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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Library and Information Science · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for LIS 311 ORGANIZATION OF KNOWLEDGE III, prepared for Library and Information Science students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS COURSE CODE: LIS 311 COURSE TITLE: Organization of Knowledge II COURSE UNIT LOAD: 3 Units • Series 1 Foundations and Concepts of Classification • Series 2 Historical Development of Classification Schemes • Series 3 Types and Applications of Classification Schemes • Series 4 Practical Subject Analysis and Organization • Series 5 Challenges and Innovations in African Contexts Series 1 Foundations and Concepts of Classification Part 1: Definition and Scope of Classification • 1.1 Meaning of Classification • 1.2 Scope and Importance in Libraries and Information Centres • 1.3 Key Terms in Classification (classification, schemes, schedules) Part 2: Principles and Objectives of Classification • 2.1 Basic Principles of Organising Knowledge • 2.2 Objectives of Classification in Information Management • 2.3 Relationship between Classification and Subject Organisation Part 3: Components of Classification Schemes • 3.1 Classification Schedules • 3.2 Call Marks and Indexing Elements • 3.3 Examples of General and Special Schemes (brief overview) Part 4: Significance of Classification in Knowledge Organisation • 4.1 Role in Libraries • 4.2 Role in Information Centres • 4.3 Contribution to Access and Retrieval Introduction Libraries and information centres thrive on order, and classification provides the structure that makes knowledge accessible. Imagine walking into a library where books are placed randomly without any guiding system. Finding a single text would be frustrating and time-consuming. This Series introduces you to the foundations of classification, the very system that transforms collections of information into organised resources that can be easily located, studied, and
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS applied. By exploring the fundamental concepts, you will begin to appreciate why classification is central to the organisation of knowledge. The aim of this Series is to equip you with a clear understanding of the basic principles, components, and significance of classification. It intends to build your capacity to define, explain, and apply these concepts in the context of libraries and information centres. We shall commence this Series by examining the definition and scope of classification, highlighting its meaning, importance, and key terms. Then, we will move on to the principles and objectives that underpin the organisation of knowledge. Following that, we will explore the components of classification schemes, including schedules, call marks, and indexing elements, with brief examples of general and special schemes. Finally, we will wrap up by considering the wider significance of classification in libraries and information centres, focusing on its role in access and retrieval. This sequential journey will provide you with a solid foundation for the more advanced Series that follow. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • Ddefine the concept of classification and explain its scope within libraries and information centres, • Describe key terms such as classification, schemes of classification, and classification schedules, • Explain the basic principles that underpin the organisation of knowledge, • Analyse the objectives of classification in relation to information management, • Identify and describe the main components of classification schemes, including schedules, call marks, and indexing elements, • Illustrate with examples how general and special schemes are structured, and • Evaluate the significance of classification in supporting access and retrieval within libraries and information centres. 2.1 Definition And Scope Of Classification 2.1.1 Meaning of classification The term classification refers to the systematic arrangement of knowledge or materials into categories based on shared characteristics. In libraries and information centres, classification is the process of grouping books, documents, or other resources so that they can be easily identified and retrieved. By placing items with similar subjects together, classification creates order and enhances accessibility. A useful way to think about classification is to imagine a supermarket where items are grouped into sections such as fruits, dairy, or household goods. Without such organisation, finding a single product would be difficult. Similarly, classification in libraries ensures that learners and researchers can locate resources without confusion.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: Classification is the systematic ______ of knowledge or materials into categories based on shared characteristics. 2.1.2 Scope and importance in libraries and information centres The scope of classification covers all aspects of organising knowledge, from the smallest collection in a school library to the largest national archives. It applies to both physical and digital resources, ensuring that information remains accessible regardless of format. The importance of classification lies in its ability to save time, reduce confusion, and promote effective use of resources. For example, a student searching for materials on African history can go directly to the relevant section rather than browsing through unrelated subjects. Classification also supports cataloguing, indexing, and subject analysis, making it a cornerstone of knowledge organisation.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The scope of classification applies to both ______ and digital resources, ensuring accessibility across formats. 2.1.3 Key terms in classification Several key terms are essential for understanding classification: • Scheme of classification: A structured system used to organise knowledge, such as the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) or Library of Congress Classification (LCC). • Classification schedule: A detailed list of subjects and their corresponding codes or numbers, which guides the placement of materials. • Call mark: A unique identifier placed on each item, usually combining classification numbers and letters, to show its exact location on the shelf.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS These terms form the vocabulary of classification and will recur throughout the course. Learners should be comfortable with them, as they are the building blocks of practical subject organisation. Fill in the blank: A ______ is a detailed list of subjects and their corresponding codes or numbers used in classification. Pilot questions 2.1 1. Which term refers to the systematic arrangement of knowledge into categories? 2. What is the main purpose of classification in libraries and information centres? 3. Which type of resources does the scope of classification cover?
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 4. What is a classification schedule? 5. Why is classification important for subject analysis and retrieval? 2.2 Principles And Objectives Of Classification 2.2.1 Basic principles of organising knowledge The principles of organising knowledge are the guiding rules that ensure information is arranged logically and consistently. These principles include grouping similar subjects together, maintaining a hierarchical order, and ensuring that each item has a unique place. By following these principles, libraries and information centres can create systems that are predictable and easy to navigate. For example, in the Dewey Decimal Classification, subjects are arranged from general to specific, such as moving from “Science” to “Biology” and then to “Botany.” This hierarchical approach allows learners to trace knowledge from broad areas down to finer details. Fill in the blank: One principle of organising knowledge is to arrange subjects from ______ to specific.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS [2.2.2 Objectives of classification in information management The objectives of classification are the intended outcomes of applying classification systems in libraries and information centres. These objectives include: • Facilitating quick and accurate retrieval of information. • Supporting effective cataloguing and indexing. • Promoting systematic organisation of collections. • Enhancing user experience by reducing search time.
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