9 Notation: Kinds, qualities, mnemonics and hospitality

Dr M P Satija

0 Objectives

1 Introduction

2 Canons of Notation

2.1 Qualities of Notation

2.1.1 How of Brevity

2.2 How of Brevity

2.3 Mnemonically made Notation

2.31 Alphabetical mnemonics

2.32 Schedule mnemonics

2.33 Seminal mnemonics

2 Hospitality

3.1 Hospitality by Classifiers(Autonomy)

3.2 Hospitality by Classificationists

4 Gaps in Arrays

4.1 Limitations

4.2 Sectorising Digits

4.3 Empty-Digits

4.4 Empty-Emptying Digits

5 Hospitality in chain

6 Problems of Notation

7 Summary

9 Key Words

10 References and Further Readings

11 MCQs

0. Objectives

By reading this unit you will know:

· the kind of work to be done in the notational plane.

· importance and status of notation in library classification.

· kinds of notation.

· canons of notation.

· qualities of a notational system.

· methods for hospitality in notation.

· problems and future of notation in library classification.

1. Introduction

Though the last plane of work in designing a library classification system, yet it is the most visible face of the final product. Being visible, some people mistake it for classification itself. In fact notation is a series of symbols or codes to represent the subjects which were concepts and names in the idea and verbal planes, respectively. It is a plane which faithfully implements the findings or decisions of the idea plane. Ranganathan called it as servant of the idea plane. It is better to call it as the Executive Plane. Its position can be better understood by using an analogy of motion picture. In a movie, story and plot make the idea plane, screenplay and dialogue make the verbal plane, while actors are the notational plane. The function of notation in library classification is clear, but its status is ambiguous, at best. It is rightly said that a bad notation may mar a good work in the idea plane, but a good notation cannot improve the bad work of the idea plane. (Idea plane may be treated conceptual as classification).

1.1 Definition

Notation is a system of short hand symbols to denote subjects and their subdivisions by ordinal digits. A digit is an element of notational systems. These digits have only ordinal value i.e., show only order. These digits are not cardinal or quantitative. To explain, in a notational system comprising of 1,2,3,…9 etc., it means value of 2 is not greater than1, but will only come after it. Similarly, if it comprises of symbol A,B….Z, it means C is not greater than A or B, but will fall between B and D.

That is notation conveys only the order not value or weight. Notation is a constant sign by which we denote classes, subjects and aspects of documents to from a call number.

1.2 Need and Purpose

In the Idea and Verbal planes every concept is given a considered place in a classification system, but these terms howsoever, cannot be assigned as index terms to the documents in a library. This is mostly for the following:

Names/terms for subjects in the verbal plane are too long to be written as labels. Hence we require short symbols to denote subjects.
Names of subjects are different in different languages whereas in a library we have books in many languages. Mathematics is called “Ganit” in Hindi-then where should be place a book of mathematics in Hindi? : under “G” or “M”.?
In every language there is a problem of synonyms, e.g., wages, salary, pay mean the same concept. Then under which term the documents on the subject should be filed
Names keep changing. For example Economics was once called Political Economy. Education Ministry is now called Ministry of Human Resources Development. Sri Lanka was once called Ceylon.
If names are used for arrangement of documents then there would be many problems. The subjects will get scattered, e.g. Mathematics will come under “M”, whereas Algebra will go to Geometry to “G” and Trigonometry to “T”. A family will thus get dispersed.
Even if these names are labeled on the documents how these will preserve the systematic order of subjects (in arrays and chains) arrived in the idea plane.? Words in themselves can only be arranged alphabetically. Therefore, to preserve the thoughtfully decided sequence of subjects and their subdivisions a series of ordinal symbols are assigned to the concepts and terms. For example, in botany the arrangement of various parts of plants decided in the idea plane is

Plant I

Root I,3

Stem I,4

Leaf I,5

Flower I,6

Fruit I,7

Seed I,8

(The above arrangement is according to the principle of spatial contiguity – we proceed part by part from bottom to top. This sequence also conforms to the principle of “Later in Time”). We have assigned a number to each subdivision to preserve their arrangement and use it mechanically at some later time. These symbols-complex, called class numbers, are not only short but will also help to shelve or arrange document at proper places. These class numbered documents can be taken out, read and placed again at their proper places without any difficulty. Notation offers a self-evident order. Obviously, it is much easier to use these shorthand symbols for arranging documents than to use the names of subjects.

