Free Essay

Concept Briefing

In:

Submitted By gstotts
Words 1308
Pages 6
Call Number

Abstract

A call number is a systematic method corresponding with a classification scheme. These unique codes offer library holdings a mode of establishing sole representation of individual items. This briefing offers the reader with an understanding of the function, use, formation, and role of a call number. Call numbers are the foundation in classification systems to furnish item organization and physical arrangement for library collections. The author of this briefing delivers examples of call numbers within the Library of Congress and the Dewey Decimal systems. These examples represent subject-related classification, item specific coding and the need for users to acquire the ability to fully apprehend call number arrangement. The author hopes to provide the reader with an appreciation of a call number’s role and its significance in the process of effectively locating, choosing and obtaining needed materials for users. Introduction

This briefing seeks to inform the reader by: (1) discussing the function of a call number, (2) understanding the use of a call number in classification schemes, (3) explaining the basic establishment of a call number, and (4) addressing the retrieval role of a call number.

Definition

A call number is an alphanumeric code used to uniquely represent an item in a library collection. The number and letter arrangement of a call number is derived from the classification system selected. The assigned identifier organizes materials by classifying objects by subject and developing a physical shelf location (Reitz, J. M., 2015).

Purpose and implications

Purpose of a Call Number

The primary purpose of a call number is to aid users in the task of locating, selecting and acquiring sought after material. Patrons discover the object’s call number in a bibliographic record when searching a library catalog. The identifying code corresponds with the number found on a label placed outside the item. This facilitates a retrieval tool for the user to pinpoint the actual object in a book stack. A browsing benefit for the user is material pertaining to the same topic is shelved in the surrounding area providing collocation. (Krause, S., 2007, p. 6).

Use of a Call Number in Classification Schemes
“Most classification systems have been used, beginning in the late 1800s, as the base upon which to create call numbers…” (Taylor, A., 2009, p. 79). Structured collection methods, such as the Library of Congress or the Dewey Decimal System, rely on the unique identification numbers to organize materials by classes and track items in a collection. Book stacks are arranged with the assistance of a shelf list produced by call numbers. Classification schemes have a standardized method of establishing call numbers to warrant organization and procurement.
Establishment of a Call Number
The formation of a call number focuses on basic elements to establish sole representation. The elements include subject area, originator, and sometimes publication date. Bianchini (2012) lists these as determining characteristics: “1. Order of classes and facets, for conceptual analysis data, 2. Classic device, for literacy analysis data, 3. Book number, for formal analysis data” (p. 489).
The initial step is identifying the main subject. According to the classification system, the main topic is determined from a broad subject category listing known as classes. Bianchini (2012) suggests the next step requires an in-depth examination to individualize the object. The notations that follow continue to narrow the material even further in subject identity. The class is subdivided until the object is uniquely signified. As a cataloger solidifies a call number, codes are added targeting other elements.
Retrieval Role of a Call Number
“Cataloging and classification are among the most standardized, regulated processes in the library…to identify, locate and retrieve the sources that will fill an information need” (Hudon, M. 2010, p. 65). Classification schemes vitally rely on distinctive call numbers for this key reason. There are occasions when identifying codes become so intrinsic locating becomes difficult. Harris (2013, p. 14) agrees that call numbers can become overly complicated for patrons.
In a study of college students using the Library of Congress system, researchers Murphy, Long and MacDonald (2013) note “…students demonstrate little facility for locating books easily and independently, misinterpret call numbers in diverse ways, and do not fully understand the library’s organization of materials.” When user attainment is hindered it raises a concern for libraries. In any classification system, the call number’s effectiveness is measured by the patron’s ability to utilize the system with very little assistance. This user-friendly focus is causing libraries to take a closer look at the overall role call numbers play in the retrieval process for a user. (Kaplan, Dolloff, Giffard, and Still-Schiff, 2012)

Examples

Example #1: Specific item identification is obtained with call numbers.

