mnemonics, or
some principle for helpful sequence."
2) Notational Plane

"In the notational plane, the ED is the device of implementing the ED of the idea plane, by
using numbers of the base of the notational system, either continuously or with gaps, for
forming isolate numbers in any array of a schedule."
3) Scheduled Mnemonics
"Some schedules based on ED often fonns the basis for scheduled mnemonics."

9.3.6 Devices for Hospitality in Arrays and Chains

Since the Universe of Subjects is growing at a fast rate, any scheme of classification worth its
name should have certain features and mechanisms by which it can accommodate the emerging
new subjects and ideas at the appropriate places without disturbing the filiatory relationships
among the already existing classes/arrays. A scheme of classification which is able to cater to
this requirement of the growing universe is said to be hospitable. In order to be hospitable, the
scheme of classification should adopt a versatile notational system, which can give the infinite
hospitality, which the growing universe demands.
In other words, an array containing a sequence of coordinate numbers should extend its hospitality
to a new comer (subject or idea) demanding acco~nmodationat any of its ends or between any
two consecutive numbers in it. The former calls for extrapolation at the ends of the array and
the latter'kalls for interpolation between any two already existing consecutive numbers in the
may.
Extrapolation in A m y : The canon governing extrapolation in an array states that " An array
of class numbers or isolate numbers should admit of any number of new coordinate numbers
being added at the beginning h d at the end of the array."

I'n order to satisfy this canon, two devices' have been adopted by different schemes of
classification. namely, the gap device and the sectorising djgit device.
I

Gap Device:,It is fa device by which some digits in ar) array may be left unused at the
beginning as well as at the end of the set of digits used. This method facilitates extrapolation
anly to a certain extent as the unused digits may all be used up at some point of time. After
this stage, further extrapolation in the array would become impossible. Such gap devices
facilitating extrapolation are present in different schemes of classification. e.g., LfDC, CC and
UDC. These gaps may be purely accidental, though at times they have been resorted to
tjeliberately:

Sn the schedule of lP1 isolates of 1 Universe of Subjects in CC (7th Edition), the digits 7 and
Il are left unused as gap devices. Thus,

1. Science
2. Natural science

3. Social science
4. Philosophy

5. Religion
6. Fine arts and l~terature

I!xtrapolation to a pure base such as Indo-Arabic numerals is also possible by using other kinds
of symbols like Roman smalls and Roman capitals to extend the m y at either end. In effect,
this too will prove to be quivalent to the method of leaving digits unused.
Sectorising Device: It is a device used for increasing the capacity of an array with the aid
cf an Empty digit (Prolegomena, ~ . 2 3 8 ) This
.
method is adopted to satisfy the canon of
a extrapolation as it facilitates extrapolation at the beginning a d at the end respectively of the
array.
I

'

~ppnuch
to Lmmy
(3m8nl~tloa

An empty digit is a digit with ordinal value but without semantic value and it is postulated
to be so. In DDC and UDC, the numerals 0 and 9 are often used as empty digits in some arrays.
In CC, on the other hand, the digits z, 9 and Z are used as empty digits generally. The digit

'

0 (zero) is also used as an empty digit.

For example, if Indo-Arabic numerals 1 to 9 are used, one can accommodate only nine classes
in an m y . But, if more classes are to be accommodated, problems arise. To overcome such
a problematic situation, CC has postulated 9 to be an empty digit. The result is a set of
coordinate numbers in one sequence as under:
'Illis process can be extended to any length giving rise to a fresh set of coordinate numbers.
It may appear not logical or funny to say that the numbers 1 and 998 are coordinate. But, this
is true since 9 has been postulated to be an empty digit with an ordinal value but no semantic
value. In other words, the digit-pairs 91.92 ...98 and the digit-triads 991-998 are treated as if
each of them is single digit.

Interpolation in Array: The canon governing interpolation in an array states that "An array
of class nwnbers or of isolate numbers should admit of the interpolation of any number of new
coordinate numbers at any point in the array."
In order to satisfy this canon, four different approaches have been adopted by different schemes
of classification, namely, gap device, mixed base, introduction of new kinds of digits, emptying
digits and empty-emptying digits.

