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3-1-1929 Special Libraries, March 1929 Special Libraries Association
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A SBC'I'ION OF THE MUNlCIPAL REFERENCE LIBRARY, NEW YORK CITY Classification Number Brussels Cutter Dewey Elliott
Baker Library N Library of Congress Other Special Systems Discussions, Evaluations, Fallacies
21st CONFERENCE Washington, D. C. MAY 13, 14, 15,1929
Entered ne second clnss matter at the Post Office, Providence, R. I. under the Act of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage providod for in aection 1103, Act Of Octobct 8, 1917, authorized October 22,1921. Ratea: $6.00 n year. Foreign $6.60: single copies 60 centa. CLASS1FICATION NUMBER ARTICLES Brussels Classification. By Emilie Mueser ...... Classification and Terminology for Industrial Rela- tions Libraries. By Linda H. Morley ...... Classifications Committee of the Financial Group. A Report. By Ruth H. Nichols, Chairman ..... Classification Evaluated. By Louise Keller ...... Decimal Classification Expansions for Business Li- braries. By Dorkas Fellows ...... Government Classification at Harvard ...... Minnesota Classification for Political Science Collec- tions. Review by Rebecca B. Rankin ...... New Classification for the Baker Library. By Wil- liam Parker Cutter ...... Standardization in Classification for Special Li- braries. By Henry Evelyn Bliss ...... Two Recent Books on Classification ...... Universal Classification. By Emilie Mueser.....
EDITORIALS To Classify or Re-classify ...... Your Co-operation ...... -NOTES Classification Conference at Philadelphia ...... Classification Discussion in New York ...... International Congress Delegates ...... Nominating Committee Report ...... Washington Conference ......
Special Libraries Published Monthly September to April, bi-monthly May to August by THE SPECIAL LIBRARIES ASSOCIATION Publication Office, 11 Nisbet Street, Providence, R. I. All payments should be made to Mrs. H. 0. Brigham, Exec~~tiveSecretary, 11 Nisbet Street, Providence, R. I. SPEErAL LIBRARIES March, 1929
Instirwtmnal Members '00..
California Old Colony Trust Co., Boston Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles Social Law Library, Boston Texas Co., Los Angeles Stone & Webster, Boston Connecticut Michigan Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Co., Hartford General Motors Corporation, Detroit Yale University Library, New Haven Missouri Delaware Kansas City Power & Light Company, Kansas City du Pont de Nemours, E. I., Wilmington New Jersey lllinoia Bakelite Corporation, Bloomfield. Allyn, A. C. & Co., Chicago New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, Newark Byllesby & Co., H. M., Chicago Newark Public Library, Business Branch, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Newark Public Service Corporation of New Jersey, Commonwealth Edison Company, Chicago Newark Elizabeth McCormick Memorial Fund, Chi- Standard 011 Dcvelopment Co., Elizabeth '=%o Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Chicago New York Insurance Library of Chicago Alexander Hamilton Institute, New York Long Co., The W. E., Chicago American Bankers' Association, Ncw York Rosenwald Industrial Museum, Chicago American Electric Railway Association, New Indiana York American Geographical Society, New York Lincoln National Life Insurance Co., Fort American Institute of Accountants, New York Wayne American Management Association, New York Maryland American Museum of Natural History, New York Consolidated Gas, Electric Light & Power Co., Baltimore American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Maryland Casualty Co., Baltimore New York American Telephone Sr Telegraph Co., General Maaaachuretta Library, New York Baker Library-Harvard School of Business American Telephone & Telegraph Co., Law Administration, Boston Library, New York Boston Elevated Railway, Boston Association of Life Insurance Presidents, Nc\v Boston Globe, Boston York Christian Science Monitor, Boston Baker & Taylor Co., New York Edison Electric Illuminating Co., Boston Bankers Trust Co., N. Y. C. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Barrington Associates, New York First National Bank, Boston Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn, New York Ineurance Library Association of Boston Beeler Organization, New York Jackson & Moreland, Boston Bell Telephone Laboratories, New York Library Bureau-Remington Rand, Boston Blackman Co., New York Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Li- British L~braryof Information, New York braiy, Cambridge Brooklyn Edison Company, Brooklyn Metcalf & Eddy, Boston Brookmire Economic Service, New York March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 6 5
Chtld Study As6ociation. New York Ohio Cleanliness Institute Library, New York General Electric Co., Research Laboratory, Cornhustion Utilities Corporation, Long Island Cleveland Clty Ohio Oil Co., Findlay Consol~daledGas Co, of New York Proctor & Gamble, Cincinnati Electric Bond & Share Co., Ncw York Federal Reserve Bank of New York Fleischmann Company, New York Oklahoma Ford, Bacon 6: Davis, New York U. S. Bure,au of Mines, Bartlesville General Electric Co., Main Library, Sche. nectady Pennsylvania Grant Co., W. T., New York Arttistrong Col k Co., Lancaster Grosvenor Library, Buffalo Franklin Institutc, I'liilaclelphia Guaranty Company of New York I-I~ughton,E. F, & Co., Philadelphia Haskins & Sells, N. Y.C. Jones S: Lnughl~n Stcel Company, Pittsburgh Industrial Relations Counselors, New York 'Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh. International Railway Co., Buffalo New Jersey Zinc Co., Palmerton John PIice Jones Corporation, New York Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, Longmans, Green & Company, New York Pl~~latlclphia McCall Company, New York I'liiladelphia ElccLric Company, Philadelphia Merchants Association of New York Philadelpllia Rapid Transit Cornpally, Phila- Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York delphia Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New Pittsburgh Railways Company, Pittsburgh York Provident Mutual Life Insurance Co., I'hila Municipal Reference Library, New Yorlc School of Fine Arts, Univ. Penna., Phila. National Association of Manufacturers, New Westinghouse Electric Research Library, :E. York Pittsburgh National Autotnobile Chamber of Commerce, Wyottiissing Tratlc School, Wyoniissing New York Rhode Island National City Financial Library, New York New Jersey Zinc Company, New York Rhode Island State Library, Providence New York Telephone Company, New York New York Times, The, New York W irconain North American Company, New York First Wisconsin National Bank, Milwaukee Price, Waterhouse & Co., New York Marshall Ilsley Bank, Milwaukee Putnatn's Sons, G. P., New York Schuster & Co., Edward Inc., Milwaukee Russell Sage Foundation, New York Sinclair Refining Co., New York Canada Standard Statistics Company, New York Hydroelectric Power Cotnmission of Ontario, *The Port of New York Authority, New York. Toronto United States Rubber Company, New York Itnperial Life Assurance Co, of Canada, Toronto Western Union Telegraph Company, New York *Insurance Institute of Montreal, Montreal. White & Kemble, New York Royal Bank of Canada, Montreal Wilson Co., H.W., New York Toronto Transportation Comtnission, Toronto Special Libraries
Vol. 20 MARCH, 1929 No. 3 Classifications Committee of the Financial Group-A Report Presented at the Special Libraries Association Conference, Washington, D. C., May 2 1-23, 1928. By Ruth G. Nichols, Chairman
T the outset, the Committee wishes is working out special adaptations to fit to acknowledge the co-operation of its peculiar needs. Only one reported theA librarians in the Financial Group in using the Ryder, and four have not this project. We have returns on thirly adopted any special classification. These libraries out of forty-five, which we cir- groupings were rather surprising to the cularized, and practically all the libra- Committee. It was expected that many rians have taken pains to answer the more special classifications would be questions fully and carefully. Of those reported. not making returns, more than half However, all but three libraries using report their libraries as too small or standard classifications report modi- without sufficient organization to have fications and expansions to suit their anything to contribute. special collections; the Elliott appearing The Committee did not attempt to to be used with the least changes. circularize the entire list of financial The Group using the L. C. includes libraries but selected those which seemed larger libraries, all having more than to make up representative group of all 4,000 volumes, but one, and ranging up types, with the aim of getting a cross- to 15,000. The Elliott is used in a group section of the classification situation in having smaller collections, most of them this field. It is not the aim of this report having less than 2,000 volumes. The to go into the details of classification Decimal classification is used in libraries methods to any extent nor the respective of all sizes. merits of the various classifications Two interesting exceptions to the use systems except as the questionnaires of formal classifications are reported, have furnished comments on them. both in well organized libraries of several The libraries reporting are all sizes years standing. In one of these, the from less than 1,000 volumes to one of arrangement is by subject headings 50,000, and they are distributed over the which of course in a sense is a special country from the west coast to the east; classification; in the other, a library hav- they include also banking, investment, ing at least 10,000 pieces on its shelves, and other types of financial libraries, the arrangement is by author. This so that all points of view are represented. phenomenon will be dealt with more The majority of libraries reporting fully later on. m,ake use of three existing classifications, In general, it can be said that of re- as follows: 8 use the Dewey Decimal; porting libraries, thirteen expressed satis- 7 the Library of Congress, and 6 the faction on the whole with their schemes Elliott. Two in the Decimal group use a of classification; seven qualified their combination of the Decimal and Elliott, satisfaction with reservations and five so in those three groups things seem to were definitely dissatisfied. Of these, be very well evened up. Three li- two used the Decimal and three used the braries have special classifications, two L. C. Some did not express themselves. being based on the Decimal and one on It may be interesting and of value at L. C. Om large library has just adopted this point to give a rksumi: of the com- the Cutter (Expansive) classification and ments pro and con, on the classifications 68 SPEClAL LIBRARIES March, 1929
in use. Some of these comments are com- With this section Cutter Tables are used mon, others not too much so. for individual industries, countries, states, and cities. DEWEYDECIMAL CLASSIFICATION Points of satisfaction: 1. System is in use in a majority of Points of satisfaction: libraries. The L. C. has several enthusiastic 2. It is familiar to all trained librarians. friends. Comments in favor are as fol- 3. Easiest to use with a small collection. lows : 4. Can be easily memorized. 5. Notation is so relative that you can 1. Has most complete financial num- figure out just what each number bering. means. 2. Provides most space for expansion. 6. Satisfactory in general scope, be- 3. Has best shbject headings which are cause it covers other subjects than easy to find and understand in the finance, simply and well. index. 4. Ready to use and doesn't demand a One librarian comments as follows: lot of time to expand and modify. "Few financial libraries are strictly so. 5. Easiest to use for a worker without Many are obliged to have a great deal of experience and assistants have material that is not financial. A financial learned it quickly. (Certainly classification, even as good a one as the there would be disagreement on Ryder, is then inadequate for other this.) classes, which is a score for the Elliott 6. Best feature is that it provides a or the Dewey." satisfactory place for almost every book we put into the library. Points of dissatisfaction: Poznts of dissatisfaclion: On the other hand, the chief complaint about the Decimal classification is, of But many objections to L. C. are course, that the financial sections (330- recorded. 336) are not, and several think can never 1. One librarian using it states: "It be, adequately expanded. To attempt is probably wonderful for a li- to do so makes the notation very long brary such as the Congressional, and cumbersome. but unsatisfactory for a small and One librarian's criticism is that too special library." many government financial reports 2. It is too expensive. A librarian with which are a very essential part of her a collection of 5,000 finds this true library must, with the Decimal, neces- and regrets using it. sarily be placed under one number. 3. Too cumbersome; too large and un- An investment librarian says that it wieldly in classifications other separates the material too widely. than finance. In both cases of pronounced dis- 4. Main objection is that it separates satisfaction with the Decimal, revisions books on different phases of the of the 300 and 600 classes have been same subject, e, g., technical dis- worked out-in one case many years ago cussions of the steel industry are and the revisions are now obsolete and in class T and books on the inadequate; in the other, the revisions economic side in H D. Preferable have been altered, revised and changed in a small library to have these by so many succeeding librarians that together. "the whole thing is quite a mess," the librarian states. Another library had difficulty with the In one library an interesting combina- subjects of Credits and Credit Instru- tion of Decimal and Elliott has been ments which is widely scattered. It also effected by adopting the Elliott arrange- separates material on foreign countries. ment for all Reference Works, including 5. Difficult to memorize. Bibliographies, Services, Encyclopedias, 6. In a specialized collection the jump Directories, Yearbooks, Proceedings, of the numbers appears to cause Statistics, Law, and other general works. discrepancies. March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 69
