Paper No.

: 02 KO & Processing: Classification

Module : 06 Notation: Kinds, Qualities, Mnemonics and Hospitality.

Development Team
Principal Investigator
& Dr. Jagdish Arora, Director
Subject Coordinator INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar

Paper Coordinator Dr. M P Satija

Professor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

Content Writer Dr. M P Satija

Professor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

Prof S Ravi
Content Reviewer Professor and Head, DDE - Library and Information Science Wing,
Annamalai University

Library and
KO & Processing : Classification
Information Science Notation: Kinds, Qualities, Mnemonics and Hospitality.
 Description of Module
Subject Name Library and Information Science

Paper Name 02 KO & Processing : Classification

Module Name/Title Notation: Kinds, Qualities, Mnemonics and Hospitality.

Module Id LIS/KOP-C/06

Pre-requisites

Objectives

Keywords

Library and
KO & Processing : Classification
Information Science Notation: Kinds, Qualities, Mnemonics and Hospitality.
 0 Objectives
1 Introduction
1.1 Definition of Notation
1.2 Need and Purpose
1.3 Other Uses
2 Canons of Notation
2.1 Qualities of Notation
2.1.1 How of Brevity
2.2 How of Brevity
2.3 Mnemonically made Notation
2.31 Alphabetical mnemonics
2.32 Schedule mnemonics
2.33 Seminal mnemonics
3 Hospitality
3.1 Hospitality by Classifiers(Autonomy)
3.2 Hospitality by Classificationists
4 Gaps in Arrays
4.1 Limitations
4.2 Sectorising Digits
4.3 Empty-Digits
4.4 Empty-Emptying Digits
5 Hospitality in chain
6 Problems of Notation
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 7 Summary
9 Key Words
10 References and Further Readings
11 MCQs

0 Objectives
By reading this unit you will know:
 the kind of work to be done in the notational plane.
 importance and status of notation in library classification.
 kinds of notation.
 canons of notation.
 qualities of a notational system.
 methods for hospitality in notation.
 problems and future of notation in library classification.
1 Introduction
Though the last plane of work in designing a library classification system, yet it is the
most visible face of the final product. Being visible, some people mistake it for
classification itself. In fact notation is a series of symbols or codes to represent the
subjects which were concepts and names in the idea and verbal planes, respectively. It
is a plane which faithfully implements the findings or decisions of the idea plane.
Ranganathan called it as servant of the idea plane. It is better to call it as the Executive
Plane. Its position can be better understood by using an analogy of motion picture. In a
movie, story and plot make the idea plane, screenplay and dialogue make the verbal
plane, while actors are the notational plane. The function of notation in library
classification is clear, but its status is ambiguous, at best. It is rightly said that a bad
notation may mar a good work in the idea plane, but a good notation cannot improve
the bad work of the idea plane. (Idea plane may be treated conceptual as
classification).

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 1.1 Definition
Notation is a system of short hand symbols to denote subjects and their
subdivisions by ordinal digits. A digit is an element of notational systems. These digits
have only ordinal value i.e., show only order. These digits are not cardinal or
quantitative. To explain, in a notational system comprising of 1,2,3,…9 etc., it means
value of 2 is not greater than1, but will only come after it. Similarly, if it comprises of
symbol A,B….Z, it means C is not greater than A or B, but will fall between B and D.
That is notation conveys only the order not value or weight. Notation is a constant sign
by which we denote classes, subjects and aspects of documents to from a call number.
1.2 Need and Purpose
In the Idea and Verbal planes every concept is given a considered place in a
classification system, but these terms howsoever, cannot be assigned as index terms to
the documents in a library. This is mostly for the following:
 Names/terms for subjects in the verbal plane are too long to be written as
labels. Hence we require short symbols to denote subjects.
 Names of subjects are different in different languages whereas in a library we
have books in many languages. Mathematics is called “Ganit” in Hindi-then
where should be place a book of mathematics in Hindi? : under "G” or “M”.?
 In every language there is a problem of synonyms, e.g., wages, salary, pay mean
the same concept. Then under which term the documents on the subject
should be filed
 Names keep changing. For example Economics was once called Political
Economy. Education Ministry is now called Ministry of Human Resources
Development. Sri Lanka was once called Ceylon.
 If names are used for arrangement of documents then there would be many
problems. The subjects will get scattered, e.g. Mathematics will come under
“M”, whereas Algebra will go to Geometry to “G” and Trigonometry to “T”. A
family will thus get dispersed.
 Even if these names are labeled on the documents how these will preserve the
systematic order of subjects (in arrays and chains) arrived in the idea plane.?
Words in themselves can only be arranged alphabetically. Therefore, to
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 preserve the thoughtfully decided sequence of subjects and their subdivisions a
series of ordinal symbols are assigned to the concepts and terms. For example,
in botany the arrangement of various parts of plants decided in the idea plane is

