[DCRM-L] Non-LC classification

[North, Michael (NIH/NLM) [E]]

The National Library of Medicine devised a classification scheme back in the 1940s and 50s which is now used by most medical libraries around the US, mainly using letters W and QS-QZ as part of an agreement with LC.

Early printed materials are lumped together by century, then alphabetical by author cutter numbers and year:

WZ 230        15th century
WZ 240        16th century
WZ 250        17th century
WZ 260        18th century
WZ 270        Americana up to (roughly) 1820

I think much of the rationale was that it is difficult to classify a lot of the medical and scientific literature from this period by subject, and ultimately it may well have been simply an attempt to save time and money.

The system now helps curators to look at the collection from a chronological point of view rather than by subject, which has helped with ongoing cataloging and conservation projects.

Michael J. North, northm at mail.nih.gov<mailto:northm at mail.nih.gov>
Head of Rare Books & Early Manuscripts
History of Medicine Division
National Library of Medicine
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD  20894

(301) 496-9204 * fax (301) 402-0872
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd

National Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services


From: Faulds, David [mailto:dfaulds at emory.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 10:58 PM
To: dcrm-l at lib.byu.edu
Subject: [DCRM-L] Non-LC classification

Dear list,

I'm wondering what advice other list members might have about moving away from an LC classification system to some form of alphanumeric system. The pros seem to outweigh the cons with faster cataloging, more efficient shelving and more accurate reshelving verses the loss of browsing.

So, what are the list's thoughts on making this change? Has anyone considered it and decided against it? All comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
David.

David Faulds, Rare Book Librarian
Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library
Emory University
540 Asbury Circle
Atlanta, GA  30322-2870
http://marbl.library.emory.edu<http://marbl.library.emory.edu/>

dfaulds at emory.edu<mailto:naomi.nelson at emory.edu>
404-712-2612
404-727-0360 (fax)


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