1.3 Other Uses

It is an indispensable component of library classification – which is usually not required in knowledge classifications.
It is the address of the document in the library and assures efficient working of the library catalogue.
Apart from mechanizing the arrangement of documents on the shelves it arranges entries in classified catalogues and shelf lists.
Shows relations of subjects in the over all scheme of the mapping of knowledge.
Helps in the synthesis of compound and complesx subjects
Makes possible the efficient use of the index. In the index it tis the reference point.
In faceted classifications it makes the structure of the subject transparent.
It is essential for Chain Indexing. It may be essential for arrangement of circulation record in a library
In brief it is the engine of the library classification.Notation is so essential to classification that Palmer and Wells have defined library classification as “representation of an infinite series of subjects by a finite series of symbols”. It is aptly said by W.H. Philips that if classification is foundation study of librarianship, then notation is the basis of practical book classification.”

2 Canons of Notation

Now we pass on to the how of notation. To design a qualitative and effective notation Ranganathan has formulated and prescribed some canons for the choice and design of a notational system. These are:

1) Canon of Homonyms and Synonyms

2) Canon of Relativity and Uniformity

3) Canon of Hierarchy

4) Canon of Mixed Notation

5) Canon of Faceted Notation

6) Canon of Co-extensiveness

Notation is more than a mere series of symbols. Ranganathan though described notation as servant of the idea plane yet expected much higher tasks from notation. He always treated it as a device to translate the subject of a document into an artificial language of ordinal numbers. And he wanted to endow it with qualities of a language. In the same vein his Canon of Homonyms and Synonyms prescribes that a class number should denote one and only one subject, and conversely a subject should be denoted by one and only one class number. In fact, it is too much to expect from notation which is no more than an ordering device. Ranganathan has visualized only an ideal and perfect notation which is far from reality and much advanced of its present needs. Even half of its envisioned efficacy will be achieved at an unaffordable price in terms of complexity. It is possible to denote a subject by one and only one class number, but in reality a class number denotes a group of subjects. For example, in the DDC 610 always means Medical Science and 611 always means Human Anatomy. On the other hand Bengali language has only one number 491.44, but 491.49 Other Indian languages stands for Awadhi, Bagheli, Chhatirgarhi, Eastern Hindi, Kafiri and Pahari. So many languages share one class number. A classification like Rider’s International Classification (1961) which always uses three alphabets to denote a subject is likely to be full of homonyms –a class number denoting many subjects at a time.

Any classification at best makes broader groups than to faithfully and precisely translate the subject of the document into notation. In fact, more homonymous a class number more hospital a classification system is. Also many classification system such as Bibliographic Classification (2nd ed, BC-2), even the DDC offer many alternatives (optional class number). For example, in BC-2 Religion can either be placed at P or Z. Therefore, this canon is difficult to be observed in reality – even Ranganathan CC violates this canon at many places. Canon of Relativity and Uniformity means that length of a class number (i.e. total number of digits in it) is usually the indication of the breadth and depth of the subject it denotes. Breath and depth are technically known as extension and intension of the subject respectively. For example:

02	Library Science
025	Library Operations
025.3	Bibliographic analysis and control
025.32	Descriptive cataloging
025.322	Choice of entry
025.3222	Authority files

In the above example as the subject becomes more and more specialized the number (quantity) of digits goes on increasing. It also means that the hierarchy of a subject is depicted through the increasing length of notation. It is known as expressive notation. Theoretically, it is quite possible to go down the hierarchy to a great depth. In practical library classification this lengthening of chain cannot go on for ever. A practical library classification has to stop somewhere to keep the length of the class number in check.

