[WEB4LIB] Re: Use of DDC in web displays

[Dan Lester]

Sure, there are better models, and Colon is one of them, mainly
because it provides the multiple access points that the others don't.
However, if anyone thinks that any real library with more than about a
thousand books would ever consider changing, they're dreaming.

Yes, we should continue to work on classification systems and use them
where appropriate, but the idea of reclassifying physical books is
just not reasonable.

Happy New Year,

dan


Tuesday, January 02, 2001, 10:04:24 AM, you wrote:

LE> Obviously we need better ones that are better than what we are using.  The
LE> problem is in looking to Dewey and LCC as models.  How about someone
LE> fleshing out the Colon Classification System that Ranganathon suggested?  I
LE> have always heard a few libraries in India use it so why not give that a
LE> try.  Lets base are model on something innovative not the tired system that
LE> needs to be replaced.  

LE> Backwards compatability is something that comes at a cost.  As an example
LE> look at MARC.  We conform to a standard that was really keen for those
LE> highspeed printers envisioned for the 60's that could use this wonderful
LE> code to produce records.  Great but we end up using printer code for the
LE> basis of a  database!  Lets at least get modern and use postscript.
  



-- 
Dan Lester, Data Wrangler  dan at RiverOfData.com
3577 East Pecan, Boise, Idaho  83716-7115 USA
www.riverofdata.com  www.postcard.org  www.gailndan.com