The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system offers a structured approach to categorizing library materials, enhancing discoverability and organization; CONDUCT.EDU.VN provides comprehensive guidance and resources to navigate this system effectively. Understanding LCC principles and applications is key to efficient information retrieval and library management, with practical examples and expert advice available on CONDUCT.EDU.VN for cataloging, subject headings, and knowledge organization.
1. Understanding the History and Development of LCC
The Library of Congress (LC) was founded in 1800 as the American legislatures prepared to move to Washington, D.C. Initially, the library organized its collections by size and accession number. The first notable change occurred in 1808 with the introduction of categories for legal documents and executive papers.
However, during the War of 1812, British soldiers burned the Capitol in 1814, destroying most of the Library of Congress’s collections. Thomas Jefferson sold his personal library of 6,487 books to Congress in 1815, which were already classified using his own system. The library adopted and modified Jefferson’s system until the late nineteenth century.
Image showing the bookcase Thomas Jefferson used to shelve his personal library, illustrating his classification system.
With the move to a new building in 1897 and a collection of one and a half million volumes, Jefferson’s system became inadequate. James C.M. Hanson and Charles Martel were tasked with creating a new system: the Library of Congress Classification (LCC). Hanson and Martel based the new classification on Cutter’s Expansive Classification, modifying it considerably. Work began in 1901, and the first outline was published in 1904. The initial schedule developed was Class Z (Bibliography and Library Science), but E-F (American history and geography) were the first to be published in 1901, followed by Z in 1902.
Each schedule of LCC represents a class, subclass, or group of subclasses, published separately as completed. By 1948, all schedules were published except Class K (Law), which was completed in 2004 with KB—Religious law.
From the start, subject experts maintained individual LCC schedules, leading to LCC being called “a coordinated series of special classes.” This approach ensured that the classification remained relevant and adapted to specific fields of knowledge.
In 1993, LCC schedules began conversion to machine-readable form, completed in 1996 using USMARC (now MARC21) Classification Format. This allowed for online consultation and efficient production of print schedules.
By 2013, the Library of Congress transitioned to online-only publication of cataloging documentation, including LCC. The Library’s Cataloging Distribution Service (CDS) stopped printing new editions, offering free downloadable PDF versions of LCC schedules instead. For enhanced functionality, the Library provides web-based subscription services like Cataloger’s Desktop and Classification Web. Classification Web facilitates searching and browsing LCC schedules and building class numbers for library resources.
2. Core Principles Guiding the Library of Congress Classification
The Library of Congress Classification is an enumerative system, meaning it lists numbers for single, compound, and complex subjects. The main classes of LCC represent major disciplines, divided into subclasses and divisions, creating a hierarchical display from general to specific. Indentions in the schedules indicate levels of hierarchy.
LCC schedules were developed independently by subject specialists based on the “literary warrant” of materials in the Library of Congress. Each schedule stands alone, tailored to its discipline.
2.1 Main Classes of the LCC System
LCC divides knowledge into 21 main classes, each identified by a single capital letter. The letters I, O, W, X, and Y are unassigned for future expansion.
