ABSTRACT
The process of classification The process of classification is achieved by first ascertaining the notation for each constituent concept and then combining (synthesising) these notations to form a coding or classification number for the complete subject. For example, to classify ‘440 ml cans of lager’ the subject is first broken down into its constituent concepts:
440 ml cans lager and the relevant notations ascertained from the classification scheme: 2 1 3 These separate notations are then combined or synthesised to give the classification number: 213 Similarly:
1 litre bottles of mild = 421 3½ litre cans of bitter = 512
In order to avoid confusion, when using a notation such as that shown here, the notational length (that is the number of digits) must be constant and concepts from facets must be combined or cited in a consistent order. In the above examples the order is that in which the facets have been written down, namely:
Capacity → Container → Type of beer If a coding in a computerized system were all that was required, then the above scheme would be satisfactory but for other purposes, for example a manual filing system, it would be inadequate. The reasons for this are explained at a later point in this text (page 17). The initial steps involved in compiling a faceted scheme Let us now review the steps that have been taken in order to compile the faceted scheme.