The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system uses a call number design to dissect each element of an object to obtain uniqueness. A simple book entitled, Shapes All Around!, written by one author may have a call number as follows:

QA 445 .5 .H65 s 2010 v.3
Mathematics Geometry Shapes Cutter Number Work Mark Publication Date Volume number

Cutter number: a number on a chart matching an author’s name to a set of numbers
Work Mark: the author has several works in an area, the first letter distinguishing the title

Example #2: Classifying similar items with call numbers establishes organization.

A call number organizes large groups of similar subjects in a sequential manner. In the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system every item is given a number and physically positioned on a shelf in number order. Objects with the identical subject number are placed in alphabetical order by the cutter number. A call number offers a systematic way of constructing a shelf list. For example, the call numbers supply arrangement for the selected books about numeration systems as follows:

513.5
C21 513.5
L48 513.5
N14 513.5
R11 513.5
R20 513.5
R56 513.5
R72

Example #3: A call number’s effectiveness in measured by the user’s retrieval.

Taylor (2009) places emphasis on successful retrieval through the patron’s ability to use call number organization. In a study conducted by Murphy (2013), results support training is essential for users to fully understand how to read call numbers to assure successful procurement. Public schools and universities acknowledge this need and offer basic training according to their classification system.

Conclusion

A call number establishes assurance in identifying a specific object, organizing items in a library collection and encouraging object browsing. The principal aim of the distinctive code is to provide users a systematic approach procuring informational resources within a classification scheme. Catalogers are charged with dissecting the object to guarantee an exclusive call number while analyzing the item’s basic features. As library collections increase, call number complexity is rising. Facilities are analyzing the effectiveness and use of a call number to ensure the ease of obtaining material for patrons does not decline.

References

Bianchini, C., (2012). Arrangement of FRBR entities in colon classification call numbers. Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, 50, 5-7, 473-493. doi:10.1080/01639374.2012.679877

Harris, C., (2013). Library classification 2020. Knowledge Quest, 42(2), 14-19.

Hudon, M., (2010). Teaching classification, 1990-2010, Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, 48:1, 4-82.

Kaplan, T. B., Dolloff, A. K., Giffard, S., Still-Schiff, J., (2012). Are Dewey’s days numbered?: Libraries nationwide are ditching the old classification system. School Library Journal, 1-6.

Krause, S. D., (2007). Chapter two, “Understanding and using the library and the internet for research.” The process of research writing, Version 1.0, Spring 2007, 1-7.

Murphy, J., Long, D., MacDonald, J. B., (2013). Students’ understanding of the library of congress call number system. The Reference Librarian, 54:103-117.

Reitz, J. M., (2015). ODLIS: Online Dictionary for library and information science. Retrieved from ABC-CLIO, LLC database.

Taylor, A. G., (2009). The organization of information (3rd ed.). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Twizzlers

...(Logo Compañía) FORMATO DE BRIEF Fecha de solicitud: __________________________________________________________ Fecha requerida de entrega: __________________________________________________ Empresa: __________________________________________________________________ Solicitante: ________________________________________________________________ Cargo: ____________________________________________________________________ Producto/ Proyecto: _________________________________________________________ 1. Antecedentes: Factores por los cuales hay que hacer un esfuerzo de mercadotecnia, situación actual del mercado, amenazas, oportunidades, etc.) 2. Descripción del proyecto a comunicar: ¡Qué es lo que vamos a vender? 3. Objetivos del negocio: ¿Qué se busca generar a nivel empresa con este esfuerzo? 4. Objetivos del proyecto: ¿Qué pretendemos lograr con el esfuerzo de mercadotecnia? 5. Objetivos de comunicación: ¿Qué percepción queremos generar / qué queremos que el cliente haga cuando reciba la pieza? 6. Propuesta de valor: Beneficios Principales/ ventajas competitivos del producto/proyecto, Incentivos para la elección del producto/ proyecto. * Soporte de elección Hechos que respaldan la propuesta de valor. Características y atributos del producto/ Proyecto * “ Take Away” requerido ¿Qué es lo que quiero que se quede en la mente del cliente? 7. Piezas a desarrollar: ¿Qué elemento promocional quiero desarrollar? Ayuda ventas, literatura,...