In using the L. C., three libraries, two and the L. C. was too detailed and of 4,000 volumes and one of 12,000, use cumbersome. the full numbers. One library uses full The Cutter Expansive Classification numbers in Class H. and letter symbols has been adopted by the largest finan- only in the other classes, while another cial library in the country, the National uses general numbers under each sub- City Library, and adaptations are being division in Classes H. and J. and letter worked out. It was stated that the local symbols only in other classes. lists used with the classification have proved a very reliable feature. It is interesting to note in this con~~ection Points of satisfaction: that Mr. W. P. Cutter, nephew of the 1. Simplicity. This is the point often- author of Cutter Espansive classifica- est stressed. tion, is now engaged in making a new 2. Grouping of material is favorably classification of business which, of course, commented on; one saying that it will include the subject of finance, for the is understandable by business men Baker Library of the Harvard School of and another that it makes more Business Administration. These pro- effort than the Decimal to group jects are of great importance in the related material and arranges financial library field and will be watched material in order of ,greatest use- with much interest. fulness. As mentioned before, two libraries 3. Best fills the need of a classification have operated for some time without covering business subjects. using any of the formal classifications. 4. More logical and detailed as a class- In one, the books are placed on the ification of business subjects than shelves by broad subject divisions; i. e., the Decimal. all books on banking are placed together 5. Insures short numbers by spreading and the first letter of the author's last economic subjects over the major name is placed above the label bearing part of the scheme. the subject heading. This arrangement 6. Brings all general reference material was used when the library was first together. organized; it worked well, patrons be- 7. It provides open sections to work out came used to it, so it has decided to use subjects peculiar to any one li- it for a permanent system. Its sim- brary. plicity commends it, but it gives rise to a 8. Fully worked out for a library of group of books known as "Mis- several thousand volumes. cellaneous." One other small library Several using it state that it has proved uses a similar arrangement. very satisfactory, especially in the In one library, the books are placed financial section. on the shelves by surname of author, Points of dissatisfaction: which is indicated clearly on title page or label. This arrangement came about, Three criticisms are cited. to quote the librarian, because "no good 1. Too little allowance for expansion classification has been available without within subject subdivisions. adaptation, and in the meantime 2. Lack of subject continuity in in- the users have found the author dividual industries scheme. arrangement quite satisfgctory, as 3. Subject of investment is not worked usually they know the book they want. out. A good catalog serves to bring together books by subject. The patrons have commented on the unusual ease with The one library reporting the use of which they can help 'themselves to the this system states that it was adopted books under this plan, as contrasted with because it was most inclusive of systems complicated classification systems which studied and offered better sequence of necessitate consulting the catalog first to subjects; the Decimal was not suf- get the call number." One difficulty ficiently developed in economic topics; pointed out is that the author is not the Elliott did not seem as inclusive, always self-evident. 70 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1929
In answering the question: "What This is the picture of the state of mind classification would you recommend for of the Financial Group in the matter of a new financial library?" the replies are classifications, which obviously presents as various as the classifications, in use. opinions many and varied. Four, of whom three are using it, recom- One of the chief questions on which mend the Dewey Decimal classification, this study bears is the desirability of if adequately expanded. One says: "I developing a uniform classification for believe that if the Decimal were ex- financial libraries. The idea has been panded in the financial and economic rather prevalent that existing classifica- classes, it would be superior to either of tions are unsatisfactory for the various the existing special classifications (Elliott types of special libraries and in several or Ryder), because then the other cases an effort has been made to work out interests of the library are equally well uniform schemes for different groups. provided for." Five, of whom three are Is that an essential step for our group? using it, recommend L. C.; seven recom- Is uniformity possible and desirable? mend the Elliott including all of those The Committee has not much informa- using it; two recommend the Ryder, tion as to the success of these other though one, not unreservedly. One experiments. The accounting libraries recommends a combination of Decimal and the insurance libraries have each and Elliott such as has already been evolved satisfactory schemes. The described. difficulties of accomplishing the same Two say they know of no satisfactory thing for financial libraries appear rather scheme, but would liFe to see some form great. For one thing, the situation is of a decimal classification developed too much like bean porridge. "Some like with the commerce and finance sections it hot, and some like it cold," etc. After well expanded, and the remaining classes studying these returns, uniformity seems comparatively simple. Two are of the almost as imminent as the union of all opinion that it would be difficult to church denominations into one body. recommend a standard classification for In fact, only one librar?an ventures the all types of financial libraries; believing direct opinion that such a plan is needed. that it depends on the size of the col- SOMEOF THE FACTSwhich are evident: lection and many other things. In specifying the essential points for a First, we have in existence now three classification for the ordinary financial classifications, each of which has been library, the three points most stressed tried and has worked fairly well in a are : number of financial libraries. In each case, several librarians using them are 1. Elasticity or allowance for expan- ready to recommend them to new li- sion. braries. 2. Simplicity. Two other classifications have been 3. Provision for material outside the tried out successfully in one library each. strictly economic field. These five classifications are of different A logical sequence of subjects and a types, from the very detailed scholarly facility of quick reference are also em- system to the simpler plan, some suit- phasized. Other points mentioned are able to large, others to smaller libraries. that a classification should be non- Second, it is apparent from these technical and practical rather than returns that it is entirely possible to fit theoretical; the subject headings should a moderate-sized collection of books into be correct and usable; and it should be any one of these five classifications in a easily memorized. Two specify that it fairly satisfactory way. This is prob- should have a decimal notation. ably true in two-thirds of our financial One very good statement of essential libraries, and for those two-thirds it is points is the following: both safer and easier in the end to use Flexibility-capable of expansion. one of the existing classifications, even Simplicity of numbering. though it presents inadequacies or Sequence of subjects. imperfections than to attempt to work Proper apportionment of numbers. out a special classification. Very few Practical, not academic. people are really qualified in tempera- March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES ment, training or experience, to make a latter include two or three modifica- success of such an undertaking. tions for the Decimal; two expansions Moreover, many of our libraries, after of L. C. to cover new phases of banking all, are not so special or individual as and the Federal Reserve system; the they sometimes seem to the librarian in Ryder classification ; a classified scheme close proximity and perhaps under the for a pamphlet file; and one for a cor- spell of the whims of her chief. respondence file of a bank; and a scheme showing the use of the Elliott with the Third; it is true, of course, that some Decimal. of the existing classifications need to have further work done on them in order The other suggestion is that there to cover the requirements of our modern might be developed and made available business libraries. an advisory service in connection with each of the existing classifications by Fourth, a point worthy of considera- which peculiarities, exceptions, knotty tion and discussion is brought out in problems or needed n~odifications or this comment of one librarian: "In expansions could be submitted to those many financial libraries there is but one responsible for the classification and trained librarian who has such varied advice received on making changes. duties that very much time cannot be This would have its advantages for both spent on any one phase of her work. sides, for the librarian would have the I believe the emphasis should be on expert service of the persons most cataloging and analysis rather than upon familiar with the principles of each classification." Apropos of this, it is not classification and those responsible for to be expected that most librarians the classifications would get in touch would be content to do without any with the practical problems of its use. system of classification, but it is rather The Financial Group might lead the way startling to find that a large, busy, up- in bringing this about. to-date library can be operated under the simple author arrangement as de- Sixth, while the Committee is not scribed earlier in this report. Is it ready to advocate that the Financial possible that we are spending too much Group undertake for the present, at time endeavoring to classify our books least, to develop a uniform classification, minutely? Would there be advantages the significance of the two classification for the moderate-sized library in de- projectk now under way as outlined in veloping and relying to a greater degree this report is fully recognized. These on a well made catalog? large libraries, able to command expert Fifth, the choice between classifica- service, can act as the laboratories of the tions is, of course, the critical point, group and through them may gradually especially with the less experienced be developed the ideal classification for librarian. This report cannot undertake standard use in business and financial to go into the elements of such a decision. libraries for which we will always yearn. It is partly a matter of the librarian understanding the principles of classifica- The Committee responsible for this tion and being willing to make a careful report consisted of: and patient study of her material and of Marion G. Eaton, Federal Reserve existing classifications. Bank of Boston. But advice ought to be available for Gudrun Moe, Bankers Trust Co., those who need and wish it. The Com- New York. mittee has two sziggestzo~zsfor fiossible Sue Wuchter, Continental National assistance. One is that the group itself Bank and Trust Co., Chicago. maintain a committee which in co- operation with the'similar commiltee of Annette Windele, American Trust Co., the Special Libraries Association could San Francisco. undertake to serve it an advisory E. Ruth Jones, Security Trust and capacity. The questionnaires and the Savings Bank, Los Angeles. illustrative material collected in this Ruth G. Nichols, Chairman, Federal study could be made available. The Reserve Bank of Chicago. 72 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1929 A New Classification for the Baker Library Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration By William Parker Cutter, Assistant Librarian HE last three decades have seen a still stored in packing boxes, only a small T revolution in the attitude of the proportion being available for use. educator toward the subject of business. When the collections were moved to New methods of administering business the Baker Library, and there was have been inaugurated, a new literature sufficient space to unpack, sort and has appeared, new phraseology has been shelve this accumulated material, it invented, new systems of instruction became at once evident that the classi- have been established in a new type of fication which had been previously used business schools, and new business was not sufficiently logical for the en- libraries have been organized. larged library. This classification had The library methods which have been made several years before. It was served so well in our public, college and without a systematic arrangement, there reference libraries must be so modified being little co-ordination between the as to adequately handle this new litera- divisions of the classification. The ture and these new subjects. In no field catalogue, in consequence, required re- of library work is this more important vision. It was therefore decided to en- than in the subject of classification. tirely re-classify and re-catalogue the 'The Harvard Graduate School of Busi- library. Funds were generously con- ness Administration was founded to give tributed and set aside for this purpose. its students familiarity with the general It was at first hoped that some exist- business facts and principles which may ing printed classification might be suf- serve as the foundation for a broad view ficiently developed to justify its adoption of business, and to give them practice in without serious change. With this in analysing business problems. There is no view, careful study was made of the pretense of covering satisfactorily the classifications in general use in American detailed technique and routine of par- libraries; many visits to other libraries ticular industries; these, it is believed, were made, and the question discussed may be acquired more effectively in very freely with leading librarians and each industry during the early pro- educators. The existence of many bationary period of actual business ex- fragmentary classifications of business perience. The instruction is by the case subjects in special libraries, and the system, study being made of actual con- general dissatisfaction with familiar gen- ditions as they occur in existing indus- eral systems of classification expressed tries; this study being, of course, sup- by the librarians of such libraries, plemented by extensive use of the seemed to indicate that no existing printed literature of business as collected system would be satisfactory. in the Baker Library, and other near-by The three classifications in general use libraries. were: (1) the Dewey Decimal ; (2) the The Library of the School began with Cutter Expansive; (3) the Library of a small collection, but in the twenty Congress. The general plan of the first years of development, it has acquired two was adopted long before there was a more than one hundred thousand vol- recognized business literature, any in- umes. Since the summer of 1927, it has struction in business administration, been housed in a model building, the or any business libraries; and by persons gift of Mr. George F. Baker, who gave who had no experience with such sub- a co~npleteplant for the School. Until jects. Many subjects do not, even in this time, it occupied very restricted the latest revisions, have any adequate space in the top story of the Widener development, and some have no place building, in which the great University in the printed schedules. Where they library is housed. Owing to lack of shelf appear in the Decimal, it is in rather space, a large part of the collection was widely separated places, and crowded in March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 73
