Previous by Date | Next by Date | Date Index
Previous by Thread | Next by Thread
| Thread Index
| LM_NET
Archive
| |
Maybe. But each (physical) book still needs to be on a shelf where anyone can find it. That means some sort of numbering scheme. If libraries all had closed shelves, books could as well be organized by ISBN or accession number -- or by size to maximize efficient use of shelf space. But open shelves? Subject organization seems like a wheel that does not need reinvention. It seems to me that there are two separate issues: (1) physical placement on shelves (with required indication of where each belongs on the shelves) and (2) topical classifications (including subsidiary topics and cross-references). Each book can be in only one physical place but can have an indefinite number of topical classifications and cross-references. Computers facilitate the latter, but the book still has to be *somewhere*. Items that consist only of bits and bytes, now that is a different matter--but even then, a hierarchy of subject headings is not exactly irrelevant. It just requires different implementation. IMHO Ken At 03:00 AM 6/9/2007 -0400, you wrote: >Date: Fri, 8 Jun 2007 20:42:16 -0400 >From: Laura Brooks <brooksla@NORTHVILLE.K12.MI.US> >Subject: Demise of Dewey and Tagging . . . >Will we eventually >teach tagging methods or structures to students instead of DDC? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ken Umbach Columnist, Knowledge Quest Policy Analyst, California Research Bureau, California State Library Writer, editor, researcher, consultant, www.umbachconsulting.com 916-733-2159 -- voice mail "The Pursuit of Publishing": http://www.lulu.com/content/740262 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------