Kinds of Library Classification:
When entities are books or other items of information, their classification is called Library Classification. Library classification has also been defined as classification of knowledge as contained in the books and other reading material. Library classification is ostensibly utilitarian in the sense that it has an immediate purpose. Library classification has got many meanings. It is Book Classification when it is used to arrange books and other macro documents on the library shelves. When it is used to arrange not the books but records to them, i.e., catalogues, or bibliographies it is called Bibliographic Classification. The Dewey Decimal. Classification (DDC) was designed to be a book classification, whereas the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) was designed to be a bibliographic classification. The term bibliographic classification is also used for depth or detailed classification., Detailed classification required for micro documents is known as Depth Classification. Library of Congress Classification is relatively a depth classification. A classification which is not too detailed and meets the requirement of small libraries is called Broad Classification. 'Rider's International Classification. (1961) and early editions of the DDC are broad classifications.
Classification for a smaller area of knowledge, say for economics, occupational safety, environmental engineering, or leather technology, is known as Special Classification. Special classification of the entire universe of knowledge is known as General Classification. Some call it Universal Classification:
Library classification, whatever its kinds, may be defined comprehensively as:
A systematic arrangement by subject of books and other learning resources and/or similar systematic arrangement of catalogue or index entries in the manner; most useful to those who are seeking. either a definite piece of information or the display of the most likely sources for the effective investigation of the subject of their choice. - Rita Marcella and Robert Newton The purpose is to facilitate the optimum use of library resources. It is a tool for information retrieval both in manual and automated retrieval systems.