Plant I
Root I,3
Stem I,4
Leaf I,5
Flower I,6
Fruit I,7
SeedI,8
(The above arrangement is according to the principle of spatial contiguity – we proceed
part by part from bottom to top. This sequence also conforms to the principle of “Later
in Time”). We have assigned a number to each subdivision to preserve their
arrangement and use it mechanically at some later time. These symbols-complex,
called class numbers, are not only short but will also help to shelve or arrange
document at proper places. These class numbered documents can be taken out, read
and placed again at their proper places without any difficulty. Notation offers a self-
evident order. Obviously, it is much easier to use these shorthand symbols for
arranging documents than to use the names of subjects.
1.3 Other Uses
 It is an indispensable component of library classification – which is usually not
required in knowledge classifications.
 It is the address of the document in the library and assures efficient working of
the library catalogue.
 Apart from mechanizing the arrangement of documents on the shelves it
arranges entries in classified catalogues and shelf lists.
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  Shows relations of subjects in the over all scheme of the mapping of knowledge.
 Helps in the synthesis of compound and complesx subjects
 Makes possible the efficient use of the index. In the index it tis the reference
point.
 In faceted classifications it makes the structure of the subject transparent.
 It is essential for Chain Indexing. It may be essential for arrangement of
circulation record in a library
. In brief it is the engine of the library classification.Notation is so essential to
classification that Palmer and Wells have defined library classification as
“representation of an infinite series of subjects by a finite series of symbols”. It is
aptly said by W.H. Philips that if classification is foundation study of librarianship,
then notation is the basis of practical book classification.”
2 Canons of Notation
Now we pass on to the how of notation. To design a qualitative and effective
notation Ranganathan has formulated and prescribed some canons for the choice
and design of a notational system. These are:
1) Canon of Homonyms and Synonyms
2) Canon of Relativity and Uniformity
3) Canon of Hierarchy
4) Canon of Mixed Notation
5) Canon of Faceted Notation
6) Canon of Co-extensiveness
Notation is more than a mere series of symbols. Ranganathan though described
notation as servant of the idea plane yet expected much higher tasks from notation.
He always treated it as a device to translate the subject of a document into an artificial
language of ordinal numbers. And he wanted to endow it with qualities of a language.
In the same vein his Canon of Homonyms and Synonyms prescribes that a class number
should denote one and only one subject, and conversely a subject should be denoted
by one and only one class number. In fact, it is too much to expect from notation which
is no more than an ordering device. Ranganathan has visualized only an ideal and
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 perfect notation which is far from reality and much advanced of its present needs.
Even half of its envisioned efficacy will be achieved at an unaffordable price in terms of
complexity. It is possible to denote a subject by one and only one class number, but in
reality a class number denotes a group of subjects. For example, in the DDC 610 always
means Medical Science and 611 always means Human Anatomy. On the other hand
Bengali language has only one number 491.44, but 491.49 Other Indian languages
stands for Awadhi, Bagheli, Chhatirgarhi, Eastern Hindi, Kafiri and Pahari. So many
languages share one class number. A classification like Rider’s International
Classification (1961) which always uses three alphabets to denote a subject is likely to
be full of homonyms –a class number denoting many subjects at a time.
Any classification at best makes broader groups than to faithfully and precisely
translate the subject of the document into notation. In fact, more homonymous a class
number more hospital a classification system is. Also many classification system such
as Bibliographic Classification (2nd ed, BC-2), even the DDC offer many alternatives
(optional class number). For example, in BC-2 Religion can either be placed at P or Z.
Therefore, this canon is difficult to be observed in reality – even Ranganathan CC
violates this canon at many places. Canon of Relativity and Uniformity means that
length of a class number (i.e. total number of digits in it) is usually the indication of the
breadth and depth of the subject it denotes. Breath and depth are technically known
as extension and intension of the subject respectively. For example:
02 Library Science
025 Library Operations
025.3 Bibliographic analysis and control
025.32 Descriptive cataloging
025.322 Choice of entry
025.3222 Authority files
In the above example as the subject becomes more and more specialized the number
(quantity) of digits goes on increasing. It also means that the hierarchy of a subject is
depicted through the increasing length of notation. It is known as expressive notation.
Theoretically, it is quite possible to go down the hierarchy to a great depth. In practical
library classification this lengthening of chain cannot go on for ever. A practical library
classification has to stop somewhere to keep the length of the class number in check.
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 Therefore, for brevity and simplicity some classifications do not show the hierarchy of
notation beyond some point, though order of subjects is maintained. In the National
Library of Medicine Classification (USA) we have,
FAI Great Britain
FE5 England
FG9 Guernsey
Here three subjects of decreasing extension (and increasing intension) are denoted by
equal number of digits, though their order on shelf will be from general to specific or
broader to narrower. Canon of Hierarchy is implied in the Canon of Relativity. It means
that every characteristic used in the division of a universe of entities must be
represented by a digit. In others words the class number must and faithfully depict the
deepening hierarchy of subjects, e.g.,
5 Sciences
51 Mathematics
516 Geometry
516.3 Analytic geometry
516.35 Algebraic geometry
516.352 Theory of curves