Words: 293 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Candy Kids

...Rock Candy Kids Brief De Comunicación Descripción breve de la Empresa: Somos una empresa que se dedica a crear ropa basada en la música, usando una formula de colores y diseños personalizados que hacen que vestirse sea un juego Descripción breve del producto: Rock Candy Kids es un sitio donde podes diseñar tu prenda de diferentes formas, colores y texturas, aplicando tu ingenio y tus ganas de verte diferente. Creas, compras y lo recibís en tu casa Necesidades principales Vestimenta para niños y niñas de 5 a 15 años Objetivo Principal: Ser la empresa nro 1 en venta de ropa personalizada por e commerce Objetivo Especifico: Descripción de Clientes Potenciales NSE: Abc1 y C2 Rango de Edad: 5 a 13 años Genero: Masculino y Femenino Personalidad y Estilo de Vida: Niños que les guste crear y divertirse, haciendo de la vestimenta un juego Detonadores para el consumo de nuestro producto: Los niños pueden diseñar/Crear en nuestra web, y reciben una prenda de calidad y divertida en su casa Cuáles son las barreras para que se compre el producto? Falta de contacto real con el producto, las personas deben tener acceso a internet, posibles demoras en las entregas Nuestros competidores: Cheeky, mimo, gimo´s, KSK kids Ventajas percibidas de nuestros competidores: Tiendas en los mejores puntos del país, publicidad en diferentes medios Desventajas percibidas de nuestros competidores: Calidad en las prendas No tienen diseños personalizados Precio...

Words: 447 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Theories

...researching the information that you have provided. Behaviorism (grand theory) The theory that I chose was behaviorism. Behaviorism is a grand theory of the human development and studies the observation of behavior. This theory is also a learning theory it explains the laws and the process as to how people learn to behave. According to John Watson, “if psychologists can focus on behavior, they will realize that everything can be learned.” I can apply this theory to several concepts as it relates to my Christian worldview. The first concept is prayer; the very first prayer that is learned is The Lord’s Prayer. Through behavior you learned this either listening to someone recite this prayer or you learned it by reading the bible. The second concept is worship. Worship is first learned and then through maturity you develop your own sense of worship. Worship is learned at home by parents or those whom you live with or it’s learned at your church by those who you attend worship service with. The last concept is praise. Praise just like worship is a very important part of my worldviews. Praise is a learned behavior because it teaches you how to give honor to God. Again just like worship this is learned through watching those who worship. Behaviorism can...

Words: 345 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Young Children

...children’s conceptions change during the instructional process and how the social discussion during the experimental exploration can be seen in terms of the cognitive changes in children. Young children’s conceptual change has not been as widely studied as that in older students. The researcher in this case study suggested that conceptual changes as a party of the learning process should be viewed as a life long process, which begins before children enter school. Six-year-old children undergo floating and sinking during their conceptual change process. This article attempted to describe this process and how social discourse during the process of knowledge construction is linked to the change in children’s concepts. Conceptual change had generally been examined only through cognitive functions as a general process without consideration of the context before this case study. The children that were selected for this study were pre-schoolers age six. They all hailed from the city of Joensuu, Finland and were from the kindergarten involved with the ESKO research project. The groups wanted to participate in the study, but the researchers taught the topic after the teachers disagreed. The children came from two different groups in the kindergarten with mixed genders. The research was conducted into three parts: pre-interview, instructional process, and post-interview. The pre-interview consisted of two parts that aimed...