Gap Device: It is a device which consists of leaving gaps in notation for interpolation of new
classes or isolates, as the case may be, at somd of the points of an array. But this gap rnay,get
filled up sooner or later.
For example, in the schedule of 1P1 isolates, of 8 Management in CC (7th Edition), the
numerals 4 and 5 are left unused as gap device to facilitate interpolation at a later stage.
1 Top management
2 Board
3 General body

6 Committee
7 Chief executive
8 Department

Similarly, in the schedule of 1P1 isolates of U Geography in CC (7th Edition), the digits
4,5,6,8and 91 to 97 are left unused as a gap device to facilitate interpolation. Thus.
lMap .
2 Map projection
3 Glob

7 Marine map
98 Topographical survey

In DDC (17"' Edition), in the class 770 Photography and photographs, the gap device was
adopted. See the followihg:
773 Pigment process of printing
778 Specific fields of photography

Mixed Base : When the notation used is of a mixed base variety, extrapolation to a zero or
a sector, other than the first and the last ones, may also be looked upon as a case of interpolation.
For example. 91, wbich is an extrapolation to the first sector (S-1). can be interpolation
between 8 and A.
Introductionof New Species(kinds) of Digits: It is also possible to interpolate between any
two digits in an m y by a digit of a new species with a defined ordinal value. In CC (6th
Edition), the digit' A representing Spiritual Expenence and Mysticism is interpolated between
M Useful Arts and N Fine Arts.

Emptying Digits :To facilitate interpolation in an array, Ranganathan postulated certain digits
as emptying digits. The emptying digit is defined as a digit with its usual ordinal value and
also semantic value, and having the power to deprive the preceding rich digit of its power of
representing an idea. In other words, the emptying digits are postulated to the semantic value
of the preceding digit but allow it t a retain its ordinal value. Thus, T, V and X have been
postulated as emptying digits. Thus, the digit-pars JX and KX are coordinate in status with
the dcgits J an&K respectively.

'

In CC (7" Edition), in the schedule of basic subjects, JX Forestry has been interpolated
between J Agriculture and K Zoology. KX Animal husbandry has been interpolated between
K Zoology aid L Medicine.

L h mC

e .

Empty-Emptying Digits: The digits U, W and Y have been postulated as empty-emptying

digits. These digits are both empty and emptying. In other words, these digits have an ordinal
value but without a semantic value and also have the power of emptying the digit preceding
them in n number of its semantic value while allowing it to retain its ordinal value. Therefore,
when U, W and Y are used to represent basic subject numbers or isolate numbers, they have
to be followed always by a rich substantive digit.
Thus, in CC (7th Edition), interpolation of more basic subjects has been possible by such
digit-traids. Thus,
L
LUD
LU5
LYX
LY 1
LU6*Z

Medicine
Medical technology
Public health
Medical jurisprudence
Nursing
Hospital and sanatorium
Useful arts

Hospitality in Chain
Just as in the case of an array, a chain of classes or ranked isolates should show hospitality
to a new comer by accommodating it either at the end or between any two consecutive
successions of subordinate numbers. In other words, a chain should admit extrapolation
and interpolation without disturbing the filial relationships in the already existing classes
or ranked isolates. The various devices for extrapolation and interpolation are discussed .
below.

Extrapolation in Chain : The canon governing extrapolation in a chain states that "A chain
of class numbers or isolate numbers should admit of the extrapolation of any number of
successive links at its end." It means that the notational system should @nit of the chain,
ending with any number or lengthening to any extent found necessary.
The importance of this canon becomes obvious when one considers the implementation of the
canon of deereasing extension in the case of a growing universe. Therefore, the notational
system used by a scheme of classification should be vehatile and resilient enough with the
necessary devices to comply with this canon. Some of the devices that have been used for
securing hospitality (extrapolation in this case) in chain are

