The course covers various aspects related to processing and organizing documents in a library. It is divided into three parts, viz. Classification, Cataloguing and Filing and Shelving. The part on classification introduces the learner to the concept, need and purpose of classification. It also discusses the steps to assigning class numbers to documents. DDC is a widely used scheme of classification. The course explains in detail the structure of the scheme and its application. Starting with the concept of cataloguing, objectives, purpose and functions of cataloguing, the course describes the process of cataloguing. There is a discussion on the forms of a library catalogue and kinds of entries. AACR- 2R , one of the most used cataloguing code is explained in detail including a discussion on its structure and cataloguing of different kinds of documents. Once the books have been classified and catalogued, they need to be filed. There is a discussion on the rules for filing (ALA and CCC). Maintenance of processed books is discussed under shelving and shelf rectification. Principles and different systems of stacking have been presented with suitable illustrations.

Course layout

Instructor bio

Dr. Jaideep Sharma

Indira Gandhi National Open University

Prof. Jaideep Sharma is a professor in the Faculty of Library and Information Science (LIS). He has a prior experience of working in the face-to-face mode of teaching for 14 years before joining IGNOU in the year 2003. Prof. Sharma has a doctoral degree in the area of Professional Competencies and Education for LIS in India. His area of specialization is Information Processing and Retrieval.

Summary