Classification Made Simple

Eric Hunter is Emeritus Professor of Information Management, Liverpool John Moores University, UK. His numerous monographic publications include a number of well-known student and practitioner texts that have been used throughout the world and his work has been translated into several languages.

• Contents: Introduction; What is classification?; Classification in an information system; Faceted classification; Practical examples of faceted classification schemes; Hierarchical classification; Practical examples of hierarchical enumerative classification schemes; The use of synthesis in a basically enumerative scheme; Synthesis grafted on to an enumerative scheme; More about notation; More about schedule and citation order; Other features of classification schemes; The relationship between classification and alphabetical authority lists of indexing terms - the compilation of thesauri; Classification as a search tool; Classification and the internet; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

Acclaim for the second edition:- This is a clearly written, well-paced, authoritative and comprehensive introduction to conventional classification for information retrieval, manual or automated. But do not keep it to yourself - if you have colleagues in the IT department concerned with search and retrieval then buy them a copy too. It will repay its cost time and again in the future. Managing Information The ideas in this volume are of great relevance to any information professional concerned with information discovery. Library Collections, Acquisitions and Technical Services. This book with its simplicity and practicality has no rival for learning the science and turbulently advancing discipline of classification. Knowledge Organisation The work deserves a far wider circulation than the cosy little world of libraries and information services. New Library World. Any reader who is concerned with the organisation of information so that others can retrieve it, or with the retrieval of information, or with both (and, by definition, all readers should fall into one of these categories) should read this well written book. The British Journal of Healthcare Computing Reviews of the 3rd edition: 'It is always a pleasure to catch up with an old friend, so it is with Hunter's book...this updated classic makes a welcome appearance to carry on the excellent work of the previous editions.' New Library World Vol 111 no 9-10, 2010 'Classification Made Simple is an excellent introductory text that I would readily recommend to library and information science students (catalogers in particular).' Technicalities Vol 30 No 5, 2010 'Overall this is an effective introduction to the concepts of classification and will serve well as a first step for students and researchers interested in pursuing more advanced study of classification. It includes a helpful index and bibliography, as well as notes and references at the end of each chapter. Overall this book is a useful addition to the literature of librarianship.' Library Collections, Acquisitions and Technical Services 'Hunter's descriptions bring classification schemes alive. This is a lucid and lively book, with many interesting examples. Who should read it? Beginning students in library science, anyone involved in information organisation projects (including IT professionals), those developing and maintaining thesauri and taxonomies. It is a useful "refresher" read as well as an introductory text. Thoroughly recommended.' Library Management