Many a scheme violates this canon to secure brief numbers. We do not think the
depiction of hierarchy through notation in library classification is useful beyond
a certain point.It is useful in knowledge clasifcation.
Canon of mixed notation: usually there are two types of notations: Pure and Mixed.
A pure notation is the one comprising of single species of digits, say only A/Z as in
RIC, or 0/9 Arabic numerals as in the DDC. There was a time when purity was
considered a virtue due to ease of use. Mixed notation comprises of a mix of two or
more species as in Library of Congress Classification which uses mix of alphabets
and numerals to denote subjects. UDC which mainly uses 0/9 decimal numerals
with host of punctuation marks and mathematical signs has also a mixed notation.
In the present times a classification has a very difficult task of mapping and
structuring the expansive, complex and turbulently growing multidimensional
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 universe of knowledge. A pure notation cannot work effectively. Hence
classifications, of necessity, have resorted to mixed notation. It is rightly said that
many of the problems of the DDC are due to its pure notation. A mixed notation has
a wider base that is has more number of digits in it. A wider base has a larger
capacity and therefore is able to give shorter class numbers. For example, a
notation of Indo-Arabic numerals 0/9 is able to produce one thousand 001 to 999
three digit class numbers, while a system using A/Z notation will have (263) 17576
subjects denoted by three digits. Though a mixed notation is bit difficult to handle,
yet ,like friction, it is a necessary evil. Then the question is how much mixed?
Moderately mixed, as in BC-2 or Library of Congress is ideal. But highly mixed
notation with many unfamiliar symbols may be disastrous for library classification. If
some technical problems of the DDC are due to its purity of notation, yet it was the
choice of notation that proved a lucky stroke for its longevity and continuing
popularity. Library users adore it. On the other hand highly mixed notation
comprising of 74 digits in Ranganathan's CC has played a role in its unpopularity.
Decimal Fractions and Arithmetical numerals: Further, Indo-Arabic numerals may
be used arithmetically or as decimal fractions. Library of Congress uses them
arithmetically while all other systems, including the CC, use Arabic numerals as
decimal fractions. The DDC pioneered the use of decimal notation and is now
considered naturally convenient to denote subjects and their subdivisions. Decimal
notation has many obvious advantages over the arithmetical numbers. Decimal
notation is hierarchical and expressive and provides ready hospitality at the end of
the chain
Faceted Notation: Notation must be structurally transparent to show various
facets or elements of a class number. For example, in UDC, 82 Shak-2 denotes plays
of Shakespeare. Here 8 is literature while 2 is English literature, Shak stands for
Shakespeare, and -2 is drama. Even in the DDC 822.33 means the same thing. It is
structured internally, as 8 is literature, 22 English drama, 822.3 is Elizabethan plays,
822.33 is Shakespeare. But in this case though the notation is faceted or structured
but not transparent. Every hierarchical classification is structured but may not be
transparent, whereas the faceted notation of CC is both structured and crystal

