Indexing & Classification

1. Discuss the origin and purpose of classification.
2. Explain the theories underlying indexing and classification.
3. Evaluate different indexing and classification systems.
4. Describe the process of thesaurus construction.
5. Explain the concept of automatic indexing and classification.

13 weeks, about 48 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Background to Classification

   • Unit 1: Early History, Definition and Purpose of Classification · 2 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 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: Background to Classification

   • Unit 3: Classification Schemes and Its Basic Components · 2 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 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..

3. Week 3Module 2: Classification Schemes

   • Unit 1: Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme · 2 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 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..

4. Week 4Module 2: Classification Schemes

   • Unit 3: Brief Summary of Other Classification Scheme · 2 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 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..

5. Week 5Module 3: Subject Access System

   • Unit 1: Subject Headings List · 2 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 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..

6. Week 6Module 3: Subject Access System

   • Unit 3: Thesaurus and Practice in Thesaurus Construction · 4 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..

7. Week 7Module 4: Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification

   • Unit 1: Indexing · 3 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..

8. Week 8Module 4: Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification

   • Unit 2: Indexing System · 3 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..

9. Week 9Module 4: Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification

   • Unit 3: Evaluation of an Index · 3 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..

10. Week 10Module 4: Indexing, Automatic Indexing and Classification

    • Unit 4: Automatic Indexing and Classification · 3 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..

11. Week 11Module 1: Background to Classification

    • Unit 1-4: Review of Background to Classification · 4 hours

      Review Module 1: Background to Classification.. Revise key concepts and theories.. Prepare for assignments and assessments..

12. Week 12Module 2: Classification Schemes

    • Unit 1-4: Review of Classification Schemes · 4 hours

      Review Module 2: Classification Schemes.. Revise key concepts and theories.. Prepare for assignments and assessments..

13. Week 13Modules 3 & 4: Review

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

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