In the colon Classification, ready-made Class Numbers are not
assigned to topics. The schedule in the Colon classification may
be said to consist of certain standard unit-schedules. The standard
unit-schedules correspond to the standard pieces in a meccano apparatus.
Even a child knows that by combining these standard pieces in different
ways many different objects can be constructed. So also, by combining
the numbers in the different unit-schedules in assigned permutations
and combinations, the Class Numbers for all possible subjects can
be constructed. In this scheme, the function of the Colon (:) and
other connecting symbols is like that of the bolts and nuts in
a meccano set. It is therefore an Analytico-Synthetic Scheme.
Throughout the years, a large number of people have written about
my Faceted Classification, and some of them have created very good
summaries and analyses of my schemes. In an attempt to provide
you with a different perspective, I've included some of these below:
"Faceted classification is also known as analytico-synthetic.
The name was derived from the two main processes involved in
composing a call number:
- Analysis - breaking down
each subject into its basic concepts
- Synthesis - combining
the relevant units and concepts to describe the
subject matter
A facet is a "clearly defined, mutually exclusive, and collectively
exhaustive aspects, properties or characteristics of a class or
specific subject" (Maple 1997).
"In a strict faceted classification model, a resource is
classified under one heading from each facet that applies to
it. A resource does not have to be classified at all in a given
facet, if that facet's method of classification doesn't apply
to the resource"
"Taxonomy: A type of facet in which the headings are arranged
into a hierarchy. This is the most broadly useful type of facet,
since thousands of headings can be organized into a presentable
selection" (http://facetmap.com/glossary/index.jsp).
"Ranganathan pioneered a method of classifying documents
using a multi-dimensional notation called Colon Classification.
By organizing documents according to several subjects simultaneously,
the shape of knowledge can more faithfully be rendered in the
shape of the collection. Ranganathan's faceted scheme is 5-dimensional:
- Who: Personality
- What: Matter
- How: Energy
- Where: Space
- When: Time
Facet analysis is the method by which a faceted classification
system is constructed. It involves:
- Study the context, the
content, and the users
- Identify the major types of concepts (facets)
covered by the above
- Use a taxonomic structure to fill each facet
with concepts (isolates)
- Categorize each document according to
each facet