Therefore, for brevity and simplicity some classifications do not show the hierarchy of notation beyond some point, though order of subjects is maintained. In the National Library of Medicine Classification (USA) we have,

FAI	Great Britain
FE5	England
FG9	Guernsey

Here three subjects of decreasing extension (and increasing intension) are denoted by equal number of digits, though their order on shelf will be from general to specific or broader to narrower. Canon of Hierarchy is implied in the Canon of Relativity. It means that every characteristic used in the division of a universe of entities must be represented by a digit. In others words the class number must and faithfully depict the deepening hierarchy of subjects, e.g.,

5 Sciences

51 Mathematics

516 Geometry

516.3 Analytic geometry

516.35 Algebraic geometry

516.352 Theory of curves

Many a scheme violates this canon to secure brief numbers. We do not think the depiction of hierarchy through notation in library classification is useful beyond a certain point.It is useful in knowledge clasifcation.

Canon of mixed notation: usually there are two types of notations: Pure and Mixed. A pure notation is the one comprising of single species of digits, say only A/Z as in RIC, or 0/9 Arabic numerals as in the DDC. There was a time when purity was considered a virtue due to ease of use. Mixed notation comprises of a mix of two or more species as in Library of Congress Classification which uses mix of alphabets and numerals to denote subjects. UDC which mainly uses 0/9 decimal numerals with host of punctuation marks and mathematical signs has also a mixed notation. In the present times a classification has a very difficult task of mapping and structuring the expansive, complex and turbulently growing multidimensional universe of knowledge. A pure notation cannot work effectively. Hence classifications, of necessity, have resorted to mixed notation. It is rightly said that many of the problems of the DDC are due to its pure notation. A mixed notation has a wider base that is has more number of digits in it. A wider base has a larger capacity and therefore is able to give shorter class numbers. For example, a notation of Indo-Arabic numerals 0/9 is able to produce one thousand 001 to 999 three digit class numbers, while a system using A/Z notation will have (263) 17576 subjects denoted by three digits. Though a mixed notation is bit difficult to handle, yet ,like friction, it is a necessary evil. Then the question is how much mixed? Moderately mixed, as in BC-2 or Library of Congress is ideal. But highly mixed notation with many unfamiliar symbols may be disastrous for library classification. If some technical problems of the DDC are due to its purity of notation, yet it was the choice of notation that proved a lucky stroke for its longevity and continuing popularity. Library users adore it. On the other hand highly mixed notation comprising of 74 digits in Ranganathan’s CC has played a role in its unpopularity.

Decimal Fractions and Arithmetical numerals: Further, Indo-Arabic numerals may be used arithmetically or as decimal fractions. Library of Congress uses them arithmetically while all other systems, including the CC, use Arabic numerals as decimal fractions. The DDC pioneered the use of decimal notation and is now considered naturally convenient to denote subjects and their subdivisions. Decimal notation has many obvious advantages over the arithmetical numbers. Decimal notation is hierarchical and expressive and provides ready hospitality at the end of the chain

Faceted Notation: Notation must be structurally transparent to show various facets or elements of a class number. For example, in UDC, 82 Shak-2 denotes plays of Shakespeare. Here 8 is literature while 2 is English literature, Shak stands for Shakespeare, and -2 is drama. Even in the DDC 822.33 means the same thing. It is structured internally, as 8 is literature, 22 English drama, 822.3 is Elizabethan plays, 822.33 is Shakespeare. But in this case though the notation is faceted or structured but not transparent. Every hierarchical classification is structured but may not be transparent, whereas the faceted notation of CC is both structured and crystal transparent, e.g. O111, 2J64, H means O-Literature-111English-2Drama-J64Shakespeare-Hamlet.

