Classification systems and theories

Course Main Objective

This course aims to make students learn about the main concepts of classification and its systems and its role in facilitating access to information resources being one of the technical processes related to information organization and resources and role of technology.

Course Learning Outcomes

• 1. Knowledge and Comprehension
• 1.1 Describe definition of classification and its role in information organization and retrieval and its importance, characteristics, components and evolution of its theories and the role of technology within it.
• 2. Skills
• 2.1Differentiate among different classification systems upon classifying information resources.
• 2.2 Employ information technology in classifying information and its resources.
• 3. Values
• 3.1 Proceed to solve information classification and resources-related problems.

Course Content:

• The basic concepts of classification: the concept, importance functions and its relation to other technical processes; the classification status among library and information studies; its role in the process of organizing information and its relation to the objective analysis.
• Theory of classification
• Classification system: its concept, philosophy of its structure, basics upon which the classification systems created, its material and objective components, the intellectual schools upon which the bibliographic systems have been created; characteristics of good classification system; types of classification systems.
• Dewey Decimal System (DDC).
• Practical classification rules using the DDC in its various versions.
• Library of Congress Classification: structure and material and objective components of the system.
• Modern trends in classification.

Textbook (s) 

Ouda, Muhammad.m. (2019). Classification in Libraries and Information Centers. Cairo: darelkotob.
Al-Taei, Ja’far. (2020). General Principles of Practical Classification in Libraries. - Amman: Dar AlKandy for Publishing and Distribution.
Jassim, Ja’far.H. (2017). Practical Classification in Libraries. Amman: AlBedayah Publishers & Distributors.
Abdel Jawwad, Muhammad. (2016). Practical Classification. Cairo: Dar ElElm & ElEman
Hamdy. A.W. (2007). The Electronic Resources of Information: Selection, Management and Availability in Libraries. Cairo: Al-Masriah Al-Lubnaniah Bookstore.  

Course ID: LIBR209