Chinese Library Classification Study Notes

Chinese Library Classification (CLC)

I. Abstract

  • The Chinese Library Classification (CLC) is a comprehensive classification system used in libraries and information institutions across China.

  • Previously known as Chinese Library Book Classification, CLC has roots tracing back to the 1949 founding of the People's Republic of China.

  • 1st Edition: Published in 1975.

  • 4th Edition: Merged with Chinese Book and Document Classification in 1999; established "Chinese Library Classification" as the official title.

  • 5th Edition: Released in August 2010.

  • CLC serves as the basis for specialized classifications across various library types in China.

II. A Brief History

  • Origins: The CLC's development satisfies the classification and retrieval needs of Chinese and foreign information in libraries.

    • Predecessor was the Draft of Medium and Small Library Classification (MSLC), created by the Ministry of Culture (1956-1957).

  • Editorial Control: CLC managed by a government editorial committee.

  • MSLC Features:

    • Adopted five divisions and mixed notation style.

  • Development Timeline:

    • 1959-1966: Establishment of classification editorial group at the National Library of China, which started compiling the CLC based on MSLC.

    • Natural and social sciences parts mimeographed in 1964 and 1966.

    • 1971: New editorial group organized by State Administration of Cultural Heritage

    • 1973: Trial edition of CLC compiled; 1975: 1st edition published.

    • Subsequent Editions:

      • 2nd edition (June 1980), 3rd edition (February 1990), 4th edition (March 1999), 5th edition (August 2010).

      • Digital Transformations:

      • 2001: Electronic version of the 4th edition published;

      • 2009: Web version of 2nd edition of the Chinese Classified Thesaurus launched;

      • 2011: Web version of 5th edition released.

III. The Scheme

  • Classification System Principles:

    • Based on general scientific principles, considering subject classification features and user needs.

    • Three principles: general to specific, theory to application, overall to part.

  • Categories: 5 basic categories and 22 extended divisions:

    • Main Categories:

    1. Marxism, Leninism, and Mao Zedong Thought; Deng Xiaoping's Theories

    2. Philosophy, Religion

    3. Social Sciences

    4. Natural Sciences

    5. General Reference Works

    • Classes (examples):

    • A: Marxism, Leninism, and Mao Zedong Thought; Deng Xiaoping's Theories

    • B: Philosophy, Religion

    • D: Politics, Law

    • N: General Natural Science

    • R: Medicine, Health

Macrostructure of CLC

  1. Introduction: Compiling theory, classification structure, notation system, process description.

  2. Top Classes Table: Lists the 22 divisions, showing basic categories.

  3. Abridged Classification Table: Basic framework combining top and secondary classes.

  4. Main Body: Contains all class levels and specific auxiliary tables.

  5. Auxiliary Tables: Eight common tables for various classifications and references.

  6. Index: Tool for retrieval ordered alphabetically.

  7. Manual: Comprehensive guide explaining CLC compilation theory and usage.

IV. Notation System

  • Types of Notation:

    • Basic Notation: Uses Latin alphabets and Arabic numerals; top classes as capital letters, secondary classes as double capital letters, lower classes as decimals (e.g., D for Politics).

    • Auxiliary Notation: Describes the class's features and scope; includes signs for various uses, e.g.,

    • Indirect sign (.), start/end sign (/), alternative sign (()), auxiliary generality sign (-), etc.

  • Hierarchical System: Corresponds with class levels and enhances flexibility with borrowed notations and subdivisions.

V. The CLC Series

  • Sub-Editorial Groups: Established to address IT integration, online cataloging needs, and specialization per library requirements.

    • Types of Editions:

    1. Abridged Edition: For medium/small libraries (under 200,000 books) since 1975.

    2. Chinese Book and Document Classification (CBDC): Focus on papers/articles, established separate board in 1995, integrated with CLC in 1999.

    3. Juvenile Edition: Adapted for school libraries, started in 1990.

    4. Journal Classification: Specialized for journal classification initiated in 1985.

    5. Chinese Classified Thesaurus (CCT): Indexed CLC published in 1994, with updated editions and web version.

    6. Web Versions: Transitioned to electronic cataloging and retrieval systems in 2001; includes real-time updates and functionalities.

    7. Specialized Libraries: Editions for specific disciplines developed by CLC, including Education, Geomatics, Agriculture, etc.

VI. Summary

  • CLC exemplifies a hierarchical classification system integrating retrieval and shelving functions.

  • Continuous revisions and tailored products ensure relevance and adaptability.

  • CLC forms a cornerstone for classification data and user retrieval from disciplinary views.

Acknowledgement

  • Acknowledges contributions, particularly from Prof. Marcia Zeng for proofreading and suggestions.

VII. References and Further Readings

  • CLC (Chinese Library Classification). 2017. About CLC. http://clc.nlc.cn/ztfls.jsp.

  • The Editorial Committee of CLC. 2012. Manual of the 5th edition of the Chinese Library Classification. Beijing: National Library of China Publishing House.

  • Relevant academic articles discussing CLC's classification methodologies, historical differentiation, and educational insights.