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 transparent, e.g. O111, 2J64, H means O-Literature-111English-2Drama-
J64Shakespeare-Hamlet.
Canon of Co-extensiveness
It means that every aspect of the subject should be indicated by a digit. That is a
class number should be totally comprehensive of the characteristics used in dividing
a subject. It again brings us to the question of hierarchy and relativity :
Indian History 954
Mughal History 954.02
Akbar 954.02
Court of Akbar 954.02
This classification violates the Canon of Co-extensiveness. So is the case with the
following numbers from the Rider's IC:
Diseases of Stomach UJK
Gastritis UJK
Gastric Disorders UJK
Gastric Ulcer UJK
In the above two examples the increasing depth (intension) of the subject has not
been represented by correspondingly lengthening the class number. It means
954.02 and UJK are homonymous class numbers. Ultimately, it results in broader
classification. Some classification thinkers arguably believe that it is superfluous to
aspire or try for co-extensive class numbers. Moderately depth classification is quite
sufficient for shelf arrangement. H.E Bliss (1870-1955) is said to have said “Be
minute, be minute, be not too minute”. To this Ranganathan replied “Be minute, be
minute, be too minute”. Debate is endless. It again brings us to the question: Is our
library classification sophisticated enough to carry the entire burden thrust on it?
We must not expect from library classification, especially its notation, what it
inherently is not capable of.

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 2.1 Qualities of Notation
Apart from all the above mandatory qualities (as Ranganathan terms them as
canons) other qualities of notation can be of three types:
1) Optional or desirable
2) Essential and vital
3) Scientific
Above all the notation should be user friendly. Among the desirable qualities, a
notation should be brief, moderately mixed and composed of familiar digits, so that
digits convey a self-evident order. For example, order of mathematical symbols or
punctuation marks is not self evident. Digits should be easy to write, in fact should
be available on the computer key board. Class number should be easy to pronounce
and remember for a short while. Brevity of class numbers in the print environment
was a necessity as a class number had to be written on the book spine, which has a
very limited breadth. Lengthy class numbers also pose difficulties in arrangement on
the shelves. But in the OPACs the length of a class number does not matter.
Hierarchical and faceted notation with highly recall and relevant ratio is best for
information retrieval. Mixedness and length of notation do not matter in an
automated library whereas in a print or manual library these are weighty and
influential considerations.
2.1.1How of Brevity: Proportionate or equitable allocation of digits to subjects will
result in brief numbers. It means that static subjects like philosophy or religion
should be allocated a small slice of the notational cake whereas dynamic subjects
like science and technology, computers should be given a larger slice. As said
earlier, wider base of mixed notation will also turn out brief numbers. Above all
broader classification results in brief numbers.
2.3 Mnemonically Based Notation
Another desirable quality of notation is it being mnemonic. A mnemonical
notation denotes same or similar recurring concepts by the same digits. The DDC
and the CC are highly mnemonic systems. There are three types of mnemonics:
alphabetical, scheduled and Seminal—latter are made use of by Ranganthan only.
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 2.31 Alphabetical mnemonics
In alphabetical mnemonics an entity is denote by its name using its initial alphabet,
e.g., J381B means Basmati Rice, while D5125H means Hero Bicycle, D5133M mean
Maruti motorcar. Library of Congress, (LCC) and UDC use alphabetical mnemonics to
a large extent. In the LCC we have:
A General works
AC General Collections
AE General Encyclopedias
AS General Societies
In the LCC we have literal mnemonics which are incidental: G-Geography, M-Music,
and T-Technology
2.32 Scheduled mnemonics.
In the schedule denote recurring concepts and terms by the same digit. Here are
self-evident examples from the DDC and the CC
Language Literature Linguistics History
English 820 420 942
German 830 430 943
French 840 440 944
Hindi 891.43 491.43 -

