Class Meeting 5: Categorization and Classification

 Stores organize by category of use (food, paper products, pet supplies) – ASP organize by category of subject  Stores organize by size of packaging – ASP organizes by type of publication  Stores organize by date of expiration – ASP organizes by date of publication  Stores organize by in-stock/out of-stock – ASP organizes by full text or not full text.

 By similar characteristics: Linnaean taxonomy  By use: highly used items are handy  By content: Library of Congress subject headings  LCSH have a controlled vocabulary – one word or phrase is used to represent an idea  Subject search for feline and cat – cat is the preferred  Subject search for Jackie Kennedy – Onassis Jacqueline Kennedy is the preferred LCSH  Method of categorization affects how to find items

Databases use their own controlled vocabulary – no organization sets the standard Subject headings in databases might be called descriptors, subjects, subject terms, etc. Can usually find the controlled vocabulary terms under the Thesaurus link Look up the following article: Rich, M. "Health Literacy via Media Literacy: Video Intervention/Prevention Assessment." American Behavioral Scientist 48.2 (2004): Sociological Abstracts (descriptors): Children, Adolescents, Well Being, Narratives, Videotape recordings ABI/Inform (subjects): Studies, Health Care, Children & Youth, Patients, Video Production

 Sociology  Descriptors:  Children  Adolescents  Health  Well Being  Health Care Services  Narratives  Practitioner Patient Relationship  Videotape recordings  Business  Subjects:  Studies  Social research  Health care  Children and youth  Video production  Patients SOCIOLOGICAL ABSTRACTS ABI /INFORM

 Library of Congress also regulates call numbers  Go to the Library of Congress Classification Outline link  Letters and numbers also signify “aboutness”  Example: Call number PS S3  PS signifies American literature ▪ PS can be made more specific by adding numbers to the letters  PS signifies American literature in the 19th century  PS 2116 signifies Henry James (19th century American author)  PS 2116.S3 refers to Henry James’ book “The Sacred Fount”

 Write down all letters and numbers (even the year)  Use the Location Guide to find the right floor  LC Call Numbers, Dewey Decimal Call Numbers are included in Ellis, although LC has replaced Dewey

 Why are call numbers useful?  Makes it easy to find your book (using location guide)  Able to browse for books on similar topics  You know the general subject of your book  NOTE: All volumes of a bound journal have the same call number, the only difference is the volume or year number (found on the spine)

Keyword vs. Subject search? Keyword: searches ALL content (author, title, subject headings, etc.) in the record Subject: only searches LCSH Subject headings represent content, whereas other info (such as titles) can be misleading! Title search in MERLIN for a book you’ve read Do the subject headings represent the content? Is the wording surprising? Subject search in MERLIN for cats Notice how many other topics are listed – these are subdivisions LCSH allow for greater specialization in categorization

 PR6051.D3352 D  Bodies: sex, violence, disease, and death in contemporary legend  The Gastric brooding frog  E L

 Go to Ellis Library 4D12 for Next Week’s Class

 Call Number Worksheet