Notation in library and information science by JALI MONDAL, Roll No: 10

Notation in library and information science 

                           - By Jali Mondal 

         

 Notation is a critical organisational tool, particularly within library systems, offering a standardized means of classifying, and retrieving information. Notation system can classify books, articles and other resources based on the subject matter, author, format, and other criteria.

Definition :

Notation is a term that used in classification schedules. Notation is a series of symbol that is used to represent a subject, and it is a very important feature of book Classification in a library.

◙ Types of Notations: 

A notation may contain symbols, letters, figures, or arbitrary signs representing terms. There are two types of notation:

1.Pure Notation

2. Mixed Notation

1. Pure Notation: Pure_Notations consist of only one type of symbol. i.e. Arabic numeral (0,1,2…..9) and Roman letter (A-Z). It is found in DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification)e and the Enumerative Classification scheme.

For example:

‣ 020 stands for Library & Information Science,

‣ 210 Philosophy & theory of religion

‣ 370 Education

‣ 420 English & Old English languages

‣ 510 stands for Mathematics, etc.

‣ 800 Literature, rhetoric & criticism

‣ 920 Biography & Genealogy

2. Mixed Notation: Mixed_notations consist of two or more types of notation. It is a mixture of letters and numbers, i.e., Arabic numerals and Roman letters (0-9) + (A- Z). It is found in UDC, LC, CC, BC & SC schemes.

For example:

‣ LCq- Science

‣ QC- Physic

‣ QC1- Periodicals.

‣ JC47 – Oriental state

‣ JF20-2112 – Political institutions and public administration

◙ Purpose of Notation: 

Notation abbereviates and standardized subject names. It machines the process of sorting and replacement since it consists of ordered series of symbols. Ranganathan has pointed out the following reasons to justify the purpose of Notation in classification.

1.Effect of homonyms on alphabetical sequence;

Alphabetical arrangements of subjects by their names, as a mean of mechanizing the arrangement, must be ruled out, as the subjects denoted by a term are not unique in any natural language.

2. Effect of multiplicity of language on alphabetical sequence: 

The alphabetical position of a subject would vary with the language from which the name is taken.

3. Effect of change in name of subject: 

Alphabetical arrangements of subjects by their names, as a means of mechanizing their arrangement, must be ruled out, as their names of subjects are not stable. The name of the subject is often changed from time to time. 

4. Effect of synonyms on alphabetical sequence:

As the names of subjects are not unique alphabetical arrangement of subjects by their names must be ruled out. 

5. Unhelpfulness of alphabetical sequence: 

Alphabetical arrangements of subjects by their names, as a means of mechanizing their arrangement, must be ruled out, as the sequence it gives is not helpful. Related subjects will be scattered through alphabetical arrangement.

◙ Function of Notation:

Jack Mills quotes the function of Notation thus:

1. The vital function is to mechanically maintain the sequence of subjects by giving each term of symbol possessing an agreed ordinal value. Notation is basically an ordering device.

2. It makes the alphabetical subject device possible.

3. By the use of synthesis, it makes possible enormous economics in the construction and physical size of schedules.

4. The notation frequently acts as a link between the catalogue and the shelf.

5. It must show that desired order. This can be achieved by selecting a set of symbol with their own conventional order. Only a pure Notation ca give the self-evident order.

Source: 

1.  https://www.lisedunetwork.com/types-and-definition-of-notation-for/

2. Library  classifications, by Bhubaneswar Chakrabarti.