The future of classification edited by Rita Marcella and Arthur Maltby

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Classification now has to encompass 'non-physical' media such as the Internet, yet still ensure access to knowledge held in traditional physical forms on library shelves. What does this mean for the future, and can classification cope with the virtual library? Written by a group of internationally-known specialists, this book reassesses traditional classification principles and the extent to which they provide the right basis for modern information storage and retrieval. First posing the radical question of whether classification is still really necessary, the book proceeds by emphasizing the need for systematic knowledge organization, with two chapters concentrating on classification in relation to IT and the Internet. Later chapters re-examine how present systems - Dewey Decimal Classification, Universal Decimal Classification and Library of Congress Classification - are likely to adapt, and provide a wealth of information sources for investigating the subject further. The Future of Classification delves deep into what makes knowledge-seeking successful. Those studying information storage and retrieval, and managers wanting to improve retrieval methods on which their service depends should read it.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction
• Do we still need classification?
• Organizing knowledge: the need for system and unity
• Can classification yield an evaluative principle for information retrieval?
• Information technology and new directions
• Classification and the Internet
• The future of faceted classification
• The Dewey Decimal Classification in the twenty-first century
• UDC in the twenty-first century
• The Library of Congress Classification
• Sources for investigating the development of bibliographic classification
• Index

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Lois Mai Chan: Professor, School of Library and Information Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
A C Foskett: Retired Professor of Library and Information Management
Theodora L Hodges: Formerly on the faculty of the School of Library and Information Studies (now School of Information Management and Systems), University of California, Berkeley
E Hunter: Emeritus Professor of Information Management, Liverpool John Moores University
Alan MacLennan: Lecturer, School of Information and Media, and Course Leader for the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Electronic Information Management
Arthur Maltby: Formerly a Head of Department of Information Studies and government adviser on education and libraries
Rita Marcella: Deputy Head of School, School of Information and Media, Robert Gordon University
I C McIlwaine: Professor of Library and Information Studies, University of London, and Director of the School of Library, Archive and Information Studies, University College London
J Mitchell: Editor-in-Chief of the Dewey Decimal Classification, Executive Director of OCLC Forest Press and Chair of the Permanent Unimarc Committee Working Group on a Classification Format
Robert Newton: Senior Lecturer, School of Information and Media, Robert Gordon University
M P Satija: Indian co-ordinator of the International Society for Knowledge Organization (ISKO), Denmark, and Reader in the Department of Library and Information Science, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
J Warner: Assistant Director - Research, School of Management, The Queen's University of Belfast