| LCC Main Classes |
| :———————————– | :—————————————————————– |
| A | General Works |
| B | Philosophy. Psychology. Religion |
| C | Auxiliary Sciences of History |
| D | World History and History of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc. |
| E | History of the Americas |
| F | History of the Americas |
| G | Geography. Anthropology. Recreation |
| H | Social Sciences |
| J | Political Science |
| K | Law |
| L | Education |
| M | Music and Books on Music |
| N | Fine Arts |
| P | Language and Literature |
| Q | Science |
| R | Medicine |
| S | Agriculture |
| T | Technology |
| U | Military Science |
| V | Naval Science |
| Z | Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources (General) |
2.2 Delving into the Subclasses
Each main class (except E and F) is further divided into subclasses, denoted by two or three-letter combinations. For example, Class P (Language and Literature) includes subclasses such as:
| Class P – Language and Literature |
| :——————————– | :——————————————————————- |
| P | Philology. Linguistics |
| PA | Greek language and literature. Latin language and literature |
| PB | Modern languages. Celtic languages and literature |
| PC | Romanic languages |
| PD | Germanic languages. Scandinavian languages |
| PE | English language |
| PF | West Germanic languages |
| PG | Slavic languages and literatures. Baltic languages. Albanian language |
| PH | Uralic languages. Basque language |
| PJ | Oriental languages and literatures |
| PK | Indo-Iranian languages and literatures |
| PL | Languages and literatures of Eastern Asia, Africa, Oceania |
| PM | Hyperborean, Native American, and artificial languages |
| PN | Literature (General) |
| PQ | French literature – Italian literature – Spanish literature – Portuguese literature |
| PR | English literature |
| PS | American literature |
| PT | German literature – Dutch literature – Flemish literature since 1830 – Afrikaans literature -Scandinavian literature – Old Norse literature: Old Icelandic and Old Norwegian – Modern Icelandic literature – Faroese literature – Danish literature – Norwegian literature – Swedish literature |
| PZ | Fiction and juvenile belles lettres |
2.3 Exploring Divisions Within Subclasses
Each subclass is further divided into divisions specifying form, place, time, and subtopics, denoted by integers 1-9999, some with decimal extensions, and Cutter numbers. For example, subclass PK (Indo-Iranian languages and literatures) is divided into:
| Subclass PK |
| :——————————————– | :—————————————————– |
| PK1-(9601) | Indo-Iranian philology and literature |
| PK1-85 | General |
| PK101-2899 | Indo-Aryan languages |
| PK101-185 | General |
| PK(201)-379 | Vedic |
| PK401-976 | Sanskrit |
| PK1001-1095 | Pali |
| PK1201-1409.5 | Prakrit |
| PK1421-1429.5 | Apabhramsa |
| PK1471-1490 | Middle Indo-Aryan dialects |
| PK1501-2899 | Modern Indo-Aryan languages |
| PK1550-2899 | Particular languages and dialects |
| PK1550-1569 | Assamese |
| PK1651-(1799) | Bengali |
| PK1801-1831.95 | Bihari |
| PK1841-1870.95 | Gujarati |
| PK1931-2212 | Hindi, Urdu, Hindustani languages and literatures |
| PK1931-1970 | Hindi language |
| PK1971-1979.5 | Urdu language |
| PK1981-2000 | Hindustani language |
| PK2030-2142 | Hindi, Hindustani literatures |
| PK2151-2212 | Urdu literature |
3. Schedule Format for LCC: A Detailed Overview
There are 41 printed volumes of individual classification schedules for the main classes and subclasses of LCC. Each print schedule consists of a preface, a contents page, a broad outline of the schedule, the main body of the schedule, tables, and an index.
3.1 The Preface: Setting the Stage
The preface provides the history of the schedule and any changes from previous editions, offering context and updates.
3.2 The Contents Page: Navigating the Schedule
The contents page lists the outline, subclasses, tables, and index for the schedule, serving as a roadmap.
3.3 The Outline: Structure and Hierarchy
The outline includes a detailed summary of topics and subtopics, with a broad outline of subclasses and a detailed outline with 2 or 3 levels of hierarchy.
3.4 The Body of the Schedule: Content and Arrangement
Each class was developed by subject specialists, resulting in unique features across schedules. However, common features include overall organization, notation, arrangement of form and geographic divisions, and many tables. Divisions within a class typically follow Martel’s seven points:
- General form divisions: periodicals, societies, collections, dictionaries, encyclopedias, conference publications, directories, yearbooks.
- Theory, philosophy.
- History, biography.
- Treatises or general works.
- Law, regulation, state relations.
- Study and teaching, research.
- Special subjects and subdivisions of subjects.
This pattern progresses from general to specific, with indentations showing hierarchical relationships. Notes may accompany LC class numbers and headings to indicate scope or refer to other sections.
A sample page from a Library of Congress Classification schedule, illustrating its detailed organization.
3.5 Using Tables in LCC
Tables are extensively used in LCC to assign specific numbers and sub-arrange topics without repetition, saving space. Tables are categorized into:
- Internal tables: within the text of the schedule for a specific subject.