Canon of Co-extensiveness

It means that every aspect of the subject should be indicated by a digit. That is a class number should be totally comprehensive of the characteristics used in dividing a subject. It again brings us to the question of hierarchy and relativity :

Indian History	954
Mughal History	954.02
Akbar	954.02

Court of Akbar 954.02

This classification violates the Canon of Co-extensiveness. So is the case with the following numbers from the Rider’s IC:

Diseases of Stomach

UJK

Gastritis

UJK

Gastric Disorders

UJK

Gastric Ulcer

UJK

In the above two examples the increasing depth (intension) of the subject has not been represented by correspondingly lengthening the class number. It means 954.02 and UJK are homonymous class numbers. Ultimately, it results in broader classification. Some classification thinkers arguably believe that it is superfluous to aspire or try for co-extensive class numbers. Moderately depth classification is quite sufficient for shelf arrangement. H.E Bliss (1870-1955) is said to have said “Be minute, be minute, be not too minute”. To this Ranganathan replied “Be minute, be minute, be too minute”. Debate is endless. It again brings us to the question: Is our library classification sophisticated enough to carry the entire burden thrust on it? We must not expect from library classification, especially its notation, what it inherently is not capable of

2.1 Qualities of Notation

Apart from all the above mandatory qualities (as Ranganathan terms them as canons) other qualities of notation can be of three types:

1) Optional or desirable

2) Essential and vital

3) Scientific

Above all the notation should be user friendly. Among the desirable qualities, a notation should be brief, moderately mixed and composed of familiar digits, so that digits convey a self-evident order. For example, order of mathematical symbols or punctuation marks is not self evident. Digits should be easy to write, in fact should be available on the computer key board. Class number should be easy to pronounce and remember for a short while. Brevity of class numbers in the print environment was a necessity as a class number had to be written on the book spine, which has a very limited breadth. Lengthy class numbers also pose difficulties in arrangement on the shelves. But in the OPACs the length of a class number does not matter. Hierarchical and faceted notation with highly recall and relevant ratio is best for information retrieval. Mixedness and length of notation do not matter in an automated library whereas in a print or manual library these are weighty and influential considerations.

2.1.1How of Brevity:

Proportionate or equitable allocation of digits to subjects will result in brief numbers. It means that static subjects like philosophy or religion should be allocated a small slice of the notational cake whereas dynamic subjects like science and technology, computers should be given a larger slice. As said earlier, wider base of mixed notation will also turn out brief numbers. Above all broader classification results in brief numbers.

2.3 Mnemonically Based Notation

Another desirable quality of notation is it being mnemonic. A mnemonical notation denotes same or similar recurring concepts by the same digits. The DDC and the CC are highly mnemonic systems. There are three types of mnemonics: alphabetical, scheduled and Seminal—latter are made use of by Ranganthan only.

2.31 Alphabetical mnemonics

In alphabetical mnemonics an entity is denote by its name using its initial alphabet, e.g., J381B means Basmati Rice, while D5125H means Hero Bicycle, D5133M mean Maruti motorcar. Library of Congress, (LCC) and UDC use alphabetical mnemonics to a large extent. In the LCC we have:

General works

General Collections

General Encyclopedias

General Societies

In the LCC we have literal mnemonics which are incidental: G-Geography, M-Music, and T-Technology

2.32 Scheduled mnemonics.

In the schedule denote recurring concepts and terms by the same digit. Here are self-evident examples from the DDC and the CC

Language	Literature	Linguistics	History
English	820	420	942
German	830	430	943
French	840	440	944
Hindi	891.43	491.43	–

English language, Literature and History are always denoted by “2” and German by “3”, so on. Similarly, take the case of CC:

Main class	Anatomy	Physiology	Diseases
G Biology	G :2	G :3	G : 4
I Botany	I : 2	I : 3	I : 4
K Zoology	K : 2	K : 3	K : 4
L Medicine	L : 2	L : 3	L : 4

Anatomy wherever it occurs has been denoted by “2” and disease by “4”. Ranganathan identifies three kinds of mnemonics, namely, alphabetical(literal), schedule and seminal. Schedule mnemonics have been explained above.

2.33 Seminal mnemonics

Ranganthan made a deep study of mnemonics and makes use of them in his CC:

The digit 1 is used as mnemonic for unity, God, world, the first in evoluation or time, one dimension or line, solid state,

The digit 2 is used as mnemonic for two dimensions, plane, conics, form, structure, anatomy, morphology, sources of knowledge, physiography, constitution, physical anthropology

The digit 3 is used for mnemonic for three dimensions, space, cubic, analysis, function, physiology, syntax, method, social anthropology,.

