Library of Congress Classification

Library of Congress Classification
Name	Library of Congress Classification
Classification	Library of Congress (LC) Classification
Released	1897 – present
Genre	Library classification
Preceded by	Fixed location systems
Related	Dewey Decimal Classification, Universal Decimal Classification

Library of Congress Classification. The Library of Congress Classification is an enumerative system of library classification developed by the Library of Congress in the United States. It was created beginning in 1897 under the guidance of Herbert Putnam and J.C.M. Hanson to replace a fixed location system for the growing collections of the national library. Unlike more philosophical systems, it was designed pragmatically based on the actual holdings of the Library of Congress, resulting in a highly detailed, alphanumeric notation system. It is now the primary classification system for academic and research libraries across North America and in many institutions worldwide.

Overview and History

The development was initiated by Librarian of Congress Herbert Putnam shortly after his appointment in 1897, with significant work by superintendent of the card division J.C.M. Hanson and cataloger Charles Martel. The first schedule, Class Z: Bibliography and Library Science, was published in 1898, with others following over subsequent decades. The system's expansion was closely tied to the growth of the Library of Congress collections following the Copyright Act of 1870, which mandated deposit of copyrighted works. Key revisions and expansions occurred throughout the 20th century, including major updates to reflect new fields like computer science and aeronautics. The classification's development was influenced by earlier systems like Cutter Expansive Classification but was distinctly built around the unique, specialized collections in Washington, D.C..

Structure and Notation

The system uses a mixed alphanumeric notation comprising one or two capital letters followed by a numerical integer, which may be further extended by a decimal and a cutter number. The initial letters represent 21 broad topical classes, such as Class B: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion or Class D: World History and History of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc.. The integer defines a narrower subject within that class. Further specificity is achieved through cutter numbers, often derived from author names or geographic locations, creating a unique call number for each item. This hierarchical yet flexible structure allows for immense detail and the intercalation of new subjects, facilitated by continuous editorial work by the Library of Congress's Policy and Standards Division.

Main Classes

The 21 main classes, each represented by a single letter, form the primary divisions. Class A: General Works covers encyclopedias and periodicals, while Class B encompasses philosophy and religion. Class C: Auxiliary Sciences of History includes archaeology and genealogy. Class D and Class E-F: History of the Americas cover history geographically. Class G: Geography, Anthropology, Recreation includes maps and sports. Class H: Social Sciences contains economics and sociology. Class J: Political Science and Class K: Law are distinct. Class L: Education and Class M: Music and Books on Music follow. Class N: Fine Arts covers painting and sculpture. Class P: Language and Literature is one of the largest. Class Q: Science, Class R: Medicine, Class S: Agriculture, and Class T: Technology cover applied sciences. Class U: Military Science, Class V: Naval Science, and Class Z: Bibliography, Library Science, Information Resources complete the set.

Comparison with Other Systems

Unlike the hierarchical, discipline-based Dewey Decimal Classification used widely in public and school libraries, this system is enumerative and developed for a vast research collection. The Dewey Decimal Classification, created by Melvil Dewey, uses a purely decimal notation for all knowledge. Another major system, the Universal Decimal Classification, is a faceted adaptation of Dewey Decimal Classification popular in Europe and for specialized collections. The Bliss bibliographic classification, used in some British libraries, is a systematic theoretical scheme. The primary advantage here is its detailed, literal notation tailored to large, academic collections, whereas Dewey Decimal Classification is often praised for its simplicity and universal application.

Use and Application

It is the dominant classification system in major research libraries across the United States, including Harvard University, the University of California, and the New York Public Library. Its use is facilitated by the distribution of Library of Congress cataloging records through services like the OCLC's WorldCat database. Most academic libraries in Canada, Australia, and other countries also employ it. The system is maintained through continuous revision by subject specialists, with schedules published both online and in print. Libraries implement it not only for shelf arrangement but also as a powerful subject browsing tool within online public access catalog systems, often linked with Library of Congress Subject Headings.

Criticisms and Limitations

Critics argue the system reflects the late-19th and early-20th century biases of its creators and the collection of the Library of Congress. The structure for Class D: World History and History of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc. and Class E-F: History of the Americas has been noted for an Eurocentric and American-centric perspective. The enumerative nature can make it inflexible for emerging interdisciplinary fields, requiring constant revision. Some compare it unfavorably to more faceted systems like the Colon classification developed by S. R. Ranganathan. Furthermore, its complexity and detailed notation can be daunting for patrons in smaller public libraries, where the Dewey Decimal Classification remains preferred for its intuitive structure.

Category:Library of Congress Category:Library classification systems