between unrelated subjects. I11 the Expansive notation scheme, but the Expansive, many have no place or chief advantage of this scheme, uniform mention. subordinate division, was lost. It has There was a special reason for giving recently been explained to me that this particular consideration to the classifica- was done on account of a serious ob- tion of the Library of Congress, for if it jection on the part of a former librarian proved possible to adopt it as it stands, to any decimal plan whatever, even for direct use could be made of the printed subordinate division. cards for re-cataloguing, and perhaps For the new classification of the Baker much delay and expense avoided. Inter- Library of the Business School, we are views with those most interested led to using the letter notation of the Ex- the belief that this classification, while pansive Ciassification, with three or four it was the best available, was not suf- subsidiary lists for general application ficiently well adapted to our purposes to to any main division, these Iists being justify adoption without extensive decimal, not consecutive. These sub- changes. The advantages of an uniform sidiary lists are used to divide any list for local subdivision, and of cor- subject, to denote form of literature, responding lists for industries and com- locality, industry, and commodity. By modities, which were badly needed, some little ingenuity, these four lists would be lost if the Library of Congress have a distinctive notation. classification were adopted. In preparing the schedules of class- The truth of the matter is, that the ification, we have used a plan which point of view of the business man is so develops the classification under each different from that of the men in other major head before any notation is professions, that, with any existing affixed. The scheme in its tentative form classification, much readjustment and is submitted to every expert we can revision of classes must necessarily take reach conveniently, and suggestions of place. Even in the important subject of addition or amendment are incorporated, Labor, although this subject has been if they seem feasible. Not until the recently amplified both in the D. C. and classification is nearly in the final form the L. C., some of the divisions which are do we bother with notation. And in of great importance to the business adding the letter notation, we carefully administrator are insufficiently em- avoid any attempt to force the notation phasized. For example, the important to show mnemonic significance, and do subject of personnel administration is not hesitate, where shorter notation will barely mentioned. Advertising in the result, to abandon strict indication of D. C. is undeveloped. So is Purchasing subordination. For example, whereas in the L. C. we denote Business Management by While notation is of minor importance HK, Permanent Organization is HM. in a classification, the extremely long Until recently, it was considered that notation of the Decimal which is in- a combination of letters was harder to separable from the logical extension of remember than a combination of figures. its basic system, woi~ldmilitate against I am indebted to a Chicago librarian for its use in a very active library. This is the suggestion that this objection fails well illustrated by the espansion of the when we consider with what facility we Decimal system for Business issued by remember the call letters of radio sta- the Engineering Societies Library in New tions. We have found so far, I may say, York, published in 1923. that four letters give sufficient sub- The objection to the Library of Con- division, and we confidently expect that gress notation is for a different reason. our classifiers will also become ac- The subsidiary division for locality and quainted sufficien~lywith our supple- occupation are not uniform throughout mentary numerical lists to recognize the the classification, but vary greatly in more used ones at once. different places; and subdivision is de- 111 conjunction with the new classi- noted, not by decimal figures, but by fication, we are developing a llew list of consecutive numbers, requiring space subject headings, and a new set of left for expansion. The L. C. notation catalog rules. We have found this to be was planned to conform in general to the necessary. 74 SPECIAL LIBRA R IES March, 1929
We have thus far completed a general fullest co-operation from all who are outline of the Social Sciences, including interested; librarians, members of our Economics, Business, Sociology, Gov- own Faculty and that of Harvard Uni- ernment, and Law. We have developed versity in other scl~ools,and of several a complete schedule for Economics and other universities. Some of our best sug- an outline schedule for Business. Our gestions have come from members of the classification of Government is complete Special Libraries Association, as would in detail in its first draft, and is now be expected. Of course, we find diverging being submitted to others for criticism. opinions which we must reconcile. It was made by Mrs. Glidden, who was The classification has been made from the joint author with Professor William the books themselves. We have not only Anderson of the classification OF this sub- made a complete outline of Economic ject issued from the University of Minne- Theory, but have classified the Baker sota*. No nolation has yet been given Library books by the new schedule for to this classification, except that it will this science. We are well ahead of the probably have the general class J, as in re-cataloguing, and are thus in a position the Expansive classification. to do future work carefully, and without As already hinted, we are enlisting the undue haste. Standardization in Classification for Special Libraries By Henry Evelyn Bliss is my privilege here to touch upon here. In special libraries cataloging, as ITa great subject-the organization of it is, serves well for some things; ht knowledge in libraries. Why a great classification is requisite for all, 01-nearly subject? Because the organization of all, usable printed material. To catalog knowledge in books would be more it all there is not time-nor need. The effectual, if the organization of hooks in more need then for efficient classifica- libraries were more adequate. Why a tion. privilege here? Because the librarians of But the making of a classification is a special libraries are awake to their probletn, and, you are told, it is an increasing daylight-are alive and kick- Atlantean burden. So it is for the Li- ing. If they were not, they would be brary of Congress. But the small li- "kicked." Then why merely touch upon brary need not bear-nor share-such this great subject? Because we will lay burdens. Librarians used to think that both hands upon it firmly in two forth- the construction problem had been coming books. solved for them by Atlas and Procrustes. The librarians of special libraries are Some still think so. Not specialist li- not dreaming of a glorious past; they are brarians, not specialist workers, whether working in an inglorious and imperious scientists or business organizers. Where- present; but they have good reason to ever workers depend on classifications, dream of a glorious future. This im- they find them unsatisfactory, sometimes perious present demands ready organiza- not special enough, sometimes not con- tion of material and of service-fzcnc- temporary, sometimes not relevant, tional organization. This depends on sometimes not coherent, that is, the structural organizations, that is, class- related subjects are not together, not ifications, catalogs, lists, bulletins, collocated for ~naxinzal eficiency, as I syllabi, etc. As the biology teacher term the principle. iterated, structure and function are two What is at the root of the trouble? aspects of the organic unity. A lack and three fallacies. Library It is classification that we are to con- classifications have lacked proper ap- sider here. The catalog too should be plication of the very principles of clas- scrutinized-and "de-bunked"; but not sification: coordination of general sub- *For a review of this earlier classificntian, Her el~ewher~In this numher of Spoc~alLibrar~es. March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 75 jects in serial order with regard to of them, standard classifications may interest, proper subordination of the well be expanded specially, cooperatively special to the general, synthesis and col- or otherwise; thus there lnight be location of closely related subjects for standardized classifications for agri- maximal efficiency, provision for al- cultural, medical, and theological li- ternative aspects in view of the relativity braries. of classifications, adaptation to function- Librarians in the technological and al groupings and to probable changes. industrial fields are doubtless aware of Where are these principles stated? No- the great movement, now sweeping tllru where clearly enough, and practically. those fields, for "rati~nalization,'~ They should be, for they are essential; Jicaliolt and slandardzzalion. The three and they should be inculcated in every ideas go forward hand in hand. They study of classification for libraries. should also in special classification. The first fallacy confuses classification There should be fewer classifications; with notation, its complimentary cor- they should be cooperatively standard- relate. Librarians have put notation ized for each specialty; and they should first. It is secondary in purpose and use. be rationalized by consistency with It should be expansive, but it should also general principles and with a general be as economical as possible. For nota- standard classification. Yet the stand- tion classifiers have constructed their ards should be adaptable to individual various iidecimal" classifications, which libraries, to changes, and to future in fact are inadequate procrustean requirements. In the details each library classifications with decimal notations. should develop its own schedules. This The second fallacy is that an alpha- structural organization is less burden- betic subject-index classifies subjects, some than the fz~nctiona2organization of whereas it merely finds them, no matter the material would be under an elabor- how incoherently dispersed. That may ate system made to fit another library, be little better than alphabetic order of or to fit all, and fit for none. the subjects, and it may be much worse. With cooperation in your special field It classifies only backward from the and, if necessary, with information from index. That the writer terms "the sub- some authority, you can more readily ject-index illusion." square the account with your specialty The third fallacy is that an elaborated than you could continually extract the "standard" classification can fitly classi- cube root of an expanded notation and fy the books of any library, and most disentangle the mazes of a thirty- economically by distributing stan- thousand-subject classification. You will dardized catalog-cards indicating the thus gain an enhanced efficiency in subjects and class-marks. This fallacy fzmclionally organizing your materials is triplex. In the first place, there is no and services; you will the better serve standard classification at present ; there your constituency; and you will have are only the various adaptations of two done something creditable to your li- or more unfit, inadaptable supposed brarianship. standards. Secondly, adopting a card- Your editor has asked me to say some- service classification is not the same as thing here about the system of classifica- developing a classification for an in- tion for libraries that I outlined in 1910 dividual collection of books. For this a and have since developed and will pro- classifier is requisite. Thirdly, libraries pose in the forthcoming books referred differ as to size and content. If the to above. I have ~artlysaid it. The adopted classification is expanded, it first book, The Organzzalion of Knowl- fits its own library rather than others edge and the System of the Sciences, will of its size, and it doesn't fit small li- be published by Henry Holt & Com- braries at all. pany about the first of May. The A standard classification for libraries second volume, The Organizalion of in general should be general indeed, Knowledge in Libraries, is nearly ready and adaptable, and as simple as a gen- for publication. The third volume, A eral and adaptable system can be. It System of CZassiJica/zo~zfor Lzbraries, will should nol be expanded, not specialized. follow as soon as the demand for it is For special libraries, that is, for classes manifest. It will exemplify the prin- 76 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1929 ciples stated and discussed in the second criticism and adjustment, the classifica- volume, proposing to serye as a model tion was regarded as satisfactory, and classification and notat~on, with al- the books and labels were marked more ternatives, rather than as a standard, permanently; but they may be altered and schedulizing about a thousand sec- from time to time. An outline of about a tions, with indication of some four hundred subjects, with an index of thousand special subjects. It might be about three hundred items, has been expanded and adapted to any library, posted. The shelf-list may be consulted. whatever its size and scope. It is con- The system is so efficient that there is sistent with the system of knowledge no need for a subject-catalog. maintained in the scientific and educa- It has often been said that a general tional consensus, which is surveyed in system of classification should not be the first volume. undertaken by one classifier. That may This system has, during the past indeed be true of a system expanded in twenty years, been developed tenta- detail. But for an outline standard tively, and imperfectly, in the libraries general classification consistent with the of The College of the City of New York. system of knowledge maintained in the The special library of Chemistry was re- scientific and educational consensus, one classified last year by an adaptation of mind may have a better grasp and clearer this system to the interests of the mem- 'survey than many minds in concert; bers of the department. An outline was and one man might effect more here in a first typewritten on a single sheet, sub- score of years than a score of men in one mitted to the library committee of the year. There would be cooperation, department, discussed, modified, and however, in the basic consensus, further approved. The professors of the de- cooperation in progressive constructive partment were then asked to examine criticism, cooperation moreover in the classification on the shelves, and adaptation and elaboration for large or further adaptations resulted. The books for special libraries, and furthermore in and the shelf-labels had their notations future development of the system and of tentatively marked. After a period of standards derived from it. Classification Evaluated By Louise Keller, Chairman, Committee on Classification
