Faceted classification
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A faceted classification is a classification scheme used in organizing knowledge into a systematic order. A faceted classification uses semantic categories, either general or subject-specific, that are combined to create the full classification entry. Many library classification systems use a combination of a fixed, enumerative taxonomy of concepts with subordinate facets that further refine the topic.
A faceted classification is a classification scheme used in organizing knowledge into a systematic order. A faceted classification uses semantic categories, either general or subject-specific, that are combined to create the full classification entry. Many library classification systems use a combination of a fixed, enumerative taxonomy of concepts with subordinate facets that further refine the topic.
Examples of faceted classifications
The UDC has an overall taxonomy of knowledge that is extended with a number of facets, such as language, form, place and time. Each facet has its own symbol in the notation, such as: "=" for language; "-02" for materials, "[...]" for subordinate concepts.
Faceted Classification for Occupational Safety and Health
D. J. Foskett, a member of the Classification Research Group in London, developed classification of occupational safety and health materials for the library of the International Labour Organization. After a study of the literature in the field, he created the classification with the following facets: Facet A: Occupational Safety and Health: General Facet B: Special Classes of Workers, Industries Facet C: Sources of Hazards: Fire, Machinery, etc. Facet D: Industrial Accidents and Diseases Facet E: Preventive Measures, Protection Facet F: Organisation, Administration Notation was solely alphabetic, with the sub-facets organized hierarchically using extended codes, such as "g Industrial equipment and processes", "ge Machines".
Art and Architecture Thesaurus (AAT)
While not strictly a classification system, the AAT uses facets similar to those of Ranganathan's Colon Classification: Associated Concepts (e.g., philosophy) Physical Attributes Styles and Periods Agents (People/Organizations) Activities (similar to Ranganathan's Energy) Materials (similar to Ranganathan's Matter) Objects (similar to Ranganathan's Personality)
Comparison between faceted and single hierarchical classification
Hierarchical classification refers to the classification of objects using one single hierarchical taxonomy. Faceted classification may actually employ hierarchy in one or more of its facets, but allows for the use of more than one taxonomy to classify objects. Faceted classification systems allow the assignment of multiple classifications to an object, and enable those classifications to be applied by searchers in multiple ways, rather than in a single, predetermined order. Multiple facets may be used as a first step in a search process. For example, one may start from language or subject. Hierarchical classification systems are developed classes that are subdivided from the most general subjects to the most specific. Faceted classification systems allow for the combination of facets to filter the set of objects rapidly. In addition, the facets can be used to address multiple classification criteria. A faceted system focuses on the important, essential or persistent characteristics of content objects, helping it to be useful for categorization of fine-grained rapidly changing repositories. In faceted classification systems one does not have to know the name of the category into which an object is placed a priori. A controlled vocabulary is presented with the number of documents matching each vocabulary term. New facets may be created at any time without disruption of a single hierarchy or reorganizing other facets. Faceted classification systems make few assumptions about the scope and organization of the domain. It is difficult to break a faceted classification schema.
See also
References
Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1328235803 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.