Guide to the Library of Congress Classification - (Library and Information Science Text) 6th Edition by Lois Chan & Sheila Intner & Jean Weihs

About the Book

Like earlier editions, this thoroughly updated sixth edition of the classic textbook provides readers with a basic understanding of the Library of Congress Classification system and its applications.
The Library of Congress Classification system is used in academic, legal, medical, and research libraries throughout North America as well as worldwide; accordingly, catalogers and librarians in these settings all need to be able to use it. The established gold standard text for Library of Congress Classification (LCC), the sixth edition of Guide to the Library of Congress Classification updates and complements the classic textbook's coverage of cataloging in academic and research libraries.

Clear and easy to understand, the text describes the reasoning behind assigning subject headings and subheadings, including use of tables; explains the principles, structure, and format of LCC; details notation, tables, assigning class numbers, and individual classes; and covers classification of special types of library materials. The last chapter of this perennially useful resource addresses the potential role of classification in libraries of the future.

• Serves primarily as an introductory textbook for core LIS courses in cataloging and classification and in organization of information but also as a reference work for practicing librarians
• Includes an appendix containing models for sub-arrangements within disciplines

Book Synopsis

Like earlier editions, this thoroughly updated sixth edition of the classic textbook provides readers with a basic understanding of the Library of Congress Classification system and its applications.

The Library of Congress Classification system is used in academic, legal, medical, and research libraries throughout North America as well as worldwide; accordingly, catalogers and librarians in these settings all need to be able to use it. The established gold standard text for Library of Congress Classification (LCC), the sixth edition of Guide to the Library of Congress Classification updates and complements the classic textbook's coverage of cataloging in academic and research libraries.

Clear and easy to understand, the text describes the reasoning behind assigning subject headings and subheadings, including use of tables; explains the principles, structure, and format of LCC; details notation, tables, assigning class numbers, and individual classes; and covers classification of special types of library materials. The last chapter of this perennially useful resource addresses the potential role of classification in libraries of the future.

Review Quotes

"Universities offering a program in library science will certainly want to have this volume, but other academic institutions may well want to add a copy for their library staff." --ARBA

"The Guide to the Library of Congress Classification is a clear and comprehensive treatment of the history, principles, structure, and use of the Library of Congress classification scheme. . . . Catalogers and cataloging supervisors who have relied on Immroth's and Chan's guides in the past will undoubtedly welcome the new edition designed for our times. Veterans and novices alike will find it an indispensable tool both for training and reference for years to come." --Technicalities

About the Author

Lois Mai Chan was professor, College of Library and Information Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington.

Sheila S. Intner is professor emerita of library and information science at Simmons University, Boston, MA, and was founding director of its MLIS program at Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA.

Jean Weihs was director of the library techniques program at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, Toronto, Canada, until her retirement.