" Upon the arrangement of books, depends and I do not doubt that, sooner or later, in a large degree any other duty per- bhe question of organizing to meet the formed by the Librarian." need would be in your mind, and on your tongue. ILL you not quietly consider this W statement, testing its accuracy in The facts are, the Committee on the light of your own esperience, and Classifications is not pushing forward in having done this, turn to another this field as rapidly as is desirable. In thought: the particular genius of the the fall, I prepared an outline of the American people. We are said to be a work done, and the work that might be practical, inventive nation, with a pas- done, for the sectional chairmen of the sion for organization. Commercial-Technical Group. This Now classification is not a subject outlir;e, somewhat amended, is now which can be settled once and for all. given to you. It is for you to talk over Each advance in knowledge, each in- in your local meetings and in your tensification of any field lays an added Group, and to improve, and to act upon. duty upon our profession. Could I share with you all the letters which come in, asking our assistance in finding classifications, it would need no a-Members or S. L. A. persuasive arts on my part to convince b-S. L. A. Executive Secretary you of the importance of the subject, c-A. L. A. Headquarters March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 77
1-General librarians with spe- 1-We now have a Boston cial collections representative and have 2-Company officials, etc., who established a contact in are starting libraries Pittsburgh and in Chicago 2. SOURCESOF INFORMATIONUSED IN %The advantages are the ANSWERINGQUESTIONS personal touch with the local group. Boston class- a-The bibliography being compiled ifications are well repre- by the Committee sented in our Classification b-Classifications collected by the Collection Committee 3-The disadvantages are the c-Special studies and inquiries made difficulty of keeping the by the Committee Chairman various members informed 3. ADEQUACYOF SOURCES of the course of events, a-Bibliography: very good as re- and the employing of sev- gards classifications in print in eral persons on the same the English language (includes request some foreign references), but b-Sponsors for information on par- lacks analytics of parts of class- ticular subjects ification 1-The advantages are one b-Classification collection; a small person will handle the re- apd heterogeneous assemblage quest, and presumably of gifts, being that person will know the 1-Printed classifications : subject, the libraries spe- mostly pamphlets, expan- cializing in it, and the li- sions of Dewey, etc. We brarians qualified to ad- have none of the large, vise standard classifications in 2-The disadvantages are we full will not be able io find sponsors for all subjects, 2-Manuscript classifications: and the usual disadvan- it is impossible to say how tages of specialization many classifications, or ex- c-The ideal method probably lies pansions, have been made in a judicious mingling of a by S. L. A. members, but central committee, local rep- the probabilities are, only resentatives, and special spon- a small per cent will be sors found in our collection c-Special studies and inquiries. 5. VALUE OF WORKWITH CLASSIFICA- TIONS 1-It is becoming increasingly difficult for the Chairman a-S. L. A, members seeking class- to find time for special ifications may feel reasonable studies assurance that 1-The subject in question has 2-Special inquiries directed to not been intensively work- our members often show ed results, small and out of 2-The subject has been in- all proportion to the con- tensively worked, and siderable time and effort how, and where, and by expended, for there is no whom sure guide by which to b-Classifications in our collection direct the inquiries to may be borrowed for examina- those best qualified to tion and con~parisons answer them C-Requests (sometimes embarrass- 4. ~~SS~BILITIESOF IMPROVING SOURCES ing) for copies of a manuscript OF INFORMATION classification may be referred to a-A larger committee, with repre- the Committee if-a copy has sentatives in various cities been sent to the Collection 78 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1939
d-S. L. A. is advertised by a real 6. IN CONCLUSION and essential service One man may keep alive a fire, but 1-To new members alone, he can not build and run a 2-To business and technical power plant. men 3-To general librarians and LOUISEKELLER, Chairman, classifiers Committee on Classi,Fcations,
The Minnesota Classification for Political Science Collections
A Review by Rebecca B. Rankin
LMOST every special library feels a that library and also in the Bureau for A need for a classification especially Research in Government library. adapted to its collection. In 1922 when This Classification is intended for the the Special Libraries Association made subjects of politics, government, and a study of methods used in special administration, national, state and local. libraries, it was round that of one Letters, not numbers, have been chosen hundred and ten replying, seventy- to connote the classes. The field of eight librarians indicated that they political science has been divided into would welcome a library classification twenty-one main divisions and each has which developed their particular sub- been assigned a letter arbitrarily. For ject further than any existing classifica- example, the Outline is as follows: tion system had done. Demonstrating that each library was General reference works. trying to solve the difficulty is evidenced Nature of the state, and forms of by the fact that ninety libraries reported government. that they used a combination of several Legal bases of government. classifications, or used an adaptation or Foreign relations, and dependen- an expansion, or a special classificatioh cies. for their subject. In most cases, these People's part in government. special library classifications as used by Legislatures and legislation. individual libraries are never printed. The Judiciary. Therefore the Bureau for Research in The executive. Government of the University of Minne- Personnel. sota is to be complimented that "A Finance. System of Classification for Political Safety and defense. Science Collections with Special Refer- Health. ence to the Needs of Municipal and Education. Governmental Research Libraries," by Welfare and public institutions. William Anderson, the Director, and Labor. Sophia Hall Glidden, sometime Li- Agriculture and marketing. brarian, has been made available in Business. print, published by University of Minne- Public utilities. sota Press, March, 1928. (Publicaticu~, Transportation and communica- No. 8, Price $2.50.) tion. Mrs. Sophia Hall Glidden is the one to Public Work,s. whom credit should be given far this Conservation and development of Classification ; it was evolved during her resources. work as librarian of the Municipal The primary sub-heads under each main Reference Bureau and it has been put division have be7n assigned Arabic digit to the test of actual use for six years in numbers, and under each of these there March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 79
may be more sub-divisions and so on material; one is "The Classification indefinitely, following the principle of the Scheme of the Library for Municipal Dewey decimal classification. Here are Research at Harvard University," by a few illustrations of how the classifica- Joseph Wright published in 191'1; the tion would be applied to printed material other is "Tentative Classification for on specific subjects chosen at random: Subject Files," issued by the American Subways W26 City Bureau in 1919. In both of these Municipal Landing Fields W61 schemes the connotation is letters of the Municipal Abattoirs 0644 alphabet; in one arbitrarily assigned to Mayor's messages A75 the subject, and in the other the first Incineration X8291 letter of the subject is used. Both use Rubber pavements X649 digits following the letters, and one uses In this last example, no number is pro- decimals like Dewey. The Minnesota vided for "rubber" paving but X64 is Classification is more carefully worked Paving and as 9 is not used, the classifica- out and is more complete than these tion could easily be expanded to include earlier schemes, and the Subject Index this latest kind of material used in pav- assures its more consistent application. ing so we might have the number X649. It is my opinion that this Classifica- An alphabetically arranged Subject tion is a good one. I tried to apply it to Index to the schen~ehas been very care- current civic material being received and fully prepared. It seems to be complete in every case it was easy to assign a for all subjects included in the classifica- number from this system. It is un- tion and cross-references have been fortunate that the system has no generously supplied. It is intended pri- mnemonic features; the letters are ar- marily as a finding list but it is espected bitrarily assigned to the classes and that it may also serve the librarian as though the subdivisions and sub-heads a list of subject-headings. The technic are logically made still the numbers are of the cataloger is shown in the fullness not given in such a way as to memorize with which the "see" and "see also" easily. Since the Classification has such references have been included in the a splendid finding list I suppose we need right-hand column of the Subject Index not espect mnemonic features as well. for the use of the librarian. It gives all evidences of being a splendid The reviewer knows of only two other scheme well laid out in its basic principles Classifications in printed form planned and well tried out by six years of actual exclusively for municipal government use.
Classification Conference at Philadelphia
OR the past year the Special Li- the Council's action are the lack of F braries Council of Philadelphia and trained leaders, and the necessity of vicinity has considered the possibilities arranging its own technique of applica- of adapting the Conference Method to tion, but believing the only way to begin the teaching of library science. It is a IS to begin, Classification lead the way, method requiring practical esperience Friday, January 25th. on the part of the participants, since the A group of twelve met in a room of leader gives no instruction, but by the The Free Library, and despite the in- use of questions guides the discussion experience of the leader, and the creak- so that the members tl~emselvessupply ing of the machinery, enjoyed the session the instruction by expressing their so thoroughly they provided for a second views. It rests upon the theory that meeting two weeks later. Yes, for nearly people have a greater knowledge of their two hours they discussed Classification work than they realize, but will formu- and nothing else. late this knowledge if the right pressure The leader was Miss Louise Keller, is applied Chairtnan of the S. Id. A. Committee on The dificulties which have delayed Classifications. 80 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1929 Editorial Board EDITOR, Herbert 0. Brigham, State Library, Providence, R. I. Associate Editors William Alcott, Boston Globe; D. N. Handy, Insurance Library Association of Boston; M. E. Pellett, Librarian, The Port of New York Authority. Department Editors Charlotte L. Carmody, Deparment of Commerce Library, Washington, D. C. Fthel Cleland, Business Branch, Public Library, Indianapolis, Ind. Elizabeth 0. Cullen, Bureau of Railway Economics, Washington, D. C. Mary C. Parker, Federal Reserve Bank, New York City. Rebecca B. Rankin, Municipal Reference Library, New York City. Margaret Reynolds, First Wisconsin National Bank, Milwaukee, Wis. A. A. Slobod, General Electric Co., Schenectady, N. Y.
-- p~~-~-
This month we are presenling a whole issue devoted to the subject of Classifications for Special Libraries. There has been considerable in- terest in the problem of classrfication, and at the Convention last Spring in Washington the discussion was brought to a point by Miss Nrchols' report. We gather together in this one number the best of the ideas on classrfications contributed by many librarians.
Your Co-operation you will stop and ponder a little on even greater co-operation? Can you not IFthe many ideas presented in this see that such weaknesses as are pointed Classification Number, ~OLIshall, per- out in many cases have followed as the haps, realize how much depends upon a result of a lack of aid by those who were close co-operation between individuals capable of giving it? As Miss Mann in our profession. Did you note that the says-"If more classifiers had responded facts presented in Miss Nichols' Report to Mr. Merrill's appeal for co-operation, on financial libraries were made possible the scope of the book might have been through the help of thirty libraries? The extended. The plan is such a fine one Harvard undertaking, enormous as it that the work should not only receive the is, though dependent on Mr. Cutter, is support of everyone interested in class- aided much by the many librarians co- ification, but it should prompt every operating; Mrs. Glidden's original class- active classifier to send decisions to Mr. ification was done through the united Merrill so the nest edition will be even efforts of many persons in Minnesota; more far-reaching than this one." Miss Miss Mann explains in her review how Fellows appeals for suggestions, Miss Mr. Merrill's Code has been improved Keller seeks aid and interest on the part in certain subjects by the persons who of special librarians, and thus are shown assisted; and so we might enumerate to you, each and everyone, how you can instance after instance. promote the progress of your profession. Certainly here is food for thought. It gratifies one to see what results have Yes, co-operation is an overworked been accomplished by these united WORD-very bromidic! But the act efforts. But we trust you do NOT over- of co-operation is not overdone. look the appeals which are made for R. B. R. March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES CLASSIFICATION NUMBER
Editor: Spccial Edltor: HERBERT 0. BRIGHAM REBECCA I). RANKIN