- External tables: at the end of the schedule for various subjects in a class or subclass.
- Tables of general application: in the Classification and Shelflisting Manual, applicable throughout the schedules, including biography, translation, and geographic tables.
| Biography Table |
| :————– | :—————————————————————————————– |
| .x | Cutter number for the biographee |
| .xA2 | Collected works. By date |
| .xA25 | Selected works. Selections. By date. Including quotations |
| .xA3 | Autobiography, diaries, etc. By date |
| .xA4 | Letters. By date |
| .xA5 | Speeches, essays, and lectures. By date. Including interviews |
| .xA6-Z | Individual biography and criticism. By main entry. Including criticism of selected works, autobiography, quotations, letters, speeches, and interviews, etc. |
3.6 The Index: Locating Specific Entries
Each schedule has a detailed index referring to specific LCC numbers. A combined index for the entire scheme exists only in the online version, accessible through the Classification Web.
4. Library of Congress Classification Notation: A Guide
The notation of a classification scheme is the series of symbols representing classes, subclasses, divisions, and subdivisions.
4.1 Understanding the Symbols
LCC uses a mixed alphanumeric notation of Roman capital letters, Arabic numerals, and a dot (.) to construct call numbers. A single letter denotes a main class, and most subclasses use double letters. Divisions within subclasses are Arabic numbers from 1 to 9999, with gaps for new topics. Decimal extensions and Cutter numbers provide further subdivision. The call number is completed with an item number based on the main entry and year of publication.
4.2 Expressiveness in LCC Notation
Expressiveness refers to the notation’s ability to represent the hierarchical relationships of subjects. LCC notation has limited expressiveness compared to other schemes like DDC, as it is not hierarchical beyond the class-subclass level.
4.3 Hospitality in LCC Notation
Hospitality refers to a notation’s capacity to accommodate new concepts or subjects. LCC notation is highly hospitable, with provisions for new subject matter. At the main class level, letters I, O, X, and Y are unassigned. At the subclass level, gaps between two-letter combinations and the option of three-letter combinations allow for expansion. Decimal extensions and Cutter numbers further expand subclasses.
4.4 Mnemonics in LCC Notation
Mnemonics are memory-aiding devices that associate symbols with subject concepts. LCC notation lacks mnemonic aids, though some mnemonics are present in Class A, where the second letter of the subclass relates to the subject (e.g., AC for Collections, AE for Encyclopedias).
4.5 Brevity in LCC Notation
Brevity refers to the length of the notation. LCC notation results in relatively brief class numbers compared to other schemes, allowing more combinations without long notations.
5. Step-by-Step: Building a Call Number with LCC
Here are examples of building LCC call numbers:
-
A history of Hindi literature by K.B. Jindal, published in 1993:
PK2031 .J56 1993 Class Number PK 2031 Item Number .J56 1993 -
Statistics for management, by Richard I. Levin and David S. Rubin, published in 1998:
HA29 .L48 1998 Class Number HA 29 Item Number .L48 1998 -
An autobiography: the story of my experiments with truth, by Mahatma Gandhi, 2004. Autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi translated into English:
DS481.G3 A313 2004 Class Number DS 481 .G3 Item Number A313 2004 -
Fostering e-governance: compendium of selected Indian initiatives, edited by Piyush Gupta, R.K. Bagga, and Sridevi Ayaluri, published in 2009:
JQ229.A8 F67 2009 Class Number JQ 229 .A8 Item Number F67 2009 -
Walking with the Buddha: Buddhist pilgrimages in India, edited by Swati Mitra, published in 1999:
BQ6450.I4 W35 1999 Class Number BQ 6450 .I4 Item Number W35 1999
6. Understanding MARC 21 Coding for LCC Call Numbers
In MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data, the LC call number appears in the 050 field.
