The qualitative characteristics or attributes that are inherent in a classification scheme are known as mnemonic values. These characteristics make it easier to form classes for language and literature almost entirely without consulting the schedule, as well as to apply different tables—especially those with standard subdivision notations—to different subject fields and create class numbers by applying those traits to a variety of subjects, especially geography, history, statistics, and geology.

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The following table lists the mnemonics used in the disciplines of geography, geology, statistics, and history:

Mnemonics in Language with form class:

From the following examples, we should be able to determine that form class drawing from memory can be used to build up classification numbers showing different forms in different languages:

Mnemonics in Literature:

Numbers can also be constructed in literature using mnemonic values, i.e.

Mnemonics in Standard subdivision:

Examples

Dictionary (-03) of biochemistry (572) =572.03

Dictionary (-03) of sociology (301) =301.03

Outlines (-0202) of biophysics (571.4) = 571.40202

Synopsis (-0202) of Management (658) = 658.0202

Here, the Standard Subdivision (SS) -03 for “Dictionary and encyclopedias’, and -0202 for ‘synopses and outlines’ have been used for biochemistry, sociology, biophysics and management, just as they could be used for all other subjects because of some inherent common value of the schedule, which is called mnemonic value.

The other Standard Subdivision (SS) can therefore be used in the same way as language and literature with the exception of the following subjects: -05 “Serial publications,” -06 “Organizations and management,” -07 “Education and research,” -088 “Occupational and religious groups,” -089 “Ethnic and national groups,” -09 “Historical and geographical treatment,” etc. Because the classification scheme saves time and labor for the classifier, manager, and reader—and ultimately money for the information institution—it plays a significant role in the economy of libraries.

Subdivisions in General Subjects:

In the Dewey decimal classification scheme, the physical aspects or subdivisions in general subjects are not the same as those in Language and Literature. To make a sharp distinction between the nature and use of standard subdivisions (ss) used in general subjects and the subdivisions (or classes used in Language and Literature), let us first mention those subdivisions separately in these three categories according to the 22nd ed. of DDC.

1. Standard subdivisions used in general subjects:

Philosophy and theory = -01

Synopses, outlines =-0202

Dictionary, encyclopedias, concordances=-03

Serial publications=-05

Organizations and management = -06

Education, research, and related topics = -07

Historical, geographic, and person treatment = -09.

Now, we can build up complete classification numbers by adding these ss to any general subjects, viz.

• Theory of Sociology (301) = 301.01
• Outlines of Management (658) = 658.0202

Subdivisions (Form class) in Language:

• Writing systems, phonology, phonetics=-1
• Etymology=-2
• Dictionaries=-3
• Grammar=-5
• Historical and geographic variations = -7
• Standard usage; Applied linguistics = -8

Therefore, we can build up complete classification number, like:

• English etymology=422
• German dictionaries=433
• French Grammar=4452.

Subdivisions (Form class) in Literature:

• Poetry=-1
• Drama=-2
• Fiction=-3
• Essays=-4
• Speeches=-5
• Letters=-6
• Miscellaneous writings=-8

Therefore, we can similarly build up complete classification numbers, like:

• English drama=822
• German fiction=833
• French essays= 844

From the foretasted examples, it appears that subdivisions like ‘Phonology, phonetics’, Etymology’, ‘Grammar’, etc. in Literature do not occur with, or have no meaning in general subjects. For instance, there cannot be any book like ‘Grammar of Sociology’, or ‘Poetry of Physics’, or ‘Drama in Biology’! For general subjects, we find subdivisions like philosophy and theory, Synopses and outlines, Periodicals or serials, Organizations and management, Education and research, Historical and geographical treatment, etc. These subdivisions do not equally match with subdivisions in Language and Literature in nature, meaning and significance. Thus, alternatively, there cannot be any book like ‘Philosophy of English language’, or ‘Organizations and management of English poetry’ or “Education and research of German dictionary’! This is the reason why the general SS are different from the subdivisions in Language and Literature.

The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system is highly esteemed for its systematic organization of library materials. This system enables easy access and efficient retrieval of information spanning diverse subjects. The DDC comprises ten main classes, each further divided into more specific categories. This comprehensive and detailed classification accommodates a vast array of knowledge and literature. Employing a numerical system, the DDC ensures a standardized method of categorizing books and resources that is universally recognized and adopted by libraries worldwide. The flexibility of the DDC allows for continuous updates and expansion to include new fields of study and emerging topics, ensuring its relevance in an ever-evolving information landscape. Subdivisions within the DDC provide a nuanced approach to classification, enabling librarians and users to pinpoint materials with greater precision, thereby enhancing the overall user experience in locating specific information.

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