To Classify or to Re-Classify? HIS problem is interesting a good Miss Fellows' plea should stimulate the many special librarians. In 1922 special librarians to make specific crit- whenT the Sfiecial Libraries Associa- icisms; she invites it particularly toward tion made a survey through its Meth- the Sections 658--Business Methods,- ods Committee, it was discovered 651-Office Economy-and 331 -Labor that seventy-eight librarians out of a and Laborers. Accounting and Advertis- total of one hundred and ten replying ing are the two important business sub- stated that they would welcome a jects now receiving the D. C's attention. classification which developed their par- ticular subject further than any existing The American Library Association classification system. Ninety libraries has this year contributed two very use- indicated that they used a combination ful books in this field of library tech- of several classifications, or an adapta- nique-Mr. Merrill's "Code for Class- ,tion or an expansion or a system espec- ifiers" and Miss Mann's text-"The ially made for their subject. Classification and Cataloging of Books," which are reviewed here for your benefit. Miss Nichols' Report for the Financial And we also have the promise of an Group this past year, 1928, which elaborate work on the subject by Mr. covered thirty representative financial Henry E. Bliss of the Library of the libraries shows that "thirteen libraries College of the City of New York, the expressed satisfaction on the whole with first volume of which is to appear in their schemes of classification, seven May. Here he gives merely a glimpse qualified their satisfaction with reserva- into the scholarly discussion of the sub- tions, and five were definitely dis- ject over which he has studied and satisfied." Two of these bank libraries worked for years. do not use any of the formal classifica- tion systems. The Special Libraries Association has a Committee on Classifications which is At the same time, we can read with actively at work. The stimulation for profit the reasons given by Mr. Cutter this CLASSIFICATION NUMBER has in his paper for the undertaking of a emanated from their accomplishments new classification for the Baker Library and their hopes for more accomplish- at Harvard Graduate School for Busi- ment. As Miss Keller says, "Could I ness Administration. share with you all the letters which The Library of the Engineering Socie- come in, asking our assistance in finding ties in New York has rather recently re- classifications, it would need no per- classified its collection using the Brussels suasive arts on my part to convince you Classification which is based on the of the importance of the subject." This Decimal. Miss Emilie Meuser explains plea, added to Miss Fellows' on behalf that universal scheme, enumerating its of the D.C., makes apparent that the advantages. special librarians only need to become vocal in their criticism of classifications; Miss Dorkas Fellows summarizes for then estend a helping hand through the our benefit the expansions in the Deci- Classifications Committee and in ways mal Classification which have been made suggested by that Committee, and we or are being made for business libraries. may see results in the future. -R. B. R. 82 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1929 A Universal Classification
By Ernilie Mueser, Chief Classifier, Engineering Societies Library, New York City
HE question of the classification of The numbers with .O are reserved for Tscientific, technical and commercial encyclopedias, newspapers and other documents assumes greater practical material too general in inclusion to be importance every day by reason of the assigned to a specific class. ever increasing abundance of docun~ents. Each class is divided and subdivided The classification demanded is one that as may be necessary, the location of the will be comprehensive enough to record classes being indicated by the addition all human work and thought. The of numbers at the right of the class scheme here described, commonly called number, as is illustrated by the following the Brussels Classification, has been example : well proven by extensive use on the Continent and appears to be slo~lybe- 0.3 Social Science. coming universal. No scheme of bib- 0.33 Economics. liographic classification could be devised 0.331 Labor and Capital. to meet all criticisms, but this one stands 0.3312 Wages. well in advance of a great number of 0.33122 Wage Scales. schemes which exist, for simplicity and This process can be repeated in- elasticity in its application for the definitely. In common practice the classification of all kinds of documents, decimal number 0.3312 which has been books, notes, abstracts, graphic docu- taken as an example will then be written ments, illustrations, photographs, pat- as 3312, but in order to aid the memory ents, commercial circulars, trade cata- and eye by emphasizing certain sub- logs, in fact all documentation taken in divisions, it has been found useful to the largest sense. subdivide the number into groups by The Brussels Classification is based on means of points. Thus the above number the Dewey "Decimal Classification and written as 331.2 at once indicates the Relative Index" first developed in 1873 third class Social Science, the third divi- and now in its 12th edition. The scheme sion Economics, the first subdivision comprises two parts: a classification in Labor and Capital and the further sub- which more or less logically arranged division of Wages. subdivisions of kriawledge are The Brussels Classification differs from separate arbitrary numbers, an%iv:: the Dewey in two particulars, one of alphabetic index of subjects, to indicate which is a matter of minuteness and the the respective numbers of the sub- other of form: divisions. In this scheme the whole of In regatd to the first difference the knowledge is represented by unity, and classes .5 and .6 furnish the best exampre. divided into nine classes and each given In the 1st ed. of Brussels (1905) these a decimal number as : classes comprise 800 pages of tables, 0.1 Philosophy. while the 12th ed, of Dewey (1927) con- tains only 302 pages. In the 2d ed. of 0.2 Religion. Brussels (1928) class .5 alone has 250 0.3 Social Science, Law. double column pages while the 12th 0 4 Philology. ed. of Dewey has only 53 single column 0.5 Pure Science. pages. 0.6 Applied Science. The other change is much more im- portant. The original Dewey classifica- 0.7 Fine Arts. tion lacks a method for subdividing 0.8 Literature. esisting headings in order to express de- 0.9 History, Geography, Biogra- tails, various of view andthe rela- P~Y. tions between different subjects. March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 83
The Brussels Classification provides Form sign: Division of tlle literature certain symbols to espress relations and of a subject by form are made by using detailed general tables which can be a parenthetic number beginning with added to any subject. The following is zero (0-) or (00-) to espress such dif- an explanation of some of the symbols ferences in the form of material as are and tables used. represented by treatises, dictionaries, periodicals, histories, etc. The following Accretion sign: The sign of addition, + are a few examples: is used to indicate that a book or pamph- let treats of all the subject numbers (02) Treatises. connected by it: e, g. 656.62+656.2, a (03) Dictionaries. book on river and railroad transporta- (05) Periodicals. tion; 667.1 +667 2, a book on bleaching (07) Teaching, Study. and dyeing. (072) Research experiments. Analysis or testing. Coupling sign: The hyphen,- is used (084)Drawings, plates, photographs. in certain classes to enable a subdivision (085) Commercial publications, within a class to be combined with Circulars, Prospectuses, another in the same class without con- Catalogs. fusion. The class number for petroleum (09) History. is 622.338 and for prospecting 622.1 ; (001) Statistics. the number 622.338-1 can be composed (002) Inventories and net costs. to indicate works on prospecting for (003) Specifications. petroleum; 63.14 is the number for (007) Rules and Regulations. agricultural land drainage and 63.49 (008) Patents. for forestry; the number 63.49-14, in- dicates a work on the drainage of A periodical on nletallurgy has the forests. number 669(05), a history of that sub- ject 669(09). Patents on telephony Relalion sign: The nlost important of 621.385 (008) ; specifications for electric the symbols adopted is the relation sign, arc lighting, 621.325(003). Industrial re- the colon, :. When used in the classifica- search 6(072). tion to join two numbers it indicates that the subjects represented by them are General point of view: The sign for this considered in relation to each other. is a double zero 00, not in parentheses. Take, for example, the number for .001 The speculative point of view textile industries 677 and the number Conception. Aim. Pro- for labor 331, we can form the combina- gramme. Research and tion 677 : 331 or 331 : 677 representing theoretical or experimental the labor problem in textile industries; studies relative to the or 656.2 railroads operation and 331.87 creation of an object. strikes, 656.2 : 331.87 would indicate ,002 The point of realization. a book on railroad strikes. Execution. Construction. Processes. Place sign: Place is indicated by num- , .003 The economic point of view. bers which are written in parenthesis and Industrial production. refer to a special geographic table. The Conlnlercial output. Cost following are a few examples: and selling price. (42) England 656.2(42) Railroads in . . .004 The point of view of service England. and use. . ,0046 Wear and tear. Repairs or (43) Germany 667.2(43) Dyeing restoration. industry in Germany. . . ,0047 Scrapping. Destruction. (73) U. S. 621.3(73) Electrical indus- . . 0048 Utilization of wastes, resi- tries in the U. S. dues and by-products. (8) South America 38(8) Commerce . . .005 The point of view of fittings and trade in S. A. and apparatus in con- (73-8) 38(73-8) Trade relations be- nection with the use of tween the U. S. and South America. the object. 84 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1929 . . ,006 The point of view of premises 676.006 Hudson River paper mill. and establishments. 676.006 : 614.8 Accident prevention in Details of organization paper mills. and service. 676.1 Preparation of paper pulp. , .007 Special personnel in connect- 676.11 Rag pulp. ion with the object. 676.1 102 Operations of manufacture. These examples illustrate the minute- 676.1105 Machinery used. ness with which material can he 676.12 Pulp of scrap paper. classified when desired, and the various forms of classification that may be used 676.15 Mechanical wood pulp. to meet special needs or the peculiarities 676.15 : 614.84 Fire protection for wood of certain kinds of material. It is not pulp. necessary, of course, to introduce such 676.1505 Machinery used. great refinement in all cases, nor, in 676.16 Chemical wood pulp. fact, in many, but the possibility of such 676.2 Ordinary paper. sub-division, when desired is very valu- able. 676.3 Paper for special purposes. 676.32 Currency paper. In summary, the following example 676.32(002) Specifications for currency will illustrate in a fragmentary way the possibilities of the classification as ap- paper. plied to the paper industry. Some of the 676 37 Tracing paper. main divisions are given with a few of 676.37(008) Tracing paper patents. the symbols and forms that may be used 676.4 Paper for industrial purposes. to modify the separate numbers. 676.48 Fireproof paper. 676 Paper making and trade. (693.8 : 676.48 Paper used in 676(016) Lists ol paper making rnater- fire proof construction) ial. 676.5 Wall paper. 676(03) Dictionary of paper making 676.6 Cardboard Pasteboard. terms. 676.8 Paper and cardboard ware. 676(05) Paper trade journal. 676.84 Articles of assembled and glued 676(058) Paper makers' directory of all paper and cardboard. nations. 676.846 Covered boxes. 676(06) History of the American paper 676.846(003) : 664.142 Specifications for and pulp association. marshmallow boxes. 676(065) International paper company. 676.846 : 688.6 Boxes for lamp shades. Reports. Finally, an essential part of the class- 676(07) Manufacture of pulp and paper; a test book of modern pulp and paper ification is the alphabetic indes referring mill practice. to the separate numbers. The index can 676(085) Hampden glazed paper & card be made as comprehensive as may be co. N. Y Commercial catalogs and desirable and is usually built as the price lists. documents are classified. Synonymous 676(71) Water power in the pulp and terms may be used without conflict paper industry in Canada. because the classification number re- 676 : 331.2 Wages in the paper and pulp ferred to is the same. Thus changes in industry. (or 331.2 : 676 according to point of view desired) terminology are easily taken care of 676 : 51 Arithmetic, elementary applied without the use of annoying cross refer- mathematics. v. 1 of Manufacture of ences. A good example of this is the pulp and paper. popular change from Wireless to Radio. 676 : 543.8 Paper mill chemist. In an index, both these words would refer 676 :92 Life and times of Alvah Crocker. to the same number. March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 85 Two Recent Books on Classification
MERRILL,WILLIAM STETSON. Code for or policies, history and illustration of a classifiers; principles governing thecon- subject. Special forms or types of liter- sistent placing of books in a system ary material are then discussed under of classification. Chicago, American such topics as, commelnorative volumes, Library Association, 1928. 128 p. facsimiles, bound newspapers, pamph- lets, series and society publications, HIS code is not a schedule of class- translations, etc. A paragraph does not T ification, nor does it recommend any seem sufficient space for the treatment of definite scheme. It is a guide towards some of these subjects on which a dif- the formulation of policies which shall ference of opinion has long been rife, lead to consistency in classifying. Prin- but even if one does not always agree ciples are laid down to be followed in de- with the author he has before him in this ciding cases of doubt between headings code a concise statement of the pos- to be chosen for books with equal lean- sibilities of treatment and the practice ings towards each, terms which appear of other libraries. to overlap are defined, and geographical headings such as England vs Great Following the rules which are common Britain are explained. to all subjects, pages 21 to 121 are Classifiers are frequently perfectly devoted to problems belonging to specific familiar with a definite scheme of topics. These are grouped under large classification, but are often baffled as to subject headings, following the order the best place in that scheme for books of the Decimal classification; in fact the of dual bearing. This code, by pre- D. C. number is used as a side heading senting some of the ramifications of sub- for each paragraph. While this arrange- jects will protect the classifier from cer- ment gives a logical grouping it seems tain pitfalls. rather unfortunate that any definite In 1912 Mr. Merrill, of the Newberry classification symbol should have been Library in Chicago, gave two lectures used in connection with the text. Not before students of the Library School of that there is any objection to the the University of Illinois in which he Decimal classification; but because the discussed the principles of classification. author so definitely states in his preface These lectures were the forerunner of that "While this code is not entirely in- this Code for classifiers, and it is to be dependent of existing systems of classi- regretted that they were not printed as fying human knowledge, it is not bound an introduction to $he volume, for while up with any such system and may be the principles then advanced have been applied to any of them." By using the incorporated in this text, they will bear D. C. symbol the code may lose one of re-reading in their original form.* its most potent features, because the The code first appeared in a limited very suggestion of a number frequently mimeographed edition in 1914 and those leads to its adoption without further who have made use of this first edition consideration. There are some places in are aware of the value of the work and the text where this would prove dis- are glad to see it appear in print. Some astrous. For example, under the Dewey changes in the new edition are welcomed number 913, main heading Antiquities, while others seem to detract from its we find one topic only, that of Historic usefulness. houses. Most libraries would naturally Under General principles the author classify such, books in local history or discusses such subjects as intent of the description and travel, in fact Mr. Mer- author, choice of subjects, purpose of rill recommends such classification, but classification, etc. This is followed by the inexperienced worker using the directions applicable to any class of Decimal system might conclude that all material as argumentative facts, as- books on historic houses should be pects of a subject, contrasted opinions classed in 913, which is the general
