OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Libraries and classifications systems are not as innocent of political or theoretical content as we generally believe. Instead of debating whether they are capable of being neutral or objective, perhaps we need to shift our question to – who or which group is likely to be more objective?

Classification systems are not like theories rather they are theories, which present a framework for the representation of knowledge. We have critiqued the Dewey Decimal Classification as it is most widely used in India and most training institutions concentrate mainly on it. Our critique raises important issues of Euro-centrism and gender insensitivity.

The Akshara Classification System has attempted to overcome the structural and theoretical issues, which have emerged in this critique in the context of women’s issues. It does have its own limitations as it is mainly suited for small collections and for social science themes.

We devised this system as an alternative when none were available. We do not posit it as the answer to the problems of formal systems. Rather as a demonstration that alternatives need to be created to meet a variety of demands.

In India, especially we have the domination of a few traditional systems and we have not challenged their claims of universalism. Ranganathan’s path breaking work has not seen any successors and the reasons could lie in our methods of teaching library science and our mindset of accepting formulated systems. Today Library Science is receding into the pages of history as Information Science is taking over. The computer and the Internet has opened up vistas of information and created new problems of classification and retrieval. As the first step of progressing into that arena of dialogue and new creations, we have to give up our dependence on traditional systems. This does not mean we do not use the DDC but not view it as the only relevant one to be used without a theoretical critique.

Familiarity with other larger and smaller classifications will give students of Library Science the ability to shift from one to the other with ease. Students are rarely given assignments to create their own systems for a variety of subjects as well as material in different formats like the Net, music or postage stamps. Such exercises are commonly used amongst law students who are made to experiment with designing new laws on social issues.

By encouraging a thousand flowers to bloom, we are encouraging experiments, alternatives and discussion on classification systems to flourish. Lastly, another change can be made within libraries. Classification is seen as a mechanical task after a certain amount of training. Rather it is an intellectual task, which requires discussion and dialogue between classifiers. This forum needs to be formed and/or strengthened for the constant revision of systems.

Nandita Gandhi is a Founder Member of Akshara Resource Centre, Mumbai.