1. CURRICULUM-BASED CLASSIFICATION CASE STUDY AT SOUTHWEST COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE LIBRARY
Daniela Solomon

2. Classification
Bring related items together in a helpful sequence from the general to the specific.
Classification is important for the socially useful end of intermediating communication between information systems and individuals.

3. Factors that influence communication
organizational structure of the information system;
the representation of resources;
the ability of the information system to create meaningful contexts;
the relevance of the organizational structure of the information to the individuals’ knowledge.

4. Factors that influence subject-based classification
Knowledge evolution
Linear representation inadequacy
The classification’s nature and structure
The vocabulary used and the biases introduced by this vocabulary
Political aspects of promoting professional groups

5. Requirements for the information professionals
In order to fulfill its social value, classification systems need to bring the right information to the public as it needs it.
Information professionals need to acknowledge the informational needs of the public they serve, and, if necessary, create / change classification systems.

6. Alternative classification systems
Advantages:
customized scheme, adapted to its specific content and user groups;
flexibility, as they are easier to change and include new areas of interest.
Disadvantages:
they are time consuming - and therefore expensive;
requires extensive specialist subject knowledge;
it is a very subjective process and it is relatively easy to overlook something and this can lead directly to a lack of consistency.
To be cost effective, these alternative classifications need to be very carefully developed and documented, and continuously maintained.

7. The case of naturopathic medicine
N.D.s
Attempt to maximize the patient’s wellness, to prevent health problems, to treat the whole person and not just the immediately presenting symptoms by finding the underlying causes of a condition.
M.D.s
Treat symptoms and combat diseases by using more formulaic, faster acting remedies, such as drugs and surgery.

8. NLM Classification for CAM
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
WB Mind-body interactions. Mental healing
WB Faith healing. Christian Science healing
WB Special systems of therapeutics. Complementary therapies
(General or not elsewhere classified)
WB History of special systems or complementary therapies
WB Anthroposophy (used in medicine) Cf. BP General works.
WB Chiropractic
WB History and philosophy
WB Chiropractic as a profession. Ethics. Peer review.
WB Diagnosis
WB Therapeutics
WB Eclecticism
WB Herbal medicine. Phytotherapy
WB Homeopathy
WB Naturopathy
WB Osteopathy
WB Radiesthesia
WB Reflexotherapy

9. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Library Mission Statement
Southwest College Library supports the curriculum, enhances the College learning environment, and helps to complete the larger institutional mission of medical education, patient care, and research, with emphasis on the natural therapies.

10. Changes made at SCNM Library
Pharmacology
Homeopathy
Nutrition and Diet Therapy
Acupuncture
Physical Medicine
Environmental Medicine

11. Herbal Medicine vs. Pharmacology
NLM and LCC include medicinal plants in Pharmacology class.
For naturopathic physicians, “pharmacology” refers only to synthetic prescription drugs while medicinal plants are part of CAM practice
Medicinal plants have been moved next to the Herbal Medicine class – “the approach to healing which uses plant or plant-derived preparations to treat, prevent, or cure various health conditions”

12. Homeopathy
Homeopathy restores the natural balance and help the body cu cure itself.
Allopathic practitioners generally are skeptical about homeopathy’s beneficial results.
NLM Classification for homeopathy
Homeopathic Remedies  see Materia Medica
Homeopathy  WB 930 
History  WB 930
Infant or child  WS 366
Veterinary medicine SF 746
In treatment of particular diseases or system with the disease or system
See also Formularies, Homeopathic
See also Pharmacopoeias, Homeopathic

13. Nutrition and Diet Therapy
NLM has diet therapy in Practice of Medicine section, vitamins and general nutritional requirements in Biochemistry section, and general diets in Physiology section.
N.D.s believe that dietary supplements, vitamins, diet therapies, and nutrition are all part of Practice of Medicine and contribute to disease cure and maintenance of an optimal health.
Everything was gathered next to NLM Classification’s Nutrition Class.

14. Conclusion
SCNM Library has acknowledged the need for changes within its in-practice-classification and acted accordingly to meet students and faculty information needs.
First-hand observations:
the Library staff now gets fewer questions about discrepancies between the previous arrangements on the shelves and students’ understanding;
usage continues steadily to increase, especially within the modified classifications.

15. SCNM Library – true to its marketing slogan:
“A Customized Information Service that Fits Your Natural Health Research Needs”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!