Standards & Tools
Classification Schemes
A classification scheme is a system by which information and knowledge is organized into classes, usually subject classes. There are various classification schemes, both general classification schemes that cover the broad spectrum of subject classes and subject-specific classification schemes that carefully cover all facets of a particular subject area. Classification schemes utilize some form of notation or system of characters by which they identify the various subject classes.
ANSCR. Alpha-Numeric System for Classification of Recordings
The Alpha-Numeric System for Classification of Recordings (ANSCR) is composed of 46 major categories into which all sound recordings are organized.
BC2. Bliss Bibliographic Classification. K. G. Saur Verlag.
The Bibliographic Classification (BC2 or Bliss) is an example of a fully faceted classification scheme that is used by a few institutions. It provides a detailed classification for use in libraries and information services of all kinds, having a broad and detailed structure and order. The Bliss Classification Association (BCA) is a non-profit organization that exists to promote development and use of the Bibliographic Classification.
DDC. Dewey Decimal Classification. OCLC Forest Press.
A system of classifying library and archival materials, particularly in small and medium size libraries. In the Dewey Decimal System, the notation is expressed in Arabic numerals.
LCC. Library of Congress Classification. Library of Congress.
A system of classifying library and archival materials, particularly in larger research collections. Divides human knowledge into 20 broad categories indicated by single letters of the roman alphabet, with major subdivisions indicated by a second letter, and narrower subdivisions by decimal numbers and further alphabetic notation.
MSC. Mathematical Subject Classification
A detailed outline of the classification scheme used by the American Mathematical Society (AMS) for papers on mathematical subjects.
NLM. National Library of Medicine Classification. National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
A system of classifying library and archival materials in the field of medicine and related sciences. Designed for use in both large and small library collections. The NLM Classification is a system of mixed notation patterned after the Library of Congress Classification (LCC).
PACS. Physics and Astronomy Classification Scheme
A subject-specific, hierarchical classification scheme prepared by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) in collaboration with certain other members of the International Council on Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI).
A system for classifying publications of the U.S. federal government, which is designed to uniquely identify, logically relate, and physically arrange each publication so that all publications of a single agency or department may be found together.
UDC. Universal Decimal Classification. UDC Consortium.
Adapted from the Dewey Decimal Classification System, the UDC is a classification scheme designed to accommodate all fields of knowledge. It has become a highly flexible and effective system, which incorporates new developments and new fields of knowledge readily.