The General Theory of Library Classification is a foundational concept within Library and Information Science, primarily developed and championed by S.R. Ranganathan. This theory provides an organized set of principles used to explain existing classification phenomena, guide further investigation, and serve as the basis for designing new classification schemes.
Development and Stages of Classification Theory
The evolution of the general theory of library classification is recognized in two distinct stages:
- Stage 1: Descriptive Theory (Pre-1950s): This initial stage saw the emergence of descriptive theory, which was distilled out of the past practices in designing and using schemes of library classification. The descriptive theory was based on contemporary methods and practices in vogue and was able to meet the requirements of the universe of subjects as it existed at the time. Early systems developed during this stage relied largely on the "flair or natural gift of the designers" rather than on an objectively worked out theory. Stalwarts contributing to this stage include Brown, Richardson, Hulme, and Sayers.
- Stage 2: Dynamic Theory (Ranganathan's Contribution): This stage involves the development of a dynamic theory formulated to guide the design of schemes with a greater degree of detail. S.R. Ranganathan was instrumental in revolutionizing this theory, propounding fundamental ideas and concepts that form the basis for its development. His theory is now considered synonymous with the General Theory of Library Classification.
Ranganathan's General Theory of Classification
Ranganathan's contribution focused on transforming the multi-dimensional universe of knowledge into a one-dimensional (linear) sequence—a fundamental and perennial problem in classification design. His General Theory of Classification is guided by a hierarchy of normative principles:
1. Fundamental Laws of Library Science
The highest level of Ranganathan’s normative principles is the Five Laws of Library Science (formulated in 1928, published in 1931). These laws have a philosophical base, guaranteeing a future for the subject and providing a scientific approach to Library Science, and they are invoked when other canons or principles lead to conflicting decisions:
- Books are for Use.
- Every Reader His/Her Book.
- Every Book Its Reader.
- Save the Time of the Reader.
- A Library is a Growing Organism.
2. Basic Laws
Ranganathan formulated six basic laws that govern the general thinking process and may be invoked when conflicting decisions arise between Laws of Library Science or Canons:
- Law of Interpretation.
- Law of Impartiality.
- Law of Symmetry.
- Law of Parsimony: Prefers the alternative leading to the overall economy of manpower, material, money, and time.
- Law of Local Variation: Requires provision for securing alternative results for strictly local use.
- Law of Osmosis: Prescribes the gradual introduction of a new code or scheme, such as recataloguing only frequently used or newly acquired materials.
3. Planes of Work and Canons
Ranganathan systematized the theory by dividing classification work into three planes:
- Idea Plane (Thinking/Policy): Deals with the intellectual analysis and structuring of subjects, analyzing the universe of knowledge's structure, dimensions, qualities, characteristics, and relationships. The 15 Canons for Idea Plane ensure that characteristics chosen for division are easily differentiated, ascertainable, relevant, and permanent, and that the resulting arrays and chains exhibit a helpful and consistent sequence.
- Verbal Plane (Terminology/Language): Deals with the language used to articulate the findings of the Idea Plane. The four Canons for Verbal Plane demand that terminology be current, context-specific, and non-critical, avoiding homonyms and synonyms.
- Notational Plane (Symbols/Mechanism): Deals with the artificial language of ordinal symbols used to represent classes and mechanize the arrangement. The 24 Canons for Notational Plane govern the use of symbols, requiring that the notation be brief, hospitable (for new classes), expressive of hierarchy, and free of homonyms and synonyms in class numbers. Notation is the faithful executor of the idea plane.
4. Postulates and Principles
The General Theory also incorporates postulates and principles that guide facet analysis and the arrangement of facets and isolates:
- Postulates for Facets: The theory introduces postulates dealing with facet analysis and the Five Fundamental Categories (FCs), known as PMEST (Personality [P], Matter [M], Energy [E], Space [S], and Time [T]). These categories manifest themselves in a subject and are arranged in the order of their decreasing concreteness (PMEST) in a class number.
- Principles of Facet Sequence: These four principles guide the decision regarding the sequence of facets that may appear in a compound subject:
- Wall-Picture Principle.
- Whole-Organ Principle.
- Cow-Calf Principle.
- Actand Action-Actor-Tool Principle.
- Principles of Helpful Sequence: These principles deal with the details of the arrangement of isolates in the schedules to implement the Canon of Helpful Sequence. They ensure that the sequence of classes and isolates in an array is helpful to the users. Examples of these principles include the Principle of Later-in-Time, Principle of Decreasing Quantity, and Principle of Canonical Sequence.
Impact of the General Theory
The application of this theoretical framework, particularly the principles of facet analysis, is demonstrated in Ranganathan's Colon Classification (CC), which transitioned from a rigidly faceted scheme to a freely faceted scheme based on these laws, postulates, canons, and principles.
The dynamic theory provides a scientific foundation for the study and practice of classification. The theory is essential for:
- Developing depth schedules and fundamental research.
- Guiding the process of "mapping the universe of knowledge" in a scheme of classification.
- Simplifying practical classification ("classification without tears").