* Gap Device
* Decimal ~ractionDevice
Gap Device : The use in some schemes of classification of unused numbers after a particular
number in an array, as if they were subdivisions of that particular number, is called the gap
device. Such a situation obviously violates the canons of hierarchy and expressiveness. Assuming
that such gaps do exist, their use for extrapolation in chains is highly limited.
Decimal F'raction Device: This device consists in treating each class number as a pure decimal
fraction.
A new class or new isolate put out by the growing universe is created or accommodated
in a chain by subdividing the class or isolate forming its last link on the basis of a new
additional characteristic. This would, in effect, result in the addition of a digit to the
number of the last link. This process can go on ad infiniturn without violating the canons
of hierarchy and expressiveness. Thus, this devices gives a distinct helpful number to each
new class or isolate, as the case may be, without disturbing the ordinal value of any
existmg class number. DDC, UDC and CC use this device to provide for infinite
extrapolation in the chain.
Thus,
BC

CC

Subject

DDC
--

GY
GYD
GYDD

K.97 K.972
K,9721

Mammalia
Marsupialia
Diprotodontia

UDC
-

599
599.2
599.2

599
599.2
599.22

~ntekolationin Chain: The canon governing interpolation in a chain states that " A
of
class numbers or of isolate numbers should admit of the interpolation of any ~UInber01liRks
between any two consecutive links in the chain."

Approaches to Library
ClaisM'icntion

This canon will be rendered inoperative if dre canon of modulation has been satisfied by the
scheme of classification. Nonnally it has been found that all standard schemes of classification
are in conformity with the canon of modulation. However, the Universe of Knowledge, being
unpredictable, it may put out new entities and thus compliance with the canon of modulation
at all points in a chain at the time of designing thc scheme becomes next to impossible. A good
examh~eof such a situation is the uni! erse of political and administrative areas in Geography
which is a universe of an uncertain b1nd.5
Therefore, it may bg necessary to pro: ~ d for
e in&polation in chaid also. The British National
Bibliography uses stroke notation for i 1~rpolatioi13n
a chain in DDC, as shown in the following
, *..
example:

This necessarily means using a whole a

make the schedules bulky, instead of

of numbers to represent a missing link, which will

While CC (7th Edition) generally is in cdhformity with the canon of modulation, it has provided
for certain deviceslprocedure to facilitate interpolation in a chain, if necessary. For example,
it is possible to interpolate between any two consecutive links in the chain by using the
connecting digit asterisk(*) or the plus sign (+) which has an anteriorising value. For example,
if an interpolation is necessary between L,37A external carotid artery and L,37A1 thyroid
artery, it is possible by using the connecting digit asterisk and synthesising the number. The
synthesised number would be L,37Al*. Thus, the chain would be as follows :
<

L,37A
INTERPOLATION-L,37A1*
L.37A1

External carotid artery

Thyroid artery

In UDC also, the use of extension and plus signs (I and +) cnn be used for intenpiation
between successive links, if necessary.
SeiE;h;heck
r?
Exercise
2)

F:

Name the t l e ~ i c e sused for ensuring hospitality in array and chain.

!.*

N I J & ~1)!
ii)

Write your answer in the space given below.

Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.

The other device8 include f a q t device, phase device, super-imposition device, mnemonik,
device, etc. The following are the definitions :

Facet Devlce
.

Idea Plane

: Device for sharpening a host focus in the f o m of a class by the

addition of a new facet(s).

Notational Plahe

: Device of prefixing a comecting symbol to an isolate number withim

. a class number in order to implement the facet device of idea plane.

Phase Device
Idea Plane

: Device for sharpening a host focus by the addition of a focus of the

same species as a second phase (as an additional phase).

Notational Plane

: Device of prefixing a connectiong symbol to a digit representing a

Dcrlcee

phase relation in the idea plane.

Super-lmpoalti~n : This is connecting two or more isolate ideas belonging to the

same Universe of Isolate Ideas.
Device

an

Idea Plane

: Device for sharpening a focus in the form of isolate by restricting

its extension to the portion of it falling within another isolate of the
same facet.

