LESSON 5 CONTENTS:

Learning Objectives

Part One: The Organization of Library Materials

I. Preface to Part One

II. Subject Headings
* Subdivisions
* Types of Subdivisions
* Library of Congress Subject Headings

III. Classification Systems
* The Dewey Decimal Classification System
* The Library of Congress Classification System
* General Principles of Classification Systems

IV. Call Numbers

V. Part One Summary: The Complex Job of Organizing a Library

Part Two: The Online Catalog: Key to the Library’s Collection

VI. Preface to Part Two

VII. The Online Catalog – Key to the Library’s Collection
* The Structure of Online Catalogs
* Searching Online Catalogs
* The Peninsula Library system (PLS) Online Catalog

VIII. Key Points to Remember

Lesson Five Quiz

Lesson Five Exercise

V. PART ONE SUMMARY: THE COMPLEX JOB OF ORGANIZING A LIBRARY

It would be extremely difficult to use libraries, especially libraries with thousands or millions of items, if not for the organizational tools used by libraries: subject headings, classification systems, and call numbers. These three tools work together, resulting in highly organized library collections in which finding materials is relatively easy.

Each time a book is added to a library's collection, these organizational tools are brought into play. First, a cataloger examines it and describes its subject by assigning LC subject headings. Then, the book is given a unique call number from the Dewey Decimal or LC classification systems that indicate that item's primary subject matter and insures that it is grouped on the shelf with other books on the same subject. This cycle repeats for every addition to a library's collection.