Classification
DDC vs LCC: Choosing a Cataloging Workflow
Choosing between DDC and LCC affects staff work, shelf arrangement, and the experience of finding materials. A selector in a formatting tool cannot make that institutional decision. Start with the collection and the records you maintain.
Compare the work each system requires
| Decision | DDC workflow | LCC workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Class notation | Numeric classes with decimal extension | Letter classes followed by numbers and applicable subdivisions |
| Source to consult | Dewey schedules and instructions | LC schedules and shelflisting instructions |
| Within-class filing | Check the library’s chosen book-mark practice | Check applicable Cutter and shelflisting practice |
| Tool input | Supply the reviewed DDC class | Supply the reviewed LC classification components |
These are workflow distinctions, not a ranking of quality. Both require subject analysis and consistent application. Official starting points are OCLC’s Dewey resources and LC’s classification resources.
Test a representative set of books
Select a small sample that includes straightforward titles, interdisciplinary works, local materials, and multi-volume sets. For each one, record the availability of a matching source record, the time needed to verify its class, and any questions that require specialist review. A sample drawn only from the easiest titles hides the cost of the difficult part of the collection.
Include shelving and public-service staff in the exercise. Ask them to locate the sample items using a mock shelf list and a printed label. An arrangement that is easy to produce but hard to explain can move work from technical services to the service desk.
Account for an existing collection
If a library already uses one system consistently, continuity has practical value. Reclassification includes editing records, printing and applying labels, moving materials, updating signage, and explaining changed locations. Estimate each task before deciding that a different notation will solve a discovery problem.
A fictional library with 8,000 volumes might first improve location names and shelf guides instead of converting every record. Another collection might have a specific subject area that warrants a separately planned arrangement. The right decision depends on the demonstrated problem and the resources available to maintain the result.
Use the generator after the decision
Switching from DDC to LC in LibCatalogTools does not translate one classification into the other. A Dewey number cannot simply be placed in the LC Number box and treated as a converted class. Reclassification requires a new subject decision using the selected scheme.
Write down the adopted system, reference sources, author-mark conventions, and exception handling in a local policy. Then configure label work to follow it. Review the policy whenever a recurring exception starts producing inconsistent records or labels.
Frequently asked questions
Can a library maintain more than one arrangement?
Yes, but distinguish collections and document the arrangement so readers and staff can find materials consistently.
Does LC mode convert a DDC class?
No. It changes the form and label layout; classification must be supplied independently.
References and further reading
Official references support the standards discussed here. Worked examples and local workflow suggestions are instructional illustrations.