ABSTRACT
S. R. Ranganathan (1892–1972) has been called the father of the Indian Library movement. He developed the revolutionary Colon Classification (CC), which was published in seven editions from 1928 to 1987. The evolution of the classification through the editions is discussed. The unique features of the CC are described, including the idea, verbal, and notational planes. Tools for designing and evaluating a system are enshrined in his 55 canons, 22 principles, 13 postulates, and 10 devices. Semantic and syntactic relations are enshrined in his PMEST facet formula, fitted with rounds and levels of facets, and other principles, such as the famous wall-picture principle, for citation order of facets. Briefly explained are facet analysis and number building with its notational base of 74 digits. The entry concludes with a discussion of the extent of use of the CC, its enduring contribution to the science of classification, and its future.