Notational Plane

: Device of pre-fixing a connecting symbol between the isolate

numbers representing the isolates involved in the super-imposition

device in the idea plane. In CC, the connecting digit for superimposition is a hyphen (-).
rg

Exurnpie: L18-3 is the Class Number for circulatory $stem of the Head. (CC 6th edition)
t

While concepts pertaining to facet device are discussed in Unit 7, Unit 8 provides details
concepts pertaining to the phase device. Details regarding mnemonics are given in the succeeding
sub section.

Mnemonics
Mnemonics originates from a Greek word meaning "to remember". Its dictionary meaning is
: the art of assisting memory; a mode of recalling to mind any fact or number, or a series of

disconnected terms or figures. All of us use and practice mnemonics at one time or
For instance, the acronym PODSCORBenables one to remember the functi
: planning, organising,.directing, staffing, coordinating, reporting and bud
is one of the essential qualities of a good notation. Outlining its benefits, Ber
remarks: " There is a very general quality in modern classification notations which
and, within limits, of great value to the classifier. This is its mnemonic quality;
assisting the memory 'and of reducing the work of reference to tables and in
minimum. By mnemonic notation' we meah a yotation which has always Be s
whenever it appears in thg Cbssificatioe."
The general canon of m*mooics b stated by Ranganathan thus, '% digit or digit-goupbsed
to represent a specific concept in a dass number (or any of its constituentb) should be the ~ a m e
in all class numbers having that cancept representtd in them, provjded that iasistencs on epdr
consistent representation does not viola& more important requirements" (Prolegomena, @3).
',

'

Ranganathan identified the following four kinds of mnemonics:

a)

Alphabetical mnemonics,

b)

Scheduled mnemonics,
Systematic mnemonics. and
Seminal mnemonics.

C)

d)

,Alphabetscal Mnemonics
'Verbal mnemonics are quite common in life. These are variously named as alphabetical
.mnemonics aod literal mnemonics. The essential feature in their application for chssification
IS that an idea is represented by the first letter or the first few letters in its name. For example,
.luromobiles can be arranged using alphabetical mnemonics. Thus,
Ambassador
Fiat
Ford
Standard

A
G
Po

'me canon of alphabetical mnemonics states that they "should be rejected without any hesitation
if a sequence more helpful to readers or more filiatory than alphabetical sequence exists.
,4lphabetical mnemonics should be preferred, if the alphabetical sequence is as helpful J any
other sequence and if an international nomenclature exists in the field to which it iscapjilied."
(I'rolegomena, p.295)
'me alphabetical device is prescribed by most classification schemes in the light of the
~lbove-mentionedcanon. While Library of Congress Classification uses it liberally, oth& schemes
use it sparingly.
b

Lbrarg ~IP4sffirntton

Scheduled Mnemonics
Prolegomena states that "A scheme of classification should use one and the same digit or
digit-group, as the case may be, to represent an isolate idea or an array isolate idea; in whatever
subject it may occur" (p.298).
La
The CC makes use of the parallel schedules by instructions such as the following:
-

Basic subject

Fncet

Parallel sch=e

Biophysics
GWC
Mineralogy
H1
Botany
I

[lpll

As in [lPl] isolates for L Medicine

[lpll

As in [lPl] isolates for F Technology

[lMPl]
-1-6
7
[IMP11

As in [IMP11 isolates for G Biology

Budget
X71

Law

'

4 Tort to be subdivided as in 5 Crime in

the same facet

[lm]

As in [IMPI] isolates for L Medicine .

As in (IMP11 isolates for X 72 Tax

In DDC, use of parallel schedules is secured by the Add to instructions appearing throughout
the schedules. Of late, DDC has become very rich in this provision. One example is sufficient
to demonstrate the use of parallel schedules in DDC :
632.6 Animal pests (Add to base number 632.6 the numbers following 59 in 5921599, e.g.,
snails 632.643)
Systematic Mnemonlcs
I')e canon of systematic mnemonics states that "In a scheme of classification, the digits used
to represent the array isolate ideas in an array should run parallel to the sequence in which the
Principles for Helpful Sequence would arrange the array isolate ideas." (Prolegomena, p. 301)
Some of the principles for helpful sequence used in CC for such a systematic arrangement
pertain to

a)
b)
C)
d)
e)

Time sequence
Evolutionary sequence
Spatial sequence
Quantity sequence
Complexity sequence

The following is an example of time sequence followed in CC, UDC and LC.