The digit 4 is used as mnemonic for heat pathology, disease, transport, interlinking, synthesis, and hybrid, salt

The digit 5 is used as mnemonic for energy, light, radiation, organic, , liquid, water, ocean, foreign land, alien, external, environment, ecology, public controlled plan, emotion, foliage, aesthetic, woman, sex, crime

The digit 6 is used as mnemonic dimensions, subtle, mysticism, money, finance, abnormal, phylogeny, evolution

The digit 7 is used as mnemonic for personality, ontology, integrated, holism, value, public finance,

The digit 8 is used as mnemonic for travel, organisation, and fitness.

As another form of root seminal mnemonics, seminally equivalent entities, e.g., feed, food, fuel, should be denoted by same digit wherever they occur. Repair of machines, treatment of diseases, and alleviation of social ills also get the same number in respective main classes. Mnemonics though they bring sort of symmetry in the classification yet at many places they may conflict with the helpful sequence. Do not distort a helpful sequence to make notation mnemonic. Nevertheless, mnemonics are only optional.

3 Hospitality

Hospitality is the most essential, rather vital, quality of any notational system. It is the ability of notation to accommodate new subjects at their proper places without disturbing the existing sequence. Non-technically, it is also known as flexibility or resilience of classification. It is essential as knowledge is simultaneously growing exponentially in multiple directions. Therefore, any living and practical classification must have the capacity to give place to the new subjects at their proper places – latter point is essential. That is why library classifications are revised from time to time to include new subjects at their natural places. For example, the DDC (1876) of 44 pages has grown gradually to more than 4070 pages in the DDC-23(2011). Hospitality can be at two levels.

1) Hospitality by classifiers

2) Hospitality by classificationists in new editions

3.1 Hospitality by classifiers

Almost all standard library classification systems recommend that the classifiers should not tinker with the schedules. They should not make local numbers in case a number for a new subject is not available in the classification. Usually in such situations it is advised that a classifier should wait for the new edition and may temporarily place the new subject with its broader class. But Ranganathan has made provision for the classifiers to synthesise a class number for a topic not explicitly listed in the schedules. These are devises for hospitality and number building by the classifiers. These are namely:

Subject Device

Chronological Device

Geographical Device

Super-imposition Device

Alphabetical Device

This armory of devices at the disposal of a classifier keeps the work of classification going. Using these devices judiciously a classifier can make class numbers for new subjects. Perhaps on the dint of these devices Ranganathan claimed his system to be “self-perpetuating” – that is which is able to classify new knowledge without immediate intervention of the classificationist. It also means a classification which rejuvenates itself automatically. Nevertheless, it is doubtful if a classification, howsoever hospitable, can be self-perpetuating.

3.2 Hospitality by classificationists in new editions

Every system designer is aware of making provisions to properly accommodate new subjects in later editions without disturbing the existing ones. Therefore, in every system some conceptual, structural and mechanical provisions are made to accommodate new subjects at proper places (sometimes at not so proper places). Sophistication of a notational system can be measured by its instant hospitality to new subjects. Let us make a case study of Ranganathan’s Colon Classification for hospitality where notation consisting of six species is highly mixed:

1	A/Z	Roman Caps	26
2		Greek Delta	01
3	0/9	Indo-Arabic Decimal number	10
4	a/z	(Excluding I,L,o) i.e.o	23
5	* ” ←	Indicator anteriorising value digits with anteriorising value	03
6	& ‘ . : ; , – = + ( ) →	Ordinary indicator digits	11=74

Ranganthan has resolved hospitality at two levels namely, in arrays and chains.

4.3 Gaps in Arrays :

An array is a sequence of co-ordinate classes, Gap device a method to accommodate future subjects, is used at every level of arrays in almost all classifications. Gap device leaves some vacant numbers here and there to be filled in with future and unborn subjects. In the CC, e.g.,

U1 Mathematical Geography

U2 Physical Geography

U3 [Vacant]

U4 Anthropogeography

U5 Political Geography

U6 Economic Geography

U7 [Vacant]

U8 Travels

In the above array U3 and U7 are vacant positions which can be filled with new topics of Geography. The DDC uses this method to a great extent. In 500 Natural sciences in the Third Summary we have many vacant position in DDC23 : 504, 517, 524, 544, 545, 574, 589. Now in the UDC the whole class 4 is lying vacant. At lower levels there are numerous such vacancies. These can be used in the future to accommodate new subjects. Almost every system does this.

