Library classification systems that are used to organize records that represent books, such as bibliographies or catalogue entries.

Georgetown University

There are multiple frames through which to understand the different types of library classification systems, with individual library classification systems falling into several types. These frames and their respective types include: 

*By what is being classified*:
- Book classification
- Bibliographic classification

*By level of detail*:
- Broad classification
- Depth classification

*By scale of intended use*:
- Specific/special classification
- National classification
- General/universal classification

*By organizational structure*: 
- Enumerative classification
- Hierarchical classification
- Faceted/Analytico-synthetic classification

Types of Library Classification 

Satija, M.P.. (2000). Library classification: An essay in terminology. Knowledge Organization. 27. 221-229. 

Library classification: An essay in terminology

Library classification systems that are designed with the intention of organizing all information, covering all subjects.

General/universal classification systems

Library classification systems that are used to organize information of a specific subject or material

Specific/special classification systems

 Library classification systems that are not too detailed, able to serve the requirements of small libraries

Broad classification systems

Library classification systems that are used to organize macro-documents such as books.

Book classification systems

Bibliographic classification systems

Library classification systems that are very detailed, often required to organize micro-documents

Depth classification systems

Library classification systems designed for use in a specific country.


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