English language, Literature and History are always denoted by “2” and German by
“3”, so on. Similarly, take the case of CC:
Main class Anatomy Physiology Diseases
G Biology G :2 G :3 G:4
I Botany I:2 I:3 I:4
K Zoology K:2 K:3 K:4
L Medicine L:2 L:3 L:4

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 Anatomy wherever it occurs has been denoted by “2” and disease by “4”.
Ranganathan identifies three kinds of mnemonics, namely, alphabetical(literal),
schedule and seminal. Schedule mnemonics have been explained above.
2.33 Seminal mnemonics
Ranganthan made a deep study of mnemonics and makes use of them in his CC:
The digit 1 is used as mnemonic for unity, God, world, the first in evoluation or time,
one dimension or line, solid state,
The digit 2 is used as mnemonic for two dimensions, plane, conics, form, structure,
anatomy, morphology, sources of knowledge, physiography, constitution, physical
anthropology
The digit 3 is used for mnemonic for three dimensions, space, cubic, analysis, function,
physiology, syntax, method, social anthropology,.
The digit 4 is used as mnemonic for heat pathology, disease, transport, interlinking,
synthesis, and hybrid, salt
The digit 5 is used as mnemonic for energy, light, radiation, organic, , liquid, water,
ocean, foreign land, alien, external, environment, ecology, public controlled plan,
emotion, foliage, aesthetic, woman, sex, crime
The digit 6 is used as mnemonic dimensions, subtle, mysticism, money, finance,
abnormal, phylogeny, evolution
The digit 7 is used as mnemonic for personality, ontology, integrated, holism, value,
public finance,
The digit 8 is used as mnemonic for travel, organisation, and fitness.

As another form of root seminal mnemonics, seminally equivalent entities, e.g.,

feed, food, fuel, should be denoted by same digit wherever they occur. Repair of
machines, treatment of diseases, and alleviation of social ills also get the same
number in respective main classes. Mnemonics though they bring sort of symmetry

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 in the classification yet at many places they may conflict with the helpful sequence.
Do not distort a helpful sequence to make notation mnemonic. Nevertheless,
mnemonics are only optional.
3 Hospitality
Hospitality is the most essential, rather vital, quality of any notational system.
It is the ability of notation to accommodate new subjects at their proper places
without disturbing the existing sequence. Non-technically, it is also known as
flexibility or resilience of classification. It is essential as knowledge is simultaneously
growing exponentially in multiple directions. Therefore, any living and practical
classification must have the capacity to give place to the new subjects at their
proper places – latter point is essential. That is why library classifications are revised
from time to time to include new subjects at their natural places. For example, the
DDC (1876) of 44 pages has grown gradually to more than 4070 pages in the DDC-
23(2011). Hospitality can be at two levels.
1) Hospitality by classifiers
2) Hospitality by classificationists in new editions

3.1 Hospitality by classifiers

Almost all standard library classification systems recommend that the
classifiers should not tinker with the schedules. They should not make local numbers in
case a number for a new subject is not available in the classification. Usually in such
situations it is advised that a classifier should wait for the new edition and may
temporarily place the new subject with its broader class. But Ranganathan has made
provision for the classifiers to synthesise a class number for a topic not explicitly listed
in the schedules. These are devises for hospitality and number building by the
classifiers. These are namely:
Subject Device
Chronological Device
Geographical Device
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 Super-imposition Device
Alphabetical Device
This armory of devices at the disposal of a classifier keeps the work of classification
going. Using these devices judiciously a classifier can make class numbers for new
subjects. Perhaps on the dint of these devices Ranganathan claimed his system to be
“self-perpetuating” – that is which is able to classify new knowledge without
immediate intervention of the classificationist. It also means a classification which
rejuvenates itself automatically. Nevertheless, it is doubtful if a classification,
howsoever hospitable, can be self-perpetuating.
3.2 Hospitality by classificationists in new editions
Every system designer is aware of making provisions to properly accommodate new
subjects in later editions without disturbing the existing ones. Therefore, in every
system some conceptual, structural and mechanical provisions are made to
accommodate new subjects at proper places (sometimes at not so proper places).
Sophistication of a notational system can be measured by its instant hospitality to new
subjects. Let us make a case study of Ranganathan’s Colon Classification for hospitality
where notation consisting of six species is highly mixed:
1 A/Z Roman Caps 26
2 Greek Delta 01
3 0/9 Indo-Arabic Decimal number 10
4 a/z (Excluding I,L,o) i.e.o 23
5 *”← Indicator digits with 03
anteriorising value
6 &‘.: ; ,-=+()→ Ordinary indicator digits 11=74