*Merrill, W. Y. A code lor claaaiflers. Lib. Jour. 37: 245-51: 304-10,1012. 86 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1929 number for antiquities. The adoption is to be congratulated on having pro- of the Dewey number hardly seems fair duced such a book. It will be used as a to that classification scheme. ready reference guide by all library The index is a very necessary adjunct workers interested in classification. to the book and must be consulted con- MARGARETMANN. stantly. It is relative, bringing together topics which may be treated under MANN,MARGARET. The Classification several groups. Unfortunately all topics and Cataloging of Books. Chicago, have not been indexed, for example it is American Library Association, 1928, useful to find such subjects as account- 435 pages (mim) (Library Curriculum ing and advertising treated in paragraph Studies.) 173 under the group heading Im!ustries but we miss both of these topics in the HE Board of Education for Libra- index. Such headings as civilization, T rianship has undertaken nothing scientific management, research, and more important than their Library mineral resources are wanting in the Curriculum Studies and the Board is to index, showing that not all of the per- be congratulated on its choice of li- plexing problems of the classifier have brarians to prepare the texts which will been covered in the Code. be a boon to student and teacher alike. The author's experience has evidently Miss Margaret Mann, Associate Pro- been somewhat limited to belles lettres, fessor of Library Science at the Univ- but he has had the help of two exper- ersity of Michigan, has prepared, under ienced classifiers in other fields, namely the direction of Doctor W. W. Charters, Miss Pettee of the Union Theological one of the latest of the series-"The Clas- Library and Miss Kelley of the John sification and Cataloging of Books., The Crerar Library. If more classifiers had author's varied experience in the cai- responded to Mr. Merrill's appeal for aloging field has afforded her ample op- co-operation, the scope of the book portunity to acquire a comprehensive might have been extended. The plan is knowledge of her subject and her ex- such a fine one that the work should not perience in the teaching field has given only receive the support of everyone an equal opportunity to acquire knowl- interested in classification, but it should edge of the needs of the student. prompt every active classifier to send Miss Mann devotes six of her twenty decisions to Mr. Merrill so the next chapters to the field of classification edition will be even more far reaching which Docto Richardson has called than this one. Those connected with "the highest function of the librarian's special libraries should be able to make work, calling into play every faculty valuable contributions in their particular and every attainment of knowledge- fields. the acme of bibliographical work." The book will be of special value to These six main divisions-1. Introduc- beginners who have perhaps studied tion; 2. How to read a book technically; definite schemes of classification, but 3. The subject grouping of books; An have perhaps studied definite schemes introduction to classification ; 4. Classifi- have not yet had an opportunity cation; Dewey Decimal System; 5. to handle books in quantities and so Cutter Expansive and Library of Con- become lamiliar with the varying gress classification systems; 6. Book phases in which subjects may be numbers and the shelf-list-give an treated. The excellent section devoted idea of the general scheme, while the to biography (p. 102-116) will illustrate outlines at the head of each chapter this by showing the varying ways in make for usableness. The definitions which the lives of individuals may be which are inserted wherever necessary classified. To be guided through this in the text are clear and simple, the subject and to have spread out before annotated bibliographies at the end of one a number of possibilities for arrange- each chapter will lead the student to ment is of inestimable help. further study and research, and the Such a code, which will stimulate thought questions which also are added ,thought, is a valuable addition to our after each chapter will furnish a guide professional literature and Mr. Merrill for the teacher. March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 87
Miss Mann has not attempted to go mind. The student is reminded that into an historical description of classifica- there is a technique and science behind tion schemes but has confined herself library work and that while technical to discussion of how to use existing methods are fundamental the classifier schemes with special reference to the must never lose sight of the broader side three American ones-Dewey Decimal, of the work-the interpreting and e- Cutter Expansive and Library of Con- valuating of books. gress. The explanation of the latter is While written as a textbook for the especially lucid and helpful. The many library school student, this discussion uses of the shelf-list are concisely set can well find a place on the reference forth in the chapter devoted to this useful shelf of every classifier and will answer tool. that elusive queslion that must: in- The aim of the whole text-to furnish evitably present itself occasionally in the information to the unitiated and to lives of the best of classifiers. stimulate interest-is constantly kept in RUTHSAVORD. Decimal Classification Expansions for Business Libraries
By Dorkas Fellows, D C Editor
HAVE been invited to furnish some ports, etc. Because of importance in I information regarding Decimal business admi~iistration, of relations Classification expansions, as related to between employers and their employees, business library needs. In these days there was ir~clucleclunder same covers an when almost everything is made a espansion of 331, Labor and laborers, center round which business features of Employers, Capital, the divisions of appropriate type are grouped the term which may, by those desiring to keep "business libraries" might be considered all their business management material as correspondingly inclusive, but that together, be transferred to 658.3, Indus- this article may he kept within reason- trial economics and Personnel. These 3 able limits it is based on topics suggested expansions were (with a few corrections by Special Libraries publications. and additions) incorporated in edition 12 Naturally I think in II C terms and of D C, issued in 1927. Tho 658 was there first comes to mind our espansion mainly the work of committees consist- of 658, Business methods, Industrial ing of specialists and representing socie- management, of which the main divi- ties devotcd to business interests and sions are. Generalities; Plant; Industrial developments, and with a sprinkling of economics, Personnel; Shop manage- librarians, to insure due consideration ment, Production; Buying, Receiving, of library viewpoint, and was therefore Storing, Shipping; Selling; Specific in- supposed to represent the best available dustries. This expansion was published thought on thc subject, it seems to have in 1924, together with an expansion of met with disfavor in the eyes of Special the closely allied subject, 651, Office Libraries Association, but while this is economy, of which the chief divisions true in a general way I have been unable are: Office buildings and rooms; Equip- to obtain specific information regarding ment; Organization; Administration; its faults. Records, Files and filing; Special mater- As previously stated at various times, ial (i. e. specifications; estimates, plans, in 1895 D C was adopted by Insiitut drawings, maps; printed matter issued International de Bibliographic at Brus- by oftice ; employees records; letter files) ; sels as basis for its projected work, which Correspondcnce (including provision for was to cover all subjects in all languages stationery, blanks, business English, in all periods of the world's history. letters, notices and calls for, meetings; Some differences grew up between Euro- minutes and committee bus~ness),Re- pean and American editions and lor 88 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1929 several years strenuous efforts have been to be used as bases for later and much 11ade to bring the 2 into harmony. In fuller development. view of this situation it has (to prevent Whether rightly or wrongly I under- duplicating work) for some time past stand that by "business libraries" are seemed advisable for us to defer ex- meant those connected with financial, pansion of subjects in which I I B was commercial or industrial establishments showing special interest, till new Brussels or enterprises, or libraries devoted to edition, already under way when 12th those interests. I doubt whether in this American edition was issued, should be group Agricultural libraries are or- available. dinarily included, and yet Agriculture is One prominent subject in which our the most important industry in the development has been thus affected and world. In Owen Meredith's Lucille is which stands out distinctly as belonging found this verse : to the business group is that of Account- "We may live without poetry, music ing. Much work had been done on this, and art ; ~ncluding correspondence with various We may live without conscience and accountants, when word came that our live without heart; European collaborators were also es- We may live without friends; we may panding it, and consequently we sus- live without books; pended our own work till the European But civilized man can not live with- tables could be examined. These have out cooks." recently been received and have been transIated, and will he duplicated for Unquestionably in general estimation distribution to American accountants cookery stands among industries well who have shown their interest and their toward the front (and it is understood to willingness to aid 11s by their criticisms be one of the best paid) but still more and suggestions. important is the farmer's work, for even Advertising is another important sub- a cook is useless unless he has something ject to which considerable time has been to cook, and except for a few items, such devoted, but tables have not yet been as game, fish and wild fruits, this some- sufficiently developed to be sent out for thing must come from the farm, and in criticism. Shorlhand has been thor- the recent great political contest the oughly revised by a specialist farm problem was recognized as one of the principal issues. Perhaps because In edition 12, apart from the es- Agriculture is so great an industry, tensive expansion of 331 from 2 pages in whether considered as a unit or as a edition 11 to 9 pages in edition 12, there combination of a great number of indus- were numerous slight expansions scat- tries, it is treated as an entity, but be- tered thru the vast field of social science, cause it most certainly belongs to the including statistics, banking, financial industrial group I venture to mention markets, credit system, insurance, com- it here. In edition 12 the serious gaps merce and communication, but these in our Agriculture tables (forestry, expansions were fully recognized as floriculture, grape raising and bee keep- merely a beginning, to be used as a ing) were filled, and during the past foundation for subsequent treatment in year a specially careful examination much greater detail, as rapidly as con- has been made of other classifications for ditions would permit. Agriculture and of agricultural indexes, In the field of special industries, we with a view to picking up any minor received notable assistance from E. A. or very recent topics for which we might Terrell, a manufacturer in Charlotte, not have provided, so that Agriculture N. C.,who, desiring a detailed classifica- is now probably the most thoroughly tion for textile industries, had a transla- rounded out of any of the first hundred tion made of the Brussels expansion of D C divisions. our number for that subject, and very As result of special pressure for certain generously placed it fully and freely at subjects and of other circumstances out our disposal. For certain other manu- of our control our recent efforts have factures Brussels expansions were more been mainly in directions other than or less fully incorporated in edition 12, such as are included under "business," March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 89 but this does not imply any lack of to my attention more freely and a interest in that field or of appreciation further source of regret that in some of its im ortance. On these grounds cases I have not been able to answer we shod~5' as a matter of preference more satisfactorily those which have have given it precedence over some been presented, it is a pleasure to say other subjects which have actually that while occasionally someone has taken precedence in order of printing. stood over me with a club and threatened the decadence and ultimate destruction From beginning it has been Dr. of D C if his or her ideas were 11ot IJeweylsgreat desire and his oft-repeated carried out, the general tone of cor- charge to make the systenz as z~sefzil us respondents has been not only ro~lrteo~ls possible, but this "as possible" has been but cordial. in large measure dependent on various The real basis of a large proporti011 ol outlying conditions, favorable or un- the criticisms made, either by letter or favorable, of which perhaps the no st in print, is that the writer sees otlly one important for publication has been the side of the situation and that, all un- attitude of those to whom chiefly our known to him, there are absolutely pro- work should have been of benefit, now hibitive reasons in the way of putting in one realm of knowledge, now in into eflect his ideas, which on the sur- another. Not only are we not omniscient face may look practical and desirable. but we are not even mind readers, and In some cases criticisms are so plainly in these days when the world is flooded in error that il is amazing that anyone with books and pamphlets, it is wholly with even a half knowledge of the sub- out of the question to get at first hand ject coi~lcllet them go OLIL without first even an approsinlate view of the output, undertalting to verify them. \Vhen si~ch and still less feasible LO know all the new statements come by letter, however subjects and phases treated. Vet mind much they may reflect on their author's reading seems to be espected of LIS by knowledge they are not serious in their those who complain of our failure to results, since the matter lies simply expand the subjects in which they are between him and myself, but it is un- mainly interested but who have never fortunate that criticisms intended for previously given us any intimation of general dissemination, either by print their needs and who espress the~nselves or ot.ally, ase not first submitted to me, in broad terms only and when asked to since in many cases they coulcl be re- suggest specific topics lor which pro- futed before being made public, and vision should be made genera!ly drop the thercby prcvcnted from doing the harm correspondence; and when 11 is taken which is, by their mistaken and cot.- into account that L> C covers entire respondingly misleading nature, in- range of knowledge and that the sub- evitably hrought about in the minds of jects of special~zation are innumerable some of their readers or hearers, and at (each very properly being of supreme the same time they would be prevented importance in -the eyes of its own from discrediting their authors in the specialist) espectations of mind reading eyes of those who knew the facts. for all these special subjects llow to- gether to form an ocean of clemand, International Congress Delegates which an1ounts to one for omniscience. In the Februar). issue of SPECIAI> We are and always have been anxious to LIBRARI 1-3we presented an announce- coiiperate, but co6peration must be a ment oi the International Library and mutual procedure, and so far as our side Bibliographical Congress to be held at is concerned I feel safe in saying that Rome from June 15th to Junc 30tl1, also never have I received a recom~nendation a description of a library tour leaving or request without giving to it all due New Vorlc on May 24th. If any of our consideration or without trying to con- memt~ersplan lo attend this conference, form to it as far as could be done, with please cornnl~~t~icatewith President F. E. deep regrets when (and to the extent C'acly, 1285 Inple\voocl, Shaker Heights, that) conformity was impossible. IV'hile ('leveland, Ohlo, wl~ohas been author- it has been a sourcc of much reg]-et that izccl 1)~'the Executi\*e Bodto appolnt problems and suggeslions relaiing to clelejiates to officially represent S. L. A. ;.arious subjects have not been brought a1 this i~nportantconference.' 90 SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1929
