5.2 Developing a classification sheme
When developing a classification scheme, it is useful to work
with members of the resource centre advisory committee
(see Section 2.2) and/or other users, as these people will
have a greater knowledge of the subjects to be covered by the
resource centre.
5.2.1 How to develop a classification scheme
Start with a brainstorming session, to identify as many subject
areas of interest as possible. Compare the list of subjects
with subject areas identified by the most recent needs assessment
(see Section 1.1) to make sure that
none have been missed.
On your own, write each subject on a separate piece of paper.
Arrange the pieces of paper in order, ranging from broad subjects
to narrower subjects.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Non-communicable
diseases |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Place similar broad subjects near each other.
|
|
| Reproductive
and sexual health |
|
|
When all the pieces of paper are arranged in a logical order,
write down the order on a sheet of paper. Show it to the resource
centre advisory committee or other users to obtain their agreement.
Seeing the subjects in order will help them to notice if any
subjects are missing.
Once the list of subjects has been agreed, write a classification
number next to each subject. It is best if the classification
numbers are made up of letters and numbers. It is easier to
remember the letter(s) for a main class, combined with a number
for a subsidiary class, than a long list of numbers. It also
makes it easier to distinguish different classes on the shelf,
both when looking for materials and re-shelving.
Do not automatically assign a full sequence of letters (ABCDE…)
or numbers (12345…). It is important to leave gaps that
can be used when new subjects are added, or when subject areas
are expanded. The examples of the Healthlink Worldwide Classification
Scheme in Section 5.2.3 show that there is plenty of room to
add new classification numbers for main subjects, but little
room for expanding the HC classification.
5.2.2 How to extend the classification scheme
If the resource centre collection expands into new subject areas
(for example, emerging diseases such as hypertension), you may
need to add new subjects to your classification scheme.
First, check the classification scheme carefully to make sure
that there really is no suitable subject to describe the new
material. Then find the most appropriate place in the list to
add the new subject. Decide whether it is a main subject or
a subsidiary subject, and add it next to the subject most similar
to it. Give the new subject a classification number and description.
If possible, give a classification number that leaves room
for further expansion. For example, in the Healthlink Worldwide
Primary Health Care Classification Scheme subsidiary subject
areas, the new subject, ‘Hypertension’ (a kind of
cardiovascular disease) could easily be added after the subject
‘Cardiovascular diseases’ and assigned the classification
number HC9.24 (see below).
5.2.3 Healthlink Worldwide Primary Health Care Classification
Scheme
Healthlink Worldwide compiled its own classification scheme
in the mid-1980s. The scheme has been revised regularly to incorporate
new subject areas covered by Healthlink Worldwide’s resource
centre, reflecting emerging health issues.
The scheme covers the main subjects in primary health care
and disability issues. Each main subject area is identified
by two letters. For example, materials on diseases and disease
control are identified by the letters HC. Each main subject
area is divided into more specific, subsidiary subjects which
are identified by numbers. For example, materials on immunisation
are identified by HC3 and materials on non-communicable diseases
are identified by HC9.
The Healthlink Worldwide Classification Scheme is used by many
organisations, in either its original or an adapted form.
Main subject areas
AA POLITICS, ECONOMICS & DEVELOPMENT
AB Culture & Society
AD Population
AF NGOs
HA PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
HB Community Health Care
HC Diseases/Disease Control
HE Nutrition
HJ Medical Services
HK Medical Equipment & Health Facilities
HL Women's Health
HM Mother & Child Health
HN Reproductive Health & Sexual Health
HO Children & Youth
HP Traditional Health Care & Alternative Therapies
HQ Disability & Rehabilitation
HR Oral & Dental Health
HS Urban Health
HV Health Planning & Health Management
HW Health Services
HX Health Personnel & Training
HY Health Communication
HZ Regional Information
TA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
TB Energy
TC Environment
TG Water & Sanitation
TH Food Production & Agriculture
TJ Gender & Development
TK Appropriate Technology
WA Information Services & Information Management
Subsidiary subject areas
HC DISEASES & DISEASE CONTROL
HC1 Diseases & Disease Control – general
HC2 Diagnosis & Management
HC3 Immunisation
HC4 Communicable diseases
HC4.2 tuberculosis
HC4.3 sexually transmitted infections
HC4.4 HIV/AIDS
HC5 Diarrhoeal Diseases
HC6 Respiratory Diseases
HC7 Parasitic Diseases
HC7.2 malaria
HC8 Environmental Health & Occupational Health
HC9 Non-Communicable Diseases
HC9.1 cancer
HC9.2 cardiovascular diseases
HC9.3 congenital conditions
HC9.4 diabetes
HC9.7 rheumatism / arthritis
next: 5.3 Assigning key
words
top of page