Ranganthan has resolved hospitality at two levels namely, in arrays and chains.
4.3 Gaps in Arrays :An array is a sequence of co-ordinate classes, Gap device a method
to accommodate future subjects, is used at every level of arrays in almost all
classifications. Gap device leaves some vacant numbers here and there to be filled in
with future and unborn subjects. In the CC, e.g.,
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 U1 Mathematical Geography
U2 Physical Geography
U3 [Vacant]
U4 Anthropogeography
U5 Political Geography
U6 Economic Geography
U7 [Vacant]
U8 Travels
In the above array U3 and U7 are vacant positions which can be filled with new topics
of Geography. The DDC uses this method to a great extent. In 500 Natural sciences in
the Third Summary we have many vacant position in DDC23 : 504, 517, 524, 544, 545,
574, 589. Now in the UDC the whole class 4 is lying vacant. At lower levels there are
numerous such vacancies. These can be used in the future to accommodate new
subjects. Almost every system does this.
4.3.1Limitations
Though used by almost every classification, gap device is not the real solution. This
method does not ensure a rightful place for the new subjects. There may not be any
vacant place available at a needed place; on the other hand many vacant places remain
unfilled for long as no new subjects are emerging there. In the DDC many new subjects
are misplaced as due to lack of space at the right place they are allotted a vacant place
nearby. It distorts the structure or mapping of knowledge. There are no gaps left in
classes like Technologies where new subjects are popping everyday. Therefore, gaps
are not the solution but alibis to postpone the crisis.
4.4 Sectorising Digits
This is an effective device to accommodate a subject at a proper place in an array
even if no vacant place is there. For this Ranganathan invented an ingenious method of
empty digits, now also called Sectorising Digits. He sets aside 0,9,z and Z as empty

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 digits. These digits are never used alone but used as repeater digits to extend an array.
For example 1,2,3,…8, 91, 92… 99, 991, 992…993……999 are all co-ordinate classes.
Similarly, we can have an array extended like A, B,C….Y ZA, ZB,ZC….ZY, ZZA…….ZZX and
so on. Here Z has no semantic value, only ordinal value. It means semantically it is
empty. Though the DDC has no such provisions nor terms like this, it often uses “9
others” to dump en masse other remaining subjects which could not be
accommodated in the array 1/8. A good example is the main class 900 History,
Geography, Biography. The three subjects have been clubbed together as there is no
other place in the decimal notation beyond 900.
4.4.1 Unwanted Abundance
In his unchecked enthusiasm Ranganthan proposed 0,z,9 and Z as sectorising digits
for interpolation and extrapolation(at both the ends) of an array. With this he claims
the capacity of an array can be increased to 1166 places. Theoretically it sounds good
but practically it looks superfluous and confusing. Who needs such a longish array
which will be chaotic? Certainly it will require further divisions from within for its
better management.
4.5 Emptying Digits
Digits T, V and X are set aside as emptying digits as these empty a preceding digit of its
meaning but allow it to retain its ordinal value. For example, in the CC
K Zoology
L Medicine
No place is left between the two to insert a new but equally ranked (Coordinate)
subject Animal husbandry. Using
X as an emptying digit KX is assigned to Animal husbandry. Here K no more denotes
Zoology, and KX may be treated a single digit which means Animal husbandry and is
arranged between K and L. Hence it is a very clever device to accommodate new
subjects at proper place in an array. Similarly, we have
44 India
44T Nepal
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 44V Sri Lanka
44X Pakistan
45 Iran
Here 44T, 44V and 44X are coordinate with 44 and 45. Ranganthan even used twice
an emptying digit;
B Mathematics
BT Statistical Analysis
BTT Operation Research
Emptying digits are just like the King Bali in the Ramayana who was blessed with
sacking the power of his enemies who faced him in any battle. That is why Lord Rama
had to kill him while hiding himself in a bush – though then it was not the norm to kill
an enemy from a hidden position.
4.5.1 Empty-Emptying Digits
To make further rather almost unlimited interpolation in the Colon Classification U, W
and Y have been postulated as Empty-Empty digits. It means not only these digits are
empty of any meaning these also make other digits empty to which these are attached,
e.g., in the CC-7.
Y Sociology YYT Sociometry
YT Demography YYU Socio-Cybernetics
YUA Cyber Culture Z Law
YUG Bio-Sociology
YX Social Work

