Broad System of Ordering

| name = Broad System of Ordering | image = | caption = | classification = Library classification system | creator = UNESCO | country = | publication_date = 1970s | predecessor = | successor =

Broad System of Ordering is a bibliographic classification system used by UNESCO and other organizations for categorizing and organizing library materials, particularly in the fields of education, science, technology, and culture. The system was developed in the 1970s to provide a simple and flexible way of classifying documents and other materials. It is widely used in developing countries and has been adopted by various libraries, archives, and information centers around the world. The Broad System of Ordering is designed to be easy to use and understand, with a simple notation system that allows for efficient classification and retrieval of information.

Overview

The Broad System of Ordering is a comprehensive classification system that covers a wide range of subjects, including education, science, technology, art, literature, and culture. The system is based on a broad categorization of subjects into nine main classes, each represented by a letter of the alphabet. These classes are further subdivided into more specific topics, allowing for a detailed and precise classification of materials. The system is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing users to add new classes or modify existing ones as needed.

Structure and Notation

The Broad System of Ordering uses a simple notation system based on a combination of letters and numbers. The system consists of nine main classes, each represented by a letter of the alphabet: A) General works, B) Philosophy and psychology, C) Religion, D) Social sciences, E) Language, F) Literature, G) Arts, H) Science, and J) Technology. Each class is further subdivided into more specific topics, using a combination of numbers and letters. For example, the class for education ( subclass of D) Social sciences) is further subdivided into topics such as curriculum development (D1) and educational technology (D2).

Development and History

The Broad System of Ordering was developed in the 1970s by UNESCO, with the goal of providing a simple and flexible classification system for use in developing countries. The system was designed to be easy to use and understand, with a simple notation system that would allow for efficient classification and retrieval of information. The system has undergone several revisions and updates since its introduction, with the most recent revision being published in the 1990s.

Application and Use

The Broad System of Ordering is widely used in libraries, archives, and information centers around the world, particularly in developing countries. The system is used for categorizing and organizing a wide range of materials, including books, journals, and digital resources. It is also used for indexing and retrieval of information, allowing users to quickly and easily locate relevant materials. Many educational institutions, research centers, and government agencies use the Broad System of Ordering for organizing and retrieving information.

Comparison with Other Systems

The Broad System of Ordering is one of several classification systems used in libraries and information centers around the world. Other popular systems include the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system, and the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) system. While these systems share some similarities with the Broad System of Ordering, they differ in their structure, notation, and application. For example, the DDC system is widely used in public libraries in the United States, while the LCC system is used in many academic libraries in the United States and Canada.

Category:Library classification systems