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 [Link] 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 [Link] 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

AC

General Collections

AE
General Encyclopedias

AS

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

Indicator anteriorising
5 *”← 03
value digits with anteriorising value

&‘.:;,–=+(
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

Learn More:

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

1. 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.

2. 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.