In this way, any number of new co-ordinate subjects can be interpolated at their
proper places in an array of classes.
5 Hospitality in Chain

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 Chain is a sequence of classes of successively decreasing extension. The DDC
provides infinite hospitality in chain by the use of decimal fraction. New subjects can
be added at the end of a chain by a decimal fraction. This method is now used almost
by all the classifications. Use of decimal numerals is almost a norm while designing
classification systems:
328 Legislative Process
328.3 Parliaments
328.33 Members of Parliament
328.334 Basis of Membership
328.3345 Election Constituencies
328.33455 Gerrymandering
328.334552 Reserve constituency*

* The last number has been added by us to show how the new subjects can be
added by lengthening the chain. We can also give many such examples from
the CC. Hierarchy showing relations of sub-ordination and co-ordination, and
relativity are scientific and logical qualities of any notational system.
6. Problems of Notation
There cannot be any library classification without notation. For many library users
notation is the library classification. In fact it is one of the three forms to designate and
denote concepts, the other two being terms and definitions. But notation is only skin
deep, and should not be over burdened with tasks. Apart from subject designation, it
preserves and mechanises the chosen order of subjects and documents. Though
indispensable it has many problems. In many systems notation has become too
complex. Lengthy class numbers are inevitable in depth classification though these
pose many problems. They are not user friendly. The order of digits in a mixed notation
may not be comprehensible to the ordinary library users. Not only this, in the UDC
punctuation marks are posing a problem in computerized arrangement as their value
is not compatible with the ASCII. Late French classification thinker Eric de Grolier
(1911-1998) regrets that we have not applied to library classification the progress the
notation has made in other field such as mathematics, logic and chemistry. One
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 hindrance is our library users who are laypersons and may not understand very
advanced or sophisticated notation. Digital libraries may provide a virgin field to realize
the full potential of notation in library classification.
7 Summary
Notation is more than a series of short hand ordinal symbols to denote subjects. It is a
system ; an artificial language to translate the subject of the document into ordinal
numbers for arrangement. Its other functions are to preserve and mechanise the order
of subject decided in the idea plane. It helps in number synthesis, shows hierarchy of
subjects, is an essential component of classified catalogues and a location tool in
OPACs and shelf lists. Notation is essential for Chain Indexing that is a process of
deriving subject headings from the class number. Combined with verbal terms notation
can be very effective for high precision and high recall in any retrieval system.
Notations are usually of two types, pure and mixed. Pure notation comprises of a single
species of digits such on 0/9 as in DDC, or A/Z as in RIC, mixed notation uses mix of
many species such as 0/9, A/Z, a/z, even mathematical marks such as = + and
punctuation marks such as : ; - ( ) and many more. A mixed notation is a necessity in
face of complexity of knowledge and its organization, yet it should be kept as simple as
possible. For example, BC-2 or LCC use 0/9 and A/Z only. The CC notation comprising of
six species of 74 digits in all is too complex by all accounts, and it is one of the reason
for low use of the CC. Among the qualities of notation are its brevity, simplicity, easy
pronunciation, and familiarity. In brief it should be user friendly. Digits should be
equitably distributed among the subjects. Symbols used should be familiar and their
ordinal value should be obvious or very clear. Now the digits should be available on the
computer key board. Notation should show hierarchical relations and be free of
homonyms and synonyms. It should be mnemonical which is easy to remember. It
means same or analogous concepts occurring at different places should be denoted by
the same digits. For example, food, animal feed and fuel occurring in indifferent main
classes should get the same number. Not only this, diseases, mechanical disorders and
social ills should be denoted by same digits in medicine, mechanical engineering and
sociology respectively. Physiology is always denoted by: 3 wherever it occurs in the CC.
But the most vital quality of notation is its hospitality. It is defined as ability to
accommodate new subjects at their proper places without disturbing the existing ones.
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 DDC does it mostly by leaving gaps here and there, and by decimal fraction at the end
of chain. Gap device though popular is not a scientific solution of problem.
Ranganathan invented the use of sector notation, Empty, emptying digits to
interpolate and extrapolate new subjects in an array. Devices for making new isolate
numbers or specifying the existing vague ones are availed of by the classifiers. These
devices are geographical device, chronological device, subject device, superimposition
and alphabetical device. More the number of devices for hospitality or specificity of
subjects more complex a notation. Need is being felt to use in library science advances
made by notation in subjects like mathematics or chemistry.
9 Key Words:
Autonomy to classifiers
Inbuilt provisions in a classification system to carry on the work of classification by a
classifier in face of non-availability of numbers for new subjects. It is mostly provided
by hospitality and synthetic devices. It also means freedom to classifiers to make
choices
Base of notation: Total number of digits in a notational system. Base of notation in
DDC is only 10, while in CC it is 74. In the LCC it is 36.
Capacity of notation
A quantitative measure of the class numbers of given numbers of digits a notational
system can provide. For example quantity of three digit class number the DDC can
provide is (103) 1000, while in RIC it is (263) 17576. Larger the base of the notation
higher its capacity.
Digit : A single character in a notation(whether semantic or indicator) say 9, A, or + : ,
etc.
Empty Digit: A digit having only ordinal value and without any semantic value. In the
CC 0,9,z and Z are empty digits in lower order arrays.
Empty – Emptying Digit: A digit which is both empty and emptying U, W and Y are
Empty-Emptying digits in the CC. These are used for interpolation in an array.