Words: 502 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Belonging Essay

...Alienation is a key theme in Peter Skryznecki’s Migrant Hostel and Tim Winton’s Neighbours. The authors use techniques to engage the reader and to teach the responder about alienation and how it affects people. Skryznecki uses symbolism to convey that migrants were alienated from Australian society. Skryznecki says "barrier at the main gate" to emphasize how the migrants were excluded from the outside world. The "barrier" is both literal and symbolic. It is symbolic of the barrier to belonging in Australia, and the alienation of migrants. Skryznecki uses similes to reiterate his point that migrants were alienated. He say "like a homing pigeon" to compare migrants to birds. He does this to show that the migrants don't belong the are constantly moving to survive like birds do. He further develops this idea through a second simile "like birds of passage". He is explaining that nothing was certain, and there was no security or place of belonging. The migrants feel alienated and want to belong but the Migrant hostel won't let them, they are being forced into alienation. Skryznecki uses similes to convey his thematic concern of alienation. Perceptions and ideas of belonging, and of not belonging, vary. There is no definite truth to where someone belongs. A person can belong somewhere different to where they are assumed to belong. and can not be forced on someone. People belong to different groups than others. Perceptions of belonging are shaped by personal, cultural and social...

Words: 385 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Speech - Gwen Harwood - Loss

...loved ones, which can be valued by contemporary audiences today due to it being an issue that is faced by everybody in their life at some point. When a loved one is no longer part of an individual’s life, one may experience grief and as a result realise the role and importance of that loved one. From my perspective, Harwood presents the concept of loss of loved ones through MWGML with the euphemism “You left the world so”, which highlights that her mother was not only a loss to her life but also a loss to the world, suggesting that she had great value and respect for her mother. There is a similar significance placed on her mother’s life that is stressed with the use of alliteration in “lived nearly thirty thousand days”. This presents the idea that she lived daily as a mother contributing to the lives of her children. Harwood also introduces a cloth motif in her poem, through the line “when she died she was folding a little towel” to highlight the importance of her day to day life. Harwood then sustains this motif later in her poem with “a fabric of marvels”. This motif, combined with “lived nearly thirty thousand days”, reinforces the concept that every day of her life was important. Also through the use of the...

Words: 854 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Management

...Cares is currently operating with positive margins based on this goodwill concept. Research shows that while some people cannot pay much or nothing at all, others that can afford to pay typically pay more (Ron Shaich, 2012). Panera Cares illustrates that business models do not always need to follow conventional management concepts. This concept is gaining recognition in the business world, local communities and also challenges other corporations to review their business models and strategies with consideration to the community and people that make them successful. Introduction Panera Bread has decided to take action regarding the slumping economy that has caused many Americans to go hungry. According to the US Department of Agriculture, last year, 17.2 million households faced food insecurity (Martin, 2012). The result of this growing epidemic is Panera Cares, a restaurant cafe where people can eat nutritious food in the same uplifting environment Panera is known for and pay whatever they can afford (Ron Shaich, 2012). Food insecurity in our country is the major concern of Panera Cares and is the heart of the company vision. A menu is available with a slight twist, no prices only suggestions; customers are encouraged to pay whatever they like. Each community cafe is self-sustaining; showcasing the common good in people to do the right thing. The business concept was created with the intent to build a partnership with the community and...

Words: 1397 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Polarity

...include: stability and change, individual and team, long and short term, autocratic and participatory and my topic, cost and quality. Any of these pairs are known to counter the other. In my case, it is important to note that when quality improves, cost generally increases and vice versa. Throughout this paper I will discuss managerial approaches to utilize these two concepts to your advantage without ever overlooking either of them. It is important to embrace the fact that there are polarities everywhere we turn and instead of trying to fight against them, we should develop their concepts to make us more complete. Larry Hirschhorn has argued that in order for managers to become proficient in managing polarities, they must develop a set of “rules of thumb” for when they encounter different circumstances. They establish these rules with the hopes of somewhat standardizing their way of thinking as well as how to allocate resources for each instance. The guidelines are generally developed to recognize patterns and opportunities. Hirschhorn recommends managers create a 2 x 2 table to help illustrate this concept and to categorize its different states. Each axis would include a “hi” and “lo” status with the top right box representing the “Hi-Hi” state. The “Hi-Hi” state would represent the situation which required the expert’s immediate attention (Hirschhorn, 2001, p. 12) Below is an example of a polarity map for my argument. Competitive Advantage Goods are manufactured...