Classification and Terminology for Industrial Relations Libraries
By Linda H. Morley
0-OPERATION between Special Li- 2. Form sheets were printed, pru- C braries Association and other re- vidine: sDace for definitions, lated associations, which Mr. Cady o.k.'s7 of 'definitions, usage in considers so important, has been in different libraries, "See" and operation in one instance for several "See also" references. years. consolidated card file of subject- In January, 1927, the Personnel Re- headings was made from lists se- search Federation appointed a committee cured from seven industrial re- consisting of Dr. J. Douglas Brown, lations libraries. These subject- Director of the Industrial Relations headings, with definitions as Section of Princeton University and Miss found in glossaries and diction- Linda H. Morley, to study the question aries, were transferred to the of "Classification and Terminology for printed form sheets, one term to Industrial Relations Libraries," and, if a sheet. Approximately 400 action seemed desirable, with authority sheets have been assembled. to enlarge the committee to carry out 4. These sheets are now being sent to any program that would be of assistance persons working in the industrial to libraries in this field. In May of 1927, relations field, (not librarians), our committee was made a joint com- in order to secure their approval mittee with S. L. A., with the following or alternative definitions, and members added : their choice among synonymous Constance Beal, (Cataloguer, Russell terms. Sage Foundation Library) The nest step will be to send these Charles C. Eaton, (Librarian, Business sheets to co-operating libraries in order School Library, Harvard University, to obtain a consensus of usage. From Graduate School of Business Ad- these returns a tentative list of subject- ministration) headings for industrial relations libraries, Caroline Faltermayer, (Librarian, with definitions and references, will be Philadelphia Rapid Transit Co.) compiled. Laura A. Thompson, (Librarian, U. S. It was thought, by those who attended Department of Labor) the initial conference, held before the Hester A. Wetmore, (Librarian, Henry formation of the committee, that the L Doherty Company) preparation of a subject-headings list Elizabeth B. Wray, (Librarian, United should precede any work with relation States Rubber Company) to classification; and also that such a list would be of value to industrial relations A program was worked out, with the libraries in more cases than a classifica- help and advice of other industrial tion, since few libraries are able to re- relations librarians, which has been in classify their collection and it is more process during the past year. This is difficult to alter a classification than to how it has been done : alter subject-headings. 1. Dictionaries and glossaries of in- We have been in touch with Mr. dustrial relations and personnel Cutter in connection with his work on terms were collected, and mem- the labor section of the classification for bers of the committee have the Library of the Harvard Business checked these to indicate terms School, and we were able to place some usable as subject-headings by of the material we had collected at his libraries. disposal. March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 9 L The Government Classification Harvard
R CUTTER states in his article- of a Dewey classification scheme, and "Our classification of Government the administration form list. isM complete in detail in its first draft, and "The classification on which I am is now being submitted to others for now engaged at Harvard, was prepared criticism. It was made by Mrs. Glidden, to fill a very definite need. It is intended who was the joint author with Professor primarily for the Baker Library. It William Anderson of the classification of also hopes to be of some use to other this subject issued from the University of large libraries in which there is a general Minnesota." collection. For example: The Minne- Mrs. Sophia Hall Glidden makes this sota classification made considerable explanatory statement, showing the dis- place for public works and public utili- tinction between the "Minnesota CIass- ties. Those subjects will be found in ification" and the Government Class- technology or engineering, in a general ification referred to by Mr. Cutter: classification. Education has its own "When, almost ten years ago, I first pIace in a general classification, although engaged upon the problem of a class- it is primarily a government enter- ification of government material under prise,-even private schools must meet the direction ol Mr. Bennett, of ihc certain standards You may readily see Municipal Reference Bureau at Minne- that there are whole classes which are sota, I found only three classifications taken actually lrom the Minnesota which we considered seriously as the classification; in other classes I have basis for espansion. They were Mr. borrowed very freely from that earlier Joseph Wright's (of the Harvard Bureau effort. Alter consulting with the Dewey of Municipal Research), the 'Milwaukee classification, the Expansive, and the classification', and the classification in Brussels, I borrowed most largely from use in Wisconsin Legislative Bureau. the Library of Congress, class J. The Mr. Bennett and Professor Anderson Library of Congress would, of course, believed that there would be a decided have a particularly complete collection advantage in a 'close classification'. It of government material. The present then became our problem to arrange a outline offers considerable place for com- classification covering all fields of govern- parative studies, such as those furnished ment and government administration in by other forms of government in for- one unit. The preface to the Minnesota eign countries. The classification ad- classification explains the development vantage of the Minnesota form list has of the work, and some of its special been borrowed bodily, and you can features. The two points which I have readily see the advantage of the Cutter found most valuable in using it, have local list in a collection of government been the fact that it could be made a part material ." A Classification Discussion in New York
r. W. P. Cutter and Mrs. Sophia librarians met at the Little Ship Inn, 183 Hall Glidden of the Harvard Busi- Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., for nessAS School Library were in New York, dinner. After an enjoyable meal, Mrs. it gave the Civic-Social Group of the Glidden, assisted occasionally by Mr. New York Special Libraries Association Cutter, presented the basic principles an opportunity for a discussion of she had followed in making the new classification. A meeting was called government Classification for Harvard. hurriedly by the group chairman, Miss Judging by the number of questions Ina Clement, cataloger and classifier asked, and the discussion which fol- in the Municipal Reference Library, for lowed her presentation, there is a con- Friday, Feb. 8th. A group of 10 special siderable interest in the new classification. SPECIAL LIBRARIES March, 1919 Washington Conference Travel Information Travel plans are in charge of the to leave with first party in order to A. L. A. Travel Committee, F. W. attend the opening session on Mon- Faxon, Chairman. day morning. Register with F. W. Fason, 83 Francis Street, Back Bay, Practically all railroads in the United Boston, Mass., sending him $2.15 which States have granted a fare-and-one-half covers a half stateroom, Providence convention rate to Washington. The Line to New York, and table d'hote Canadian Pacific and Canadian National dinner on the boat. Specify whether you lines will grant reduced fares from desire to leave on Saturday or Sunday. Winnipeg and the Canadian Eastern lines will also grant reduced fares. New York delegates may join the Tickets will be on sale May 9-15. They New England travel parties at Jersey will bear a return limit to point of de- City via B. & 0. bus, leaving 42nd parture of May 24 (except for some Street bus station at 8:40 a. m. daylight points in the West and Southwest, time, also another conuecting bus at 1.36 where the date has been extended to pa m., daylight saving time. May 31). Special cars from Jersey City, eastern If an A. L. A. member, identification standard trme, Sunday, 8.27 a. m., 1.30 certificates, which entitle the bearer to p. m.; Monday, 8.27 a, m. reduced fare, will be mailed from A. L. A. Headquarters six weeks before Pltiladelphia delegates may also join the Conference, to members who have these parties. Further details concerning paid their dues. As most of the rail- New York and Philadelphia travel plans roads have granted, in addition to the will appear in April issue of SPECIAL usual fare-and-one-half rate, a fare- LIBRARIES. and three-fifths rate to those who wish to stay longer in and around Washing- The Chicago and Western party will ton, members are requested to state leave Chicago via the Baltimore & Ohio which fare they wish, when they pur- Railroad from the Grand Central Sta- chase their tickets. tion, Wells and Harrison Streets, at 1:00 p. m. central standard time (2:OO II an S. L. A. member only, write in p. m. daylight time) on Sunday, May 12, ample season to the Secretary, Miss Rose arriving in Washington at 8:35 a, m., L. Vormelker, Business Research Librar- Monday, May 13. Dinner will be served ian, Public Library, Cleveland, stating on the train, either table d'hote service rate desired and requesting travel certi- at $1.2S, or a la carte service. Registra- ficate. tions for the Chicago Party should be Special travel parties to Washington sent to John F. Phelan, Chicago Public will be arranged, two from New England Library before May 1, accompanied by leaving Boston at 5 p. m., May 11th the price of the Pullman accommoda- and 12th, going either by train or bus tions desired. Pullman fares are as (bus leaves Park Square at 5 p. m. follows : daylight time) for Providence (Wor- Lower berth, $8.25; Upper berth, cester delegates will be provided with $6.60; Compartment, $23.25; Drawing bus accommodation direct to the Provi- room, $30.00. dence dock). Thence by steamer to New York, leaving New York, together Railroad fares: Fare and one-half on with New York delegates, over the the Identification Certificate Plan, round Baltimore and Ohio from Jersey City at trip, limited for return until May 24, 8:27 a. rn. (9:27 a. m. daylight time) $41 -67. Fare and three-fifths, Identi- following day, due in Washington at fication Certificate Plan, round trip, 1 :27 p. m. S. L. A. members should try limited to 30 days, $44.45. March, 1929 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 93
The following are the one-way and HOTEL RATES round-trip rates from the principal cities The Mayflower, Headquarters ~~t~l to MJashington : ROOMS-One person, $5, 56, $7, $8, $9 One Round Lower to $18 per day. Way Tr~p Bcrtli Seat Boston, all mil ...... $16.40 $24 60 $5.63 $3.00 ROOMS-With double beds for two per- Boston, bout and rail. . . . 13 $14 19.71 sons, $7, $8, $10 to $18 per day. New York . . . 8.14 12.21 3 75 1.88 ROOMS-With twin beds for two per- Philadelphia 4.90 7 35 3.00 1 13 SOIIS, $9, $10, $11, $12, and $15 to $18 Pittsburgh ...... 10 DO 16 36 3.76 1.88 per day. Detroit 21 66 32 33 6 38 European plan esclusivel y Cleveland , 1G 63 23 46 4 50 When more than the above stated Cincinnati. . , . . 20 16 30 23 6 G3 number of persons are to occupy one Chicngo...... 27 78 41.67 8 26 room or suite, an additional charge of $2 St. Paul-Minncapohs 42 06 63.08 12.00 per day is made for each extra person. Des Moines . 40 67 61 01 12 00 Denver . . . . GG 06 97 69 18 00 In making reservatiol~sit is desirable st. Louis . . . . 3264 48.81 DOO that guests advise the hour of arrival, as Milwaukee 30 84 46.26 11 26 rooms are not held after ten p, m, except BufTalo . . . , 15 71 23.67 4 50 2 88 On 'pecial ALlanta . . . . 22 97 34 46 7 60 Rooms given up after eight p. In. will Jacksonvllle . . . . 28.41 42 62 x 63 be charged for as an extra day. Nashville...... 28 81 39.92 'J 00 All reseuvnf.io?r.s shodd he made direclly New Orleans . . . 40.20 60.30 12 00 with the hotels. In wrihg state.that you Dallas ...... 64 86 82.29 16.38 are attending the library conference. LOR AII~~I~E-sari Diego 103 07 197.64 31 60 For other hotels in \Vashington see San Franc~sco...... 106 88 107 64 31. GO list in A. L. A. Bullcli~~,March, 1929, seattle-portland-Spokane- p. 56. A. L. A, headquarters, Hotel Vancouver . . . 104.99 104 56 31.60 Washingtoll. PROGRAM Post Conference Trip Three general sessions. Ten group sessions. It is hoped, in the time before the Joint meeting with A. L. A. on Tues- fare-and-one-half ticket l imii expires, day morning. that a circuit trip can be made, mostly Miss Eleanor I). C'avanaugh in charge by bus, from Washington, including a of program. visit to Richmond and some of the Recent reports indicate an unus~~ally battlefields. Definite particulars will attractive program. Full details in nest be given in the nest A. L. A. Bz~lletin. issue of SPECIAL LIBRARIES.