050 00 $a PK2031 $b .J56 1993
050 14 $a JQ229.A8 $b F67 2009Indicators:
- First indicator – Existence in LC Collection:
- # (blank) – No information provided (used when a call number assigned by an organization other than LC)
- 0 – Item is in LC
- 1 – Item is not in LC
- Second indicator – Source of Call Number:
- 0 – Assigned by LC
- 4 – Assigned by agency other than LC
Subfield Codes:
- $a – Classification number
- $b – Item number
Subfield $a may be repeated to record an alternative class number. Other subfields ($3, $6, and $8) are defined in the MARC 21 format but are not commonly used in general cataloging. Additionally, the 090 field can be used in MARC coding in OCLC for locally assigned LC-type call numbers where both indicators are blank.
7. Navigating the LCC Landscape: Tools and Aids
LCC is available in print and electronic formats, supported by tools and aids that describe and help apply LCC in practice.
7.1 LCC Print Schedules: The Traditional Resource
The print edition is available in 41 separate volumes from the Cataloging Distribution Service of Library of Congress. Revisions and expansions are ongoing, with new editions published when significant changes occur.
7.2 SuperLCCS: Consolidated Schedules
Thompson Gale issues SuperLCCS annually, combining each classification schedule with all additions, changes, and deletions through the previous year. SuperLCCS is also available on microfiche.
7.3 Classification Web: The Online Interface
The electronic version of LCC is available online as Classification Web. It includes a full-text display of the entire LCC, LCSH, plus correlations between LCC and LCSH. Classification Web is the most up-to-date version, updated daily.
The main menu of the Library of Congress Classification Web, an online tool for accessing and navigating LCC.
7.4 Classification and Shelflisting Manual (CSM)
This manual provides guidelines for establishing Library of Congress classification numbers and assigning them to library materials. It is an accumulation of guidelines dealing with recurring questions when using the LC classification.
7.5 LCC Outline: A Quick Reference
An outline of the LCC is available on the LC website, containing files in PDF and WordPerfect format for all main classes with captions of subclasses and additional information.
7.6 Cataloging Calculator: Cutter Number Assistance
This online tool can be used for deriving Cutter Numbers.
7.7 Library of Congress (LCC) Approved Lists
Additions and changes to LCC proposed by catalogers and approved by the editorial committee are communicated through LCC Weekly Lists, also available as RSS feeds.
7.8 Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
LCSH is available in print and online through Classification Web and the Library of Congress Website. Many LCSH entries refer to class numbers, though these may not always be up-to-date. Classification Web features LCSH to LCC correlations, facilitating the selection of appropriate LC class numbers.
7.9 Name Authority Records
Literary Author Numbers (LAN) are assigned to literary authors and recorded in the MARC field 053 of the name authority record (NAR).
An example of a Library of Congress Name Authority Record, showing the Literary Author Number assigned to a writer.
8. Proposing a New Class Number in LCC
Since 2006, an automated Minaret-based classification proposal system has replaced the manual worksheet-based system. This system is used to propose new classification numbers, references, or modifications to existing numbers.
9. Evaluation of the Library of Congress Classification
LCC, like any classification system, has strengths and weaknesses. Many criticisms have become less valid with the automation of schedules and the introduction of Classification Web.
9.1 Advantages of LCC: Why It Excels
- LCC is highly enumerative, listing subjects of the past, present, and future, minimizing notational synthesis and making the scheme easy to use.
- LCC schedules are developed, revised, and maintained by subject experts.
- LCC is continuously revised, with the Classification Web database updated daily.
- LCC provides cooperative opportunities to introduce new numbers from catalogers worldwide.
- Classification Web simplifies number building with advanced search features.
- LCC notation results in brief class numbers compared to other schemes like DDC.
- LCC notation is highly hospitable and expandable.
- LCC allows unique classification with Cutter numbers, decimal numbers, and publication dates.
- The Classification and Shelflisting Manual (CSM) provides comprehensive guidelines.
- LCC numbers are widely available for copy cataloging.
- LCC application is highly consistent.
- LCC has the support of the Library of Congress.
9.2 Addressing Criticisms of LCC
- LCC schedules lack consistency (due to development by subject experts, which also allows for unique structures).
- LCC has no overall index (true for print format only; the online version includes a unified index).
- Scope notes are less descriptive (less necessary due to vast enumeration of subjects).
