Universal Decimal Classification

Generic Codes. Generic, functional, or other significant aspects may be recorded for independent searching within unique or nonunique codes. Examples are "semantic codes (37) and Universal decimal classification. 

The Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) is an effort to ride both horses at once. It succeeds within a fixed path directed from Brussels, but not in the struggle to serve academic, industrial, and military needs for bibliographic control. Though the decimal classification has shifted from positioning books to positioning index cards, it is still a position-designating system with only limited applicability to the infinitely variable demands of subject searching. 

Apart from the use of vocabulary control, there are many systems which aid retrieval by classification. (Indeed, vocabulary control is only one form of classification). It has already been mentioned that the secondary services commonly classify and rearrange the documents they cover. These classifications are frequently computerised and so can be used for computer retrieval. For example, the Universal Decimal Classification 44) is in use as a basis of computerised systems (e. g. 45)j. Much work is also going on in the development of automatic classifications, based on cluster analysis techniques 46,47). In these cases the classification may be applied by assigning the appropriate codes to file items stored in some entirely different order (e. g. chronologically or alphabetically by source journal). Alternatively, the classification scheme may be used as a basis for organising the file, so that all file items falling into a particular class occur together. This is most commonly achieved by the use of the inverted file approach discussed in Section II. 

Key to Information, Universal Decimal Classification, FID Pnbl. 466, International Federation for Documentation, The Hague (1970). 

UDC 1000 BS 1000 [666] 1984. Universal Decimal Classifications. Glass Industry, Ceramics, Cement and Concrete. 

BS 1000[665] 1979 Universal Decimal Classification. Second English full edition. Oils. Fats. Waxes. Adhesives. Gums. Resins. 

A modification of the Dewey system with extensions of certain classes, which has been internationally adopted and is kept abreast of modern developments, is known as the Universal Decimal Classification. It is more suitable for the arrangement of documents as in an information file than for the placing of books on shelves, and for this reason its use is mainly confined to special libraries. It is uncommon in American libraries. 

Its List of Accessions to the Library consists of four weekly issues published together every month. Arranged by the Universal Decimal Classification it catalogues all new books and journals received by the library during that period. 

In Great Britain 17 libraries have been designated official depositories for the unclassified reports issued by the UKAEA. Copies are also sent by a mutual exchange arrangement to USAEC depository libraries in the United States. These reports are full-size copies bearing the Universal Decimal Classification number and are issued in the following series DEG Reports, Memoranda, and Information Series PG Reports, Memoranda, and Information... 

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