4.3.1Limitations

Though used by almost every classification, gap device is not the real solution. This method does not ensure a rightful place for the new subjects. There may not be any vacant place available at a needed place; on the other hand many vacant places remain unfilled for long as no new subjects are emerging there. In the DDC many new subjects are misplaced as due to lack of space at the right place they are allotted a vacant place nearby. It distorts the structure or mapping of knowledge. There are no gaps left in classes like Technologies where new subjects are popping everyday. Therefore, gaps are not the solution but alibis to postpone the crisis.

4.4 Sectorising Digits

This is an effective device to accommodate a subject at a proper place in an array even if no vacant place is there. For this Ranganathan invented an ingenious method of empty digits, now also called Sectorising Digits. He sets aside 0,9,z and Z as empty digits. These digits are never used alone but used as repeater digits to extend an array.

For example 1,2,3,…8, 91, 92… 99, 991, 992…993……999 are all co-ordinate classes.

Similarly, we can have an array extended like A, B,C….Y ZA, ZB,ZC….ZY, ZZA…….ZZX and so on. Here Z has no semantic value, only ordinal value. It means semantically it is empty. Though the DDC has no such provisions nor terms like this, it often uses “9 others” to dump en masse other remaining subjects which could not be accommodated in the array 1/8. A good example is the main class 900 History, Geography, Biography. The three subjects have been clubbed together as there is no other place in the decimal notation beyond 900.

4.4.1 Unwanted Abundance

In his unchecked enthusiasm Ranganthan proposed 0,z,9 and Z as sectorising digits for interpolation and extrapolation(at both the ends) of an array. With this he claims the capacity of an array can be increased to 1166 places. Theoretically it sounds good but practically it looks superfluous and confusing. Who needs such a longish array which will be chaotic? Certainly it will require further divisions from within for its better management.

4.5 Emptying Digits

Digits T, V and X are set aside as emptying digits as these empty a preceding digit of its meaning but allow it to retain its ordinal value. For example, in the CC

K Zoology

L Medicine

No place is left between the two to insert a new but equally ranked (Coordinate) subject Animal husbandry. Using X as an emptying digit KX is assigned to Animal husbandry. Here K no more denotes Zoology, and KX may be treated a single digit which means Animal husbandry and is arranged between K and L. Hence it is a very clever device to accommodate new subjects at proper place in an array. Similarly, we have

44 India 44T Nepal

44V Sri Lanka

44X Pakistan

45 Iran

Here 44T, 44V and 44X are coordinate with 44 and 45. Ranganthan even used twice an emptying digit;

B Mathematics

BT Statistical Analysis

BTT Operation Research

Emptying digits are just like the King Bali in the Ramayana who was blessed with sacking the power of his enemies who faced him in any battle. That is why Lord Rama had to kill him while hiding himself in a bush – though then it was not the norm to kill an enemy from a hidden position.

4.5.1 Empty-Emptying Digits

To make further rather almost unlimited interpolation in the Colon Classification U, W and Y have been postulated as Empty-Empty digits. It means not only these digits are empty of any meaning these also make other digits empty to which these are attached, e.g., in the CC-7.

Y	Sociology	YYT	Sociometry
YT	Demography	YYU	Socio-Cybernetics
YUA	Cyber Culture	Z	Law
YUG	Bio-Sociology
YX	Social Work

In this way, any number of new co-ordinate subjects can be interpolated at their proper places in an array of classes.

5 Hospitality in Chain

Chain is a sequence of classes of successively decreasing extension. The DDC provides infinite hospitality in chain by the use of decimal fraction. New subjects can be added at the end of a chain by a decimal fraction. This method is now used almost by all the classifications. Use of decimal numerals is almost a norm while designing classification systems:

328	Legislative Process
328.3	Parliaments
328.33	Members of Parliament
328.334	Basis of Membership
328.3345	Election Constituencies
328.33455	Gerrymandering
328.334552	Reserve constituency*

The last number has been added by us to show how the new subjects can be added by lengthening the chain. We can also give many such examples from the CC. Hierarchy showing relations of sub-ordination and co-ordination, and relativity are scientific and logical qualities of any notational system.