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 Empty Digit: A digit which takes away the semantic power of the preceding digit but
allows it to retain its ordinal value. T, V and X are Emptying Digits. For example K in KX
has nothing to do with Zoology, but KX will file between K and L. In fact KX becomes a
fused pair treated de jure as a single digit.
Length of base
It is the number of distinct digits a notational system has. The length of base of the
DDC notation is 10, while of RIC it is 26. The CC using so many digits has the lengthiest
base of notation among all library classifications. Larger the base shorter the class
numbers. That is length of base leads to provide shorter class numbers -- latter is
always welcome by librarians and library users.
Mnemonic notation
A notation having some in built aids to memory, or which is symmetrical. In LCC we
have G for Geography, M for Music, T for Technology. CC & DDC try to denote the
same concept by the same digits where has it occurs in the schedule. For example in
the CC Physiology is always denoted by : 3 in Medicine, Biology, Animal husbandry,
etc. There are three types of mnemonics: alphabetical, schedule, seminal
.
.

10 References and further Readings

Buchanan, B. (1979) Theory of Library Classification. London: Clive Bingley, pp.71-100
Hunter, Eric J.(2009) Classification Made Simple,3rd ed. London: Ashgate, pp.73-83
Foskett, A.C. (1996), The Subject Approach to Information, 5th ed. London : LA
Publishing, pp. 183-189
Hunter, Eric (2009). Classification Made Simple, 3rd ed. Aldershot, UK : Ashgate, pp.
73-84.
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 Palmer B.I. and Wells, A.J., (1951) Fundamentals of Library Classification .London:
George Allen, pp. 60-81.
Philips, W.H. (1961) A Primer of Book Classification, 5th ed. London: Association of
Assistant Librarians, p.40-41.
Ranganathan, S.R. (1987) Colon Classification, 7th ed./ed. by M A Gopinath.
Bangalore: Sarada Ranganathan Endowment, pp.34-37
Ranganathan, S.R. (1967) Prolegomena to Library Classification, 3rd ed. Bombay :
Asia, pp. 219-326.
Satija M.P. (2004), Dictionary of Knowledge Organization. Amritsar: Guru Nanak
Dev University, pp. 94-95, 96, 147-150,157-158.
Slavic, Aida (2008) “Faceted Classification: Management and Use” Axiomathes
18(2) June. DOI 10.1007/s10516-007.9030-z

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