Table 2

Subject

CC 6th Edn

UDC

LC

Stratigraphy
A r c h
Eozoic
Mesozoic
Tertiary
waternary

H5
H51
H52
H53
H54

551.7
551.71
551.73
551.76
551.78
551.79

QE 724/760
QE 724
QE 725
QE 731
QE 735 '
QE 741'

H55

All three schemes are in conformity with the canon..

Let us now see another example where the evolutionary sequence is followed in CC, UM: and
BC (Bibliographic Classification).

Subject

CC 6th Edn

UDC

BC

Zoology
Pisces
Amphibia
Rcptilia
Aves
Mammalia

59
597
597.6
598.1
598.2
599

G
GVI
GWA
GWL
GX
GY

K92
K93
K94
K96

K97

All three schemes are in conformity with the-canon.

Seminal Mnemonics

The canon of seminal mnemonics states that "a scheme of classification should use one and
the same digit to denote seminally equivalent concepts in whatever subject they may occur."
(Prolegomena, p. 304) While in scheduled mnemonics the same concept is represented by the
same term and the same number in all its places of occurrence in seminal mnemonics, the same
concept is represented by the same number in all places of occurrence, but with different t e r n
denoting it In the different places. In contrast to scheduled mnemonics, Ranganathan named the
later as unscheduled mnemonics to indicate fie difference.
However, on the suggestion of Palmer and Wells the name seminal mnemonics was chosen.
For example, physiology in biology, function in political science and social activities in sociology
are equivalent at the unexpressed seminal level and denoted by the numeral 3 in CC. Similarly,
disease and social pathology are represented by 4.
Since a growing noktional system will cause a considerable pressure on memory in correlating
each digit to the idea represented by it, some relief is sought to be given by resorting to a
mnemonic use of digits and digit-groups, iie., by the application of the mnemonic device.
Self Check Exercise
3)

What are the different types of mnemonics'?

Write your answer i n the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answers g v c n at the end of this Unlt.

Note: i)

9.4 DEVICES IN USE IN CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS

The use of various devices in CC, DDC and UDC is discussed in the succeeding subsections.

9.4.1 Devices in CC
CC exploits the help of all the devices wherever helpful and possible. The following examples
illustrate the use of various devices in Colon Classification :

Choronological Device: It is used for the individualisation of :

a) Authors in literature
b) Artificial languages
c) Religious sects
d) Diverse system.s in basic classes, such as, physics,
medicine psychology, education and economics
e) Styles in fine arts, etc.

Approaches to Library
Clesslflcatlon

CC has elaborate rules on the use of this device.

Geographical Device: It is used for individualisation of :
a) Community in history and law
b) Dialect and jargon of a language
c) Style in fine arts
d) Several of the anteriorising common isolates, etc.
Subject Device: It is used in the individualisation of :
a) Some substances in organic chemistry
b) Some buildings in architecture
c) Some subjects in sculpture
d) Special views in metaphysics
e) Subjects in teaching techniques, and
t) Industries in economics
Alphabetical Device: It is used for the individualisation of :
a) Works of literary and classical authors
b) Brands of a machine
c) Strains bf 'cbltivars, viruses and bacteria
Enumeration Device: In the Rigidly-Faceted, Almost-Freely-Faceted and Freely-Faceted
'versions of CC, enumeration device has been used, but less often than in the other schemes
of classification.

9.4.2 Devices in DDC

Generally speaking, DDC does not use the chronological device. While DDC uses the subject
device quite 'often, it uses the geographical device where it is inescapable and the alphabetical
device very sparingly.
The geogmphical device is used to sharpen a class number in an enumerative classification
like DDC. It uses the geographical device in fonning the foci in the community facet of a
subject going with history and also in a similar m h e r in law. In other subjects requiring local
treatment, the gepgraphical number is added as a space facet qua @ace facet.However, this
is not a case of geographical device.
<

In DDC. however, there are fifty subjects directed to be divided like 001-999. These are also
cases of the subject device.