Words: 856 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Theory Accounting and Practices

...In the 1980s the usefulness of the FASB’s Conceptual Framework was soon questioned. Indeed, many researchers have pointed out the incompleteness, the inconsistency, the circular reasoning and non-operationality of the American Framework (Dopuch and Sundern, 1980; Solomons, 1986; Gerboth, 1987; Hines, 1989). Moreover, the decision-useful objective didn’t gather real support when the FASB carried out a survey to determine if constituencies did agree with the Trueblood report objectives of financial reporting (Dopuch and Sunder, 1980). Notwithstanding these issues, the FASB and the IASB go further towards a focus on capital providers needs in their joint project of revision of the Conceptual Framework when writing that financial reporting is not primarily directed to other groups than capital providers. There is a possibility that the objectives assigned to financial accounting as a social activity is directed by a dominant group that imposes its will on all others involved in the activity by making its own objective become the objective of the social activity (Dopuch and Sunder, 1980). Therefore, when criteria are used to justify the identification of primary users, there should be a comprehensive analysis of their definition, their importance for each category of users of financial reporting and if other criteria should be taken into account before reaching strong structuring conclusions on the objective of financial reporting and on identifying their primary users...

Words: 430 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Note Taking

...remembering specific details from classroom lectures without good notes. These note taking strategies will help you to take better notes: ▪ Make clear and accurate notes Make sure to take legible and accurate notes since it is not uncommon to forget key details discussed in class after it has ended. Frequently, students comprehend the teacher's lecture, so they'll neglect to jot down specific details only to forget them later. Students who keep accurate notes can review them later to fully grasp key concepts during personal study time. Additionally, since during classroom lectures teachers frequently cover many topics, effective notes enable students to concentrate on specific topics. ▪ Come to class prepared Students properly prepared for class usually take better notes. Proper preparation includes completing assigned reading prior to class and reviewing notes from previous lectures. Students who do this can ask questions about confusing concepts and be prepared for new topics. ▪ Compare your notes To ensure your notes are as accurate and detailed as possible, compare them with the notes of other students after class is over. This is useful because your colleagues will frequently write down lecture details that you forgot or missed. This strategy will make classroom notes more thorough and precise. ▪ Minimize distractions Effective note takers avoid classroom distractions. This can include sitting in spots with fewer distractions and...

Words: 602 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Hero Concept in Literature

...Writing Assignment 2: Hero Concept In literature there are many different concepts that authors use, one concept that is used is the 'hero concept,' which can capture any audience, and can be seen in many different ways, but it's pretty clear that a hero is someone with the will to stand up for what they believe in, has courage, and is strong for others. People in general, at some point, have wanted to be the hero, or have the courage to stand up for what they believe in. More often than not, people stand by and don't act in a heroic manner, so when reading a story, poem, or other piece of literature that uses the hero concept; it captures the reader and keeps the reader interested. The hero concept is clearly used in "Bodega Dreams," "Hard Rock Returns to Prison for the Criminal Insane," and "The Train from Hate." The authors of these pieces of literature keep the reader captivated by using the hero concept, and the pathos appeal, evoking a sense of emotion in the reader. "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez has a great example of a hero. This short story is of a class of apparent minority students, who are told by one teacher that they will never amount to anything, and would end up in jail or on the streets. Since the students are being constantly told that they will fail, they don't make an effort. This causes another teacher, the "hero," to become very angry, because he wants to see his students succeed. The narrator reveals this teachers heroic nature when the teacher...