Reserve hotel rooms promptly. Arrive in Washington in time for the Monday morning session. ---- Nominating Committee Report Thc Notui~~i~ti~lgComruittce, Howard 1,. Scc~claly:Aliss hlal~o~lI3o\vmm, Lillm-ian, Stebbms, Chairtnan, submits thc iollowing list Old Colony Trust Co, l3oston, Mass of ca~lcliclatcsas olliccrs lor thc cnsulng ycar: Trcasurcr. lli5s Elizal~cth0. Cullen, lief- Prcs~dcnt: Wlllia~nAlcott, Librarian, no.\- c~cncv IAraria~~,Rurcau of Railway larl Globc, &)ston, AIass. Ectr~~om~cs,MfasIiinfi.Lo~~, 1). C'. List of Publications of Special Libraries Association
Special Libraries-Official organ of the Association, published monthly ...... $5 .OO per year Special Libraries Directory, 2nd edition. 1925...... $4.00 Arranged by subject and geographically. Index of libraries by name and of librarians. Cumulative Index to the magazine Special Libraries, 1910-1922...... 52.00 Cumulative Index to the magazine Special Libraries, 1923-1926...... $0.50 Bibliography on rubber, 1924-June, 1926. Complete in seven sections...... $3 $00 (Part 1 not yet issued) Each section separately- Section 1. Latex and raw rubber. Section 2. Compounding ingredients, including organic ac- celerators. Section 3. Physics of rubber, including physical and mechan- ical testing Section 4. Chemistry of rubber, including chemical analysis. Section 5. Manufacturing methods and devices. Section 6. Synthetic rubber and rubber substitutes. Section 7. Reclaiming rubber. Bibliography on Steam Railways-Transportation ...... $2 .OO Bibliography, the foundation of scientific research, 1923, by W. A. Hamor...... Free Commercial libraries and the Department of Commerce. 1922, by D. W. Hyde, Jr.$0.30 Employer selects a business librarian, 1924, by L. B. Icrause...... Free Handbook of Commercial Information Services, 1924...... $2 .OO Information Bulletins:- No. 1. Supplement to Special Libraries for March, 1925, entitled "Recent technical bibliographies"...... $0.25 No. 2. Supplement to Special Libraries for July, 1925, entitled "Foreign bureaus of information in New York City". .$0.25 No. 3. Bibliography of Illumination, 1924-1925 ...... $0 25 No. 4. Bibliography of Illumination, 1925-1926. (Out of Print). $0.25 No. 5. Bibliography of Illumination, 1926-1921 ...... $0.25 No. 6. Bibliography on Electrical Literature...... $O 50 No. 7. Bibliography on Rubber Technology, 1926-1927...... $3.00 No. 8. Bibliography on Illumination ...... $0.25 Preliminary report on findings of the Committee on Methods, 1923 ...... $0.15 Special Libraries Association-Technology Group, Source List of statistics of the Rubber Industry...... Free? (Distributed by Miss Elizabeth Wray, U. S. Rubber Com- pany, New York City.) Local Directories of special libraries in:- Boston...... 50 California...... -50 New York Metropolitan District...... $I. 00 *Philadelphia...... 50
*Published by the Specla1 Librarien Council of Philadelphia. Copiea may be obtained at the General Ofllce of Special Libraries Association. SUPPLEMENT TO Special Libraries March, 1929. Vol. 20, No. 3.
Revision of the Constitution
HE Committee on Revision of the Association has established pernlanent head- T Constitution, appointed last year by quarters with a paid esecutive. President Cady, has completed its work, and on March 11, the revised draft was submitted "After a thorough study of the present Con- to the Executive Board in New York. The stitution ancl a considcration of present ancl committee consisted of D. F. Brown, librarian, future needs, five major a~nendmcnts are Standard 011 Development Company of Eliza- proposed, as follows: beth, N. J.; D. N. Handy, librarian of the "First-To make the Executive Board a Insurance Library Association of Boston; I?. A. pernlanent body by electing thrcc directors for Robertson, engineer in charge of library of the terms of three years (one each ycar after the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario, first election) instead of two members for one of Toronto; Howard L. Stebbins, librarian of year each, and to make the retiring president the Social Law Library of Boston, and William a member of the hoard for one year. Alcott, librarian of the Boston Globe Library, Boston, Chairman. "Second-To make the paid executive the Secretary of thc Association ant1 of thc Execu- A preliminary meeting was held with Presi- tive Board, with the right to speak at board dent Cady, the Secretary and Executive Secre- meetings, but without the right to vote, and tary in New York, on the forenoon of March 11, with a definite way of terminating his servicc. and a number of perfecting amendments were made. In the afternoon the revised report was "Third-To define the duties of the officers submitted to the Executive Board, and after of the Association to meet the new condition some more amendments, was approved, and of incorporation regarding property and con- it was voted to present the amcndecl constitu- tracts. This is the recommendation of the tion to the members of the association, for President. adopt~on,at the next annual conference in "Fourth-To make all committees appoint~ve Washington. by the President, with the approval of the In its report to the Executive Board, the Executive Board. This also is the recom- Committee said: mendation of the President. "Since the last revision of the Constitution "Fifth-To enlarge the powers of the Ad- in 1924, the Association has become incor- visory Committee, under the name of the porated with power to hold and dispose of Advisory Council by including the chief property; the affiliation of eight local associa- executive officer of each group as well as of each tions or chapters brought into this Association local association or chapter, and chairman OF a large number of associate members, and the each standing committee." Amended Constitution of Special Libraries Association, Approved by the Executive Board, March 11, 1929 Name Nominations for Ofice SECTION1. The name of the Association Ssc. 5. At least three months prior to the shall be the Special Libraries Association. annual meeting the President, with the ap- proval of the Executive Board, shall appoint a Nominating Committee of five, no one of whom Object shall be a member of the Executive Board, to SEC.2. The object of the Association shall nominate officers for the ensuing year. be to promote the collection, organization and Names of candidates for office, together with dissc~ninationof information, to develop the their written acceptances, shall be presented usefulness and efficiency of special libraries and to the Executive Board by the Nominating other research organizations, and to encourage Conmittee six weeks before the annual meeting. the professional welfare of its members. Non~inationsshall be printed in the official organ of the Association one month before the annual meeting. Further nominations may be made upon the Sac. 3. The officers of the Association shall written petition of ten active members. be a President, a first Vice-president, a second Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and Dzrties of O$cers three Directors. SEC.6. (a) The president shall preside at the The Directors, after the first year, shall be meetings of the Executive Board and at the elected for three years, and at the first election general meetmgs of the Association. With the after the adoption of this Constitution, one shall Secretary he shall, under the direction of the be elected for one year, one for two years, and Executive Board and in the name and on be- one for three years. half of the Association, sign and execute all The Secretary shall be appointed annually contracts and obligations. He shall, by and by the Executive Board. with the consent of the Executive Board ap- point all committees, and shall perform such Other officers shall be elected for one year, or other acts as are usually required of such an until their successors are elected and qualified. officer. The last retiring President shall be a member (b) The Vice-presidents shall perform the of the Executive Board for the year following duties usually required of such oficers. At the his retirement. request of the President, or during his in- ability to perform the duties of his office, the Executive Board First Vice-President shall act as President. Upon the absence or disability of the First SEC. 4. The officers nalned in Section 3, Vice-president the Second Vice-president shall except the Secretary, shall constitute the Ex- so act. ecutive Board, which shall administer the business of the Association, except such duties (c) The Secretary shall keep a record of all as are specifically assigned by vote of the general meetings of the Association and of the Association to other officers or committees of Executive Board. He shall have the right to the Association. speak on any question before the Executive Board, but without the right to vote. He The Executive Board shall meet upon the shall have charge of the general office; he shall call of the President at such intervals as he may keep a record of names and addresses of all deem necessary. It shall also meet upon the members; he shall issue bills and collect ac- written request of any three members of the counts; he shall be responsible for all work in board. connection with the publication of the journal, A majority of the Executive Board shall con- except such as is cared for by the Editor; he stitute a quorum. shall sign and attest all conveyances of property, written contracts and obligations, and shall members actively engaged in the work of the perform such other duties as may be requested proposed group. The Executive Board may by the Executive Board. His term of service at its discretion recommend the discontinuance may be termiriated after one month's written of a group when in its opinion the usefulness of notice by either party. that group has ceased. Such recommendation to be effective shall be approved by the As- (d) The Treasurer shall have the custody sociation. ,of the funds of the Association, and shall keep a record of and disburse such funds in accord- Advisory Council ance with the action of the Executive Board. He shall furnish a statement of the finances of Sec. 10. There shall be an Advisory Coun- the Association at each annual meeting and at cil, consisting of the executive officer of each such other timcs as may be requested by the local association or chapter and group, and the Executive Board. chairman of each standing committee.
Committees
SEC. 7. All committees shall be appointed Sac. 11. There shall be five classes of rnem- by the President, with the approval of the bers: Executive Board, and such committees shall be responsible to the Executive Board. Class l-Active. For any person engaged in or interested in library, statistical or research Local AssociaLions and Ckaplers work. Active members shall be entitled to re- ceive the journal, and to have a vote at all SEC. 8. Local associations or chapters may business meetings of the Association. be established by the Executive Board upon receipt of a written petition signed by not less Class 2-Associate. For any person engaged than ten members of the Association, residing in or interested in library, research or statistical in the territory within which the local associa- work. Associate members shall have full tion or chapter is desired, but no local associa- privileges in local associations or chapters, but tion or chapter shall be formed without the shall not havc the right to vote at business consent of the Executive Board. meetings of the Association. Such local associations or chapters may make Class 3-Institutional. For any Library, firm rules for their government not inconsistent with or other organization maintaining a library or the Constitution and By-Laws of Special Li- interested in library work. Such institution braries Association. Every member of Special may designate its representative in the Associa- Libraries Association shall be deemed to be a tion. An institutional member shall be entitled member of that local association or chapter to all privileges of active membership, and to which is nearest geographically to his residence, receive all publications of the Association, and unless he otherwise requests. to have their names published in the list of such metnbers in the journal. Expenses of local associations or chapters Class 4-Honorary. For any person who has shall be met from the general treasury. Each shown distinguished interest in the special such association or chapter shall submit an- library field. The name may be proposed by nually a budget of the amount needed to cover the Executive Board and the election shall be such expenses. After approval by the Execu- lielcl at the next annual meeting of the Associa- tive Board the treasurer shall be authorized to tion. Honorary members shall, wlthout obliga- pay the amounts thus approved to the local tion, have all rights and privileges of Act~ve treasurer or other designated official. Addi- members. tional funds may be issued upon application to the Executive Board. Class 5-Life. For any person who shall pay one hundred dollars at one time. Life members Groups shall, without further obligation, have all the rights and privileges of Active members. SEC. 9. The Executive Board may create groups relating to definite interests of special Dues libraries which are actively represented in the Associatio~i. Petitions for the establishment of SEC. 12. The annual dues to the Association a group shall be presented by not less than ten shall be determined by the Executive Board, and may be changed from time to time, but Ante~zdments no change shall be effective without notice to SEC. Constitution may beamended members. by a three-fourths vote of those present, and voting at any annual business meeting of the Meetings Association, provided that notice of the amend- ments to be brought before such meeting be SEC.13. Annual business meetings shall be sent to each voting nlember of the Association held at the time and place named by the at least one month before consideration. Such Executive Board upon notice duly given to amendment may be proposed by the Executive voting members. The Executive Board shall Board or by a duly elected committee of the have power to call such special meetings as may Association, or by any ten voting members of be necessary, upon notice mailed to such mem- the Association. bers at least six weeks in advance of the meeting.- By-Laws
Qxorwz SEC.16. By-Laws may be adopted or can- celled by vote of the members present and SEC.14. Fifty members sliall constitute a voting at any regular meeting of the Associa- quorum. tion. By-Laws of the Association
So. l-The membership of any person, firm shall clcternline thc rates, if any, to be charged or organization whose dues shall be two years for subscription. in arrears shall auto~naticallycease. No. 6-The Editor shall be appointed by the No. 2-The fiscal year of the Association shall Executive Board. He shall have charge of the be the calendar year. publ~cationof the journal, and shall carry out the editorial policy appro\?cd by the board. No, 3-The Executive Board may by vote He shall attend the meetings of the Executive affiliate with the Association any national Board, and shall have the right to speak on any society having purposes similar to those of the question before the board, but without the right Speclal Libraries Association, or in like manner to vote. His term of service may be termin- cause the Association to be affiliated with any ated after one month's writtan notice by either national society having similar purposes. The party. Executive Board may by vote cancel an affiliation when in its opinion such affiliation is No. 7-The standing committees shall be undesirable, but such vote to be effective shall as follows: Auditing, Membership, News, be approved by the Association. Publications, and Resolutions, and such other committees as may be deemed necessary. No. 4-The Executive Board may prescribe such clues or fees as may be required for the No. 8-The Advisory Council shall mcet purpose of affiliation, and may make provisions with the Executive Board before or during the and agreements concerning annual or special annual conference, and shall submit to the meetings in conjunction with such affiliated Executive Board such recon~n~endationsas are organizations. deemed advisable. Each local association or chapter and group may designate an alternate No. 5-The Association shall publish an to represent it in the Advisory Council whenever official organ, the control of which shall be the attendance of the executive officer is pre- vested in the Executive Board. The Board vented.
Pages 99-102 deleted, advertising.