6. Problems of Notation

There cannot be any library classification without notation. For many library users notation is the library classification. In fact it is one of the three forms to designate and denote concepts, the other two being terms and definitions. But notation is only skin deep, and should not be over burdened with tasks. Apart from subject designation, it preserves and mechanises the chosen order of subjects and documents. Though indispensable it has many problems. In many systems notation has become too complex. Lengthy class numbers are inevitable in depth classification though these pose many problems. They are not user friendly. The order of digits in a mixed notation may not be comprehensible to the ordinary library users. Not only this, in the UDC punctuation marks are posing a problem in computerized arrangement as their value is not compatible with the ASCII. Late French classification thinker Eric de Grolier (1911-1998) regrets that we have not applied to library classification the progress the notation has made in other field such as mathematics, logic and chemistry. One hindrance is our library users who are laypersons and may not understand very advanced or sophisticated notation. Digital libraries may provide a virgin field to realize the full potential of notation in library classification.

7 Summary

Notation is more than a series of short hand ordinal symbols to denote subjects. It is a system ; an artificial language to translate the subject of the document into ordinal numbers for arrangement. Its other functions are to preserve and mechanise the order of subject decided in the idea plane. It helps in number synthesis, shows hierarchy of subjects, is an essential component of classified catalogues and a location tool in OPACs and shelf lists. Notation is essential for Chain Indexing that is a process of deriving subject headings from the class number. Combined with verbal terms notation can be very effective for high precision and high recall in any retrieval system. Notations are usually of two types, pure and mixed. Pure notation comprises of a single species of digits such on 0/9 as in DDC, or A/Z as in RIC, mixed notation uses mix of many species such as 0/9, A/Z, a/z, even mathematical marks such as = + and punctuation marks such as : ; – ( ) and many more. A mixed notation is a necessity in face of complexity of knowledge and its organization, yet it should be kept as simple as possible. For example, BC-2 or LCC use 0/9 and A/Z only. The CC notation comprising of six species of 74 digits in all is too complex by all accounts, and it is one of the reason for low use of the CC. Among the qualities of notation are its brevity, simplicity, easy pronunciation, and familiarity. In brief it should be user friendly. Digits should be equitably distributed among the subjects. Symbols used should be familiar and their ordinal value should be obvious or very clear. Now the digits should be available on the computer key board. Notation should show hierarchical relations and be free of homonyms and synonyms. It should be mnemonical which is easy to remember. It means same or analogous concepts occurring at different places should be denoted by the same digits. For example, food, animal feed and fuel occurring in indifferent main classes should get the same number. Not only this, diseases, mechanical disorders and social ills should be denoted by same digits in medicine, mechanical engineering and sociology respectively. Physiology is always denoted by: 3 wherever it occurs in the CC.

But the most vital quality of notation is its hospitality. It is defined as ability to accommodate new subjects at their proper places without disturbing the existing ones.

DDC does it mostly by leaving gaps here and there, and by decimal fraction at the end of chain. Gap device though popular is not a scientific solution of problem. Ranganathan invented the use of sector notation, Empty, emptying digits to interpolate and extrapolate new subjects in an array. Devices for making new isolate numbers or specifying the existing vague ones are availed of by the classifiers. These devices are geographical device, chronological device, subject device, superimposition and alphabetical device. More the number of devices for hospitality or specificity of subjects more complex a notation. Need is being felt to use in library science advances made by notation in subjects like mathematics or chemistry.

9 Key Words:

Autonomy to classifiers

Inbuilt provisions in a classification system to carry on the work of classification by a classifier in face of non-availability of numbers for new subjects. It is mostly provided by hospitality and synthetic devices. It also means freedom to classifiers to make choices

Base of notation: Total number of digits in a notational system. Base of notation in DDC is only 10, while in CC it is 74. In the LCC it is 36.