Words: 1030 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Language Acquisition

...their practices is complex and context dependent. There is an argument about the relationship of teachers’ beliefs and practices and to find out frameworks of understanding the consistency and inconsistency of teachers’ beliefs and knowledge. There are different views about the concept of belief, depending on the point of view of the theorist or researcher. According to Mansour (2009), beliefs are one of the most difficult concepts to define. Although educational literature has paid great attention to teachers‟ beliefs, there is still no clear definition of belief (Savasci-Acikalin, 2009). As Pajares (1992) argued, “the difficulty in studying teachers‟ beliefs has been caused by definitional problems, poor conceptualizations, and differing understandings of beliefs and belief structures” (p. 307). Therefore, the definitions of beliefs have been varied in the literature. He suggested that researchers need agreement on meaning and conceptualization of belief. Dewey (1938) developed a bipolar model within which there were two opposite dimensions: on the one pole, beliefs were characterized as traditional, and on the other as progressive. These two poles formed a uni-dimensional system, since the concept of belief consisted of traditional and progressive components which were negatively related. Thus, a person oriented at the traditional pole would be expected to disagree with progressive ideas and vice versa. In an attempt to...

Words: 536 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Management

...a brand, product or service utilizing traditional marketing placement strategies (i.e. price, promotion, distribution, packaging, and competition). Positioning is also defined as the way by which the marketers attempt to create a distinct impression in the customer's mind. Positioning is a concept in marketing which was first introduced by Jack Trout ( "Industrial Marketing" Magazine- June/1969) and then popularized by Al Ries and Jack Trout in their bestseller book "Positioning - The Battle for Your Mind." (McGraw-Hill 1981) This differs slightly from the context in which the term was first published in 1969 by Jack Trout in the paper "Positioning" is a game people play in today’s me-too market place" in the publication Industrial Marketing, in which the case is made that the typical consumer is overwhelmed with unwanted advertising, and has a natural tendency to discard all information that does not immediately find a comfortable (and empty) slot in the consumers mind. It was then expanded into their ground-breaking first book, "Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind," in which they define Positioning as "an organized system for finding a window in the mind. It is based on the concept that communication can only take place at the right time and under the right circumstances" (p. 19 of 2001 paperback edition). What most will agree on is that Positioning is something (perception) that happens in the minds of the target market. It is the aggregate perception the market has of...

Words: 627 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Starbuck Case Study

...Unit IV Case Study Toni K Bonton Columbia Southern University During the concept stage of research, Starbucks set out to test the idea of a card that utilized dual-functionality versus using two separate cards (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). To do this, online focus groups were used to determine customer preferences. Not only did this type of study measure how well customers understood the dual-functionality aspect of the proposed card and what concepts needed to be explained further, but it also revealed customer appeal to the card and its features (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). The product optimization study was another online study conducted during the concept stage to determine the impact certain features have on a customer's decision to apply for the card and which of those features could potentially increase sales (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). This information proves beneficial in knowing which customers would not apply for the card and why and how the most appealing features would affect the profit margin. In the final stage of research, Starbucks measured the return on their marketing investment, using customer feedback obtained through yet another online survey after their new card was launched (Cooper & Schindler, 2011) . The customer feedback responded to customer awareness and the reasons why customers chose to apply, or not apply, for the card. This type of study measured the success of the card launch and how that success came about, along with whether or...

Words: 744 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Competencies Assessment

...| Competencies Assessment | Submitted for MBA 602 | | | Submitted on June 30th 2013 | | This survey taught me a lot about my perception of the government’s role, and the importance government regulation has when it comes to the medical industry. I scored with the majority of the students when it came to describing the roles of biostatics serves in the discipline of public health. I found it to be of low/medium importance level. I do feel there is a need for biostatistics however; it is one of the concepts that does not play in my mind on a daily basis and it seems like most of the other students would agree. It tends to only strike me as important when it is on a national, worldwide, or has gained the importance of the media or news. I also scored with the majority of the class when it came to the statistical concepts as well. I do feel that averages and statically concepts can be very helpful when it comes to the impact that things health wise can have on the human population. When it comes to statistic the number can be manipulated pretty easily to portray whatever picture that people want. That does not mean is what is always being done, but I think is a large reason why as a class we generally find a low importance on it. For example, drug companies do a great job using statistics to show how great their products are with helping the world’s health problems. What the drug companies do not rave about is the other side effects their new medication cause to...

Words: 817 - Pages: 4