As regards the alphabetical device, it was i n d u c e d in the 17th Edition (1965); it allows it
to be used more freely.
On the other hand, enumeration device is used most widely in most of the arrays. Even where
the geographical device or subject device is used, each of them presupposes the enumeration
device having been used earlier.

9.4.3 Devlces In UDC

Like DDC, UDC does no! use the chronological device, but uses the geographicaI device
where it is inescapable and the alphabetical device very sparingly though it uses more than
DDC. In regard to the enumeration device, UDC like most of the schemes for classification
uses it niost widely in most of the arrays.

9.5 SUMMARY
In this unit,we have seen the need for and advantages of using of &vices in library classification.
We have also highlighted the various devices like the chronological,device, geographical
device, subject device, alphabetical device, enumeration device. In addition, we have discussed
in detail the &vices used for hospitality in arrays and chains. With this background, wupled
with the emphasis given in this Unit to the use of devicw in different classifice.hn systems,
you will be able to obtain an insight into the topic of devices and appreciate tbck role and
importance in library classification.

9.6 ANSWERS TO SELF CHECK EXERCISES

I) Devices are components used for forming or sharpening a facet in an analytico-synthetic
classificatioo andfor sharpening a subject in an enumerative classification. The advantages
of devices are that they:
avoid enumeration and thereby shorten an array in a schedule, and thus, the schedule
itself;
give autonomy to the classifier; and

'
1

secure automatic conformity to the canons of consistent sequence, helpful sequence,

mnemonics, hospitality in mays and chains.

>

2)

The devices used for:

-gap device, sectorising device, emptying and empty-emptying

Hospitality in array
digits.

Hospitality in chain - gap device, decimal fraction device, etc.

3) There are four types of mnemonics. They are:

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

9.7
-

Alphabetical mnemonics,
Scheduled mnemonics,
Systematic mnemonics, and
Seminal mnelnonics.

KEY WORDS
:

An array is a class derived from a universe on the basis of a single

characteristic in its suh-division of a subject and arranged in a
preferred sequence. In other words, an array is a set of coordinate
classes or subdivisions.

The chain cnn be defined as a sequence of classes made up of any

given class and its universe of Remove 1, Remove 2, Remove 3,
carried backward to any point desired. Thus, any sequence of
subordinate classes generated by successive suhdivisions is a chain.

Digit

: A single primary symbol recurring in a notation.

Ernpty Digit

A digit with an ordinal value but without a semantic value.

Empty-Emptying Digit : A digit which' is hoth empty and emptying,

Emptying Digit

A digit in a basic subject number or in an isolate number emptying

its preceding digit of its semantic value hut allowing it to retain
its ordinal value.

Indicator Digit

A digit prefixed to an isolate number to indicate the fundamental

category of which the isolate is a'manifestation. Till recently, it
. was called the connecting digit.

Sector

: A range of numbers beginning with a semnntically rich digit, or

with one empty digit, or with two empty digits and so on.
/

Example
(S-I) stands for Sector 1.2....8
(S-91) Sector 91,92....98
(S-A) Sector A,B....Y
(S-Zl) Sector Z1,Z2....Z
(S-ZA) Sector ZA,ZB....ZY
:

Super-imposition is connecting two or more isolate ideas belonging

to the same universe of isolate ideas. The isolate idea resulting
from super-imposition is called a super-imposed idea. Another
name for it is compound isolate idea.

Devices in Libmy Ckdfkation

Approaches to Library
Classificstion

9.8 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READNG '

Foskett, A.C. (1977). Subject Approach to Information. 3* ed. London: Clive Bingley.
Mills, J.A. (1960). Modem Outline of Library Classification..Bomay: Asia Publishing House.
Ranganathar), S.R. (1987). Colon Classification. 7Lhed. Edited by M.A. Gopinath. Bangalore:
Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science.
Ranganathan, S.R. (1967). Prolegomena to Library Classificption. 3d ed. Bangalore: Sarada
Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science.
UDC: International Medium Edition - English Text (BS IOOOM: 1985). Londcn: British Standards
Institution.