Capacity of notation

A quantitative measure of the class numbers of given numbers of digits a notational system can provide. For example quantity of three digit class number the DDC can provide is (103) 1000, while in RIC it is (263) 17576. Larger the base of the notation higher its capacity.

Digit : A single character in a notation(whether semantic or indicator) say 9, A, or + : , etc.

Empty Digit: A digit having only ordinal value and without any semantic value. In the CC 0,9,z and Z are empty digits in lower order arrays.

Empty – Emptying Digit: A digit which is both empty and emptying U, W and Y are Empty-Emptying digits in the CC. These are used for interpolation in an array.

Empty Digit: A digit which takes away the semantic power of the preceding digit but allows it to retain its ordinal value. T, V and X are Emptying Digits. For example K in KX has nothing to do with Zoology, but KX will file between K and L. In fact KX becomes a fused pair treated de jure as a single digit.

Length of base

It is the number of distinct digits a notational system has. The length of base of the DDC notation is 10, while of RIC it is 26. The CC using so many digits has the lengthiest base of notation among all library classifications. Larger the base shorter the class numbers. That is length of base leads to provide shorter class numbers — latter is always welcome by librarians and library users.

Mnemonic notation

A notation having some in built aids to memory, or which is symmetrical. In LCC we have G for Geography, M for Music, T for Technology. CC & DDC try to denote the same concept by the same digits where has it occurs in the schedule. For example in the CC Physiology is always denoted by : 3 in Medicine, Biology, Animal husbandry, etc. There are three types of mnemonics: alphabetical, schedule, seminal

10 References and further Readings

Buchanan, B. (1979) Theory of Library Classification. London: Clive Bingley, pp.71-100
Hunter, Eric J.(2009) Classification Made Simple,3rd ed. London: Ashgate, pp.73-83
Foskett, A.C. (1996), The Subject Approach to Information, 5th ed. London : LA Publishing, pp. 183-189
Hunter, Eric (2009). Classification Made Simple, 3rd ed. Aldershot, UK : Ashgate, pp.73-84.
Palmer B.I. and Wells, A.J., (1951) Fundamentals of Library Classification .London:George Allen, pp. 60-81.
Philips, W.H. (1961) A Primer of Book Classification, 5th ed. London: Association of Assistant Librarians, p.40-41.
Ranganathan, S.R. (1987) Colon Classification, 7th ed./ed. by M A Gopinath. Bangalore: Sarada Ranganathan Endowment, pp.34-37
Ranganathan, S.R. (1967) Prolegomena to Library Classification, 3rd ed. Bombay : Asia, pp. 219-326.
Satija M.P. (2004), Dictionary of Knowledge Organization. Amritsar: Guru Nanak Dev University, pp. 94-95, 96, 147-150,157-158.
Slavic, Aida (2008) “Faceted Classification: Management and Use” Axiomathes 18(2) June. DOI 10.1007/s10516-007.9030-z

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Module LIS/KOP – C/6: Notation: Kinds, qualifier

Do you know

Notation in library classification is an adjunct.
Knowledge classification may not need it.
Theoretically it should be added after the complete work in the idea and verbal planes.
But in practice it is not so.

Points to remember

Notation is not classification, a mere adjunct added to mechanise the arrangement of subjects once decided.
In library classification the notation has a very ambiguous position. Ranganathan called it as servant of the Idea Plane, whereas Melvil Dewey chose his notation first and the classes later.
A bad notation may mar a good classification, but a good notation cannot make a bad classification good.
Dewey thrives on its pure and simple but weak notation; the highly sophisticated notation of the CC is one of the reasons for its unpopularity.
A notation should not be burdened with many roles.
The most essential quality of a notation is its hospitality to new subjects. Without it no library classification can survive for long.
Simplicity, mnemonic quality, depiction of hierarchy, familiarity of its digits are optional for a notational system.
Depiction of hierarchy through notation taken to extreme is useless. Ordinal notation is preferred in such situations.
The retroactive notation of the BC-2 has best features a notation can have for its effective use and acceptability.