Library Juice Academy classification course: a report by Anna Hughes

I recently received a bursary from CILIP’s Cataloguing & Indexing Group to complete a four week Dewey decimal classification course run by Library Juice. I saw this opportunity advertised on the CIG blog (via Twitter).  As well as being used at most academic libraries in the United Kingdom, the Dewey decimal classification system is common in public libraries too. While my cataloguing role at The University of Manchester Library (UML) involves copy cataloguing shelf-ready items to DD23, I am not involved with the classification of the new material passing through the department. The online course aimed not only to expose novices to the steps necessary to assign classification and build Dewey numbers using Web Dewey, but to give them a solid foundation in the creation and interpretation of Dewey decimal classification numbers as well. For those (like me) who are more used to copy cataloguing Dewey numbers, this was an opportunity to understand the methods used to build the classification numbers from scratch.

This course consisted of lessons and practical exercises to give participants experience with classifying various types of resources. There were also group discussions which were extremely useful when you had a classification quandary, which given the subjective nature of classification, was pretty regularly! Each week’s content was posted on a Sunday night with a week to read through the subject matter and complete the assignments and exercises. Deadlines were not strict though which meant that the course could work around my job which was perfect.

So what have I gained from taking this course? I hadn’t realised how complicated the Dewey decimal classification system is! Although I already had a basic familiarity with the system thanks to my PG.Dip in Library & Information Management, and from copy cataloguing in my day to day role, elements of classification such as using the Dewey decimal classification tables to add depth to classification numbers took me way out of my comfort zone. However, this course gave me an understanding of how and why material is classified where it is and enabled me to develop in-depth classification numbers using building blocks. Although classification at UML is made more complicated by the fact that we classify material to a range of Dewey decimal, dependant on the subject matter, thanks to CILIP and CIG, hopefully, I’ll be able to put what I’ve learned into action soon.

 

 

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Training Bursary – Dewey Decimal Classification

Training Bursary – Library Juice Online Course – Dewey Decimal Classification

 

Already thinking about CPD for 2018? Would you like to enhance your Dewey classification skills?

CIG is offering 1 free registration on the Dewey Decimal Classification course which runs between February 5th – March 2nd 2018.

You will learn how to:

•  Analyse the subject matter of resources in order to assign Dewey numbers.
• Use Web Dewey (trial access is included for the duration of the course) to find, select and build Dewey numbers.
• Use Dewey tables to add depth to classification numbers.
• Make confident decisions when classifying resources that straddle subject areas.
• Critically analyse Dewey numbers in copy cataloguing records.

The course is taught asynchronously so that you can fit your study around your work/life commitments. Tuition is via readings, assignments and an online discussion forum.

You will also receive a certificate on successful completion of the course.

How to apply:

To apply for the free registration you must be a CIG member (although CILIP membership is not required.) The application (approx. 200 words) should demonstrate why you would like to enrol; how you would use this training opportunity to highlight or promote CIG’s special areas of interest; and why you would not be able to enrol without CIG sponsorship.

If you are successful you will be required to write about your experience of the course and its’ content. Your report, or summary, will be shared with CIG members via the CIG blog and/or our professional journal.

Please submit your application to the Honorary Secretary Emily Bogie, e.berrisford@sheffield.ac.uk by 12th January 2018.

Applicants will be notified whether they have been successful by 26th January 2018.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to get in touch at Info.cig@cilip.org.uk.

UK DDC forum: new members wanted

Do you use and/or have an interest in the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)? Are you interested in playing a part in the development of DDC?

The UK DDC User Forum is looking for new members. The Forum meets once a year to discuss proposed changes to the DDC, feeding back the views of the UK user community to the International Editorial Policy Committee. We would welcome expressions of interest from anyone based in the UK, especially from those working in the public library sector and/or from institutions in Northern Ireland or Wales, as these areas are currently under-represented.

For those who are interested in becoming new members, you have 2 choices:

• If you have any informal questions about membership, then in the first instance please email: Deborah Lee (deborah.lee@courtauld.ac.uk).
• To apply, please email: the Chair, Terrance Mann (Terrance.Mann@bl.uk), with supporting information about your current role and location, DDC experience and any particular subject expertise. The deadline for applications is Friday 16 February 2018.

 

 

Catalogue and Index: Issue 188

The new issue of C&I (188) is now available here.

Excerpt from the editorial:

Classification is the theme of this bumper issue of Catalogue and Index.
There was a tremendous response to the call for papers, illustrating the
importance and interest in classification to the U.K. cataloguing and
metadata community. The classification discussed in this issue comes in
many flavours, including the usage of classification schemes, digital tools
for classification, the theory of classification, reclassification, and much
more besides.

– Karen F. Pierce & Deborah Lee.