- LCC is based on literary warrant from the Library of Congress’s collections and reflects national bias (becoming less true with global contributions).
- There are few guidelines for subject analysis (no longer valid with the CSM).
- LCC is too large for a classifier to master, and there is a time lag between revised editions (Classification Web overcomes these criticisms with daily updates and advanced search features).
- Multi-topical compound subjects are difficult to classify (a problem for all classification schemes; electronic documents can have multiple call numbers).
- Revision of schedules sometimes requires reclassification decisions (e.g., the move of Buddhism from BL to BQ).
- Some parts of LCC are obsolete (sometimes required for system stability).
- Costly print schedules and online subscriptions (LC has made LCC schedules free as downloadable PDFs with training documentation on its website).
10. Conclusion: The Enduring Value of LCC
LCC is well-established and used by prominent libraries worldwide. Its role has expanded from shelf location to browsing through online catalogs and organizing electronic resources. LCC’s potential as a knowledge organization system is still being explored.
LCC can assist with browsing and refining searches on the web. The Library of Congress is working to make LCC available as Linked Data. LCC schedules can build specialized classification schemes for digital libraries in specific subject areas. LCC and Classification Web are a powerful combination for efficient information organization, management, and retrieval. With its well-defined categories, hierarchies, global use, and mapping to other subject schemas like LCSH, LCC holds promise beyond its traditional role as a shelf location device. The scheme remains a successful enumerative scheme with a great future, supported by the Library of Congress.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Library of Congress Classification:
-
What is the Library of Congress Classification (LCC)?
The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is a system of library classification developed by the Library of Congress in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to organize its vast collection of books and other materials. It is used by many academic and research libraries around the world. -
How does LCC differ from the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)?
LCC is designed to cater to the specific needs of large research libraries, particularly those with extensive collections. It is more enumerative, meaning it lists individual topics and subtopics more explicitly than DDC. DDC, on the other hand, is more hierarchical and analytical, using a decimal notation system to represent subject relationships. -
What are the main classes of the LCC system?
The LCC system divides knowledge into 21 main classes, each represented by a single letter of the alphabet. These classes range from General Works (A) to Bibliography and Library Science (Z). -
How are subclasses and divisions represented in LCC?
Subclasses are represented by two or three-letter combinations, while divisions are represented by Arabic numerals. For example, in Class P (Language and Literature), subclass PR represents English literature, and divisions are used to further specify topics within English literature. -
What is a Cutter number, and how is it used in LCC?
A Cutter number is a combination of a capital letter and one or more numerals used to further subdivide topics within a class. It is based on the main entry (author or title) of the work being classified and helps to arrange items alphabetically on the shelf. -
Where can I find the LCC schedules?
LCC schedules are available in print and electronic formats. The electronic version is available online as Classification Web, while print schedules can be purchased individually or as a set from the Cataloging Distribution Service of the Library of Congress. Additionally, free downloadable PDF versions of LCC schedules are available on the Library of Congress website. -
What is Classification Web, and how does it aid in using LCC?
Classification Web is a web-based tool that provides access to the full text of the LCC, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), and correlations between LCC and LCSH. It allows users to search, browse, and build class numbers for library resources efficiently. -
What is the Classification and Shelflisting Manual (CSM)?
The Classification and Shelflisting Manual (CSM) provides guidelines for establishing Library of Congress classification numbers and assigning them to library materials. It is an accumulation of guidelines that have been formulated over several decades and deals with commonly recurring questions that arise when using the LC classification. -
How can I propose a new class number in LCC?
You can propose a new class number in LCC through the automated Minaret-based classification proposal system, accessible online via Classification Web. This system allows you to propose new classification numbers, references, or modifications to existing numbers. -
What are some advantages and criticisms of the LCC system?
Advantages of LCC include its highly enumerative nature, development and maintenance by subject experts, continuous revision, cooperative opportunities for introducing new numbers, and availability of Classification Web. Criticisms include a lack of consistency across schedules, the absence of an overall index in the print format, and a historical bias towards the collections of the Library of Congress.
