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DAM207Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Indexing & Classification

This course introduces the fundamental theories and practices of indexing and classification. It explores the origin of classification, various classification schemes, and indexing systems. The course covers subject access systems, general principles of subject headings, and thesaurus construction. Students will also learn about automatic indexing and classification, equipping them with the skills to organize and retrieve information effectively in various contexts.

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26h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
IndexingClassificationSubject HeadingsThesaurusInformation Retrieval

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

History of Classification

2

Classification Theory

3

Classification Schemes

4

Dewey Decimal Classification

5

Library of Congress Classification

6

Subject Headings

7

Thesaurus Construction

8

Indexing Systems

9

Automatic Indexing

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Information Architect

Apply your skills in this growing field

Knowledge Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Metadata Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Archivist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Librarian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

LibrariesArchivesMuseumsInformation CentersDigital Asset Management

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Background to Classification

4h

Unit 1: Early History, Definition and Purpose of Classification

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Early History, Definition and Purpose of Classification.
  • •Understand the historical context and evolution of classification systems.
  • •Define classification and its significance in organizing information.
  • •Identify the purposes of classification in information management.

Unit 2: Theory of Classification

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Theory of Classification.
  • •Explore the theories underlying classification systems.
  • •Analyze the developmental growth of classification theory.
  • •Understand the shift from descriptive to dynamic theories.
Week
2

Module 1: Background to Classification

4h

Unit 3: Classification Schemes and Its Basic Components

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Classification Schemes and Its Basic Components.
  • •Identify the different types of subjects in classification schemes.
  • •Understand the role of schedules, notation, and indexes.
  • •Analyze the features of a good notation system.

Unit 4: Criteria for Workable Classification Scheme

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Criteria for Workable Classification Scheme.
  • •Identify the features of a workable classification scheme.
  • •Understand the importance of systematic arrangement and regular revision.
  • •Analyze the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of a classification scheme.
Week
3

Module 2: Classification Schemes

4h

Unit 1: Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme.
  • •Explore the origin and basic concepts of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) scheme.
  • •Understand the strengths and weaknesses of the DDC.
  • •Analyze the main classes and their arrangement in the DDC.

Unit 2: Library of Congress Classification Scheme

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Library of Congress Classification Scheme.
  • •Explore the origin and basic concepts of the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) scheme.
  • •Understand the strengths and weaknesses of the LCC.
  • •Analyze the main classes and their arrangement in the LCC.
Week
4

Module 2: Classification Schemes

4h

Unit 3: Brief Summary of Other Classification Scheme

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Brief Summary of Other Classification Scheme.
  • •Explore the features of the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) scheme.
  • •Understand the Colon Classification (CC) scheme.
  • •Analyze the Bibliographic Classification (BC) scheme.

Unit 4: General Principles of Classifying a Document

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: General Principles of Classifying a Document.
  • •Understand the general principles of classifying documents.
  • •Learn how to apply these principles in practice.
  • •Analyze the steps involved in classifying a document effectively.
Week
5

Module 3: Subject Access System

4h

Unit 1: Subject Headings List

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Subject Headings List.
  • •Explore the features of the Sears Heading List.
  • •Understand the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
  • •Analyze the similarities and differences between Sears and LCSH.

Unit 2: General Principles of Subject Headings

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: General Principles of Subject Headings.
  • •Understand the principles of uniform and unique headings.
  • •Explore the concept of specific and direct entry.
  • •Analyze the importance of consistency and current terminology.
Week
6

Module 3: Subject Access System

4h

Unit 3: Thesaurus and Practice in Thesaurus Construction

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Thesaurus and Practice in Thesaurus Construction.
  • •Define thesaurus and its role in subject access systems.
  • •Understand the relationships in a thesaurus: hierarchical, preferential, and affinitive.
  • •Practice the steps involved in thesaurus construction.
Week
7

Module 4: Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification

3h

Unit 1: Indexing

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Indexing.
  • •Understand the concept of indexing.
  • •Explore the techniques for indexing.
  • •Identify the differences between natural, free, and controlled indexing language.
Week
8

Module 4: Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification

3h

Unit 2: Indexing System

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Indexing System.
  • •Explore different indexing systems.
  • •Understand the components of an indexing system.
  • •Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various indexing systems.
Week
9

Module 4: Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification

3h

Unit 3: Evaluation of an Index

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Evaluation of an Index.
  • •Understand the criteria for evaluating an index.
  • •Explore the methods for assessing the quality of an index.
  • •Analyze the factors that contribute to an effective index.
Week
10

Module 4: Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification

3h

Unit 4: Automatic Indexing and Classification

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Automatic Indexing and Classification.
  • •Understand the concept and development in automatic indexing and classification.
  • •Explore the techniques used in automatic indexing.
  • •Analyze the advantages and limitations of automatic indexing and classification.
Week
11

Module 1: Background to Classification

4h

Unit 1-4: Review of Background to Classification

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 1: Background to Classification.
  • •Revise key concepts and theories.
  • •Prepare for assignments and assessments.
Week
12

Module 2: Classification Schemes

4h

Unit 1-4: Review of Classification Schemes

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 2: Classification Schemes.
  • •Revise key concepts and theories.
  • •Prepare for assignments and assessments.
Week
13

Modules 3 & 4: Review

4h

Unit 1-4: Review of Subject Access System, Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification

4 study hours
  • •Review Modules 3 and 4: Subject Access System, Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification.
  • •Revise key concepts and theories.
  • •Prepare for final examination.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Units 1-4 classification concepts.

2

Practice constructing subject headings for sample documents from Units 5-7.

3

Review the strengths and weaknesses of DDC and LCC from Units 8-9.

4

Study the steps involved in thesaurus construction from Unit 10.

5

Understand the differences between various indexing systems from Units 11-12.

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