A comparative study of problems of classification numbers in Dewey Decimal Classification System and Library of Congress Classification System for Thai Buddhist books
Abstract:
The purposes of this research are: To study the development of schedules and notations for Buddhism in the Dewey Decimal Classification System, the Library of Congress Classification System, and the Dewey Decimal Classifications schedules for Buddhism, revised and enlarged for use in the National Library of Thailand. To point out the advantages and disadvantages of those classification schedules and notation by comparing them with Thai books on Buddhism. The information and data shown in this research are obtained from books, and periodicals related to the theory of book classification; and Buddhism among which the Tripitaka is the main source. Research results conclude that 89.29 percent of notations that can be used for Thai books about Buddhism are those of the Library of Congress Classification System, 39.23 percent is the Dewey Decimal Classification, and 52.91 percent is the Dewey Decimal Classification revised and enlarged for use in the National Library of Thailand. The results also reveal that Buddhist Scripture, Tripitaka, is not regarded as the source for hierarchy of notations in the classification schedules; 41.62 percent of the Library Congresss notations are according to the Tripitaka, and about 27 percent are those of the Dewey Decimal Classification. Using different notations for same topics as well as using same notation for different topics in the schedules also cause some defects. The researcher recommends that: 1. The notations for Buddhism in a classification schedule should followed the hierarchy of topics in the Tripitaka, and schedules for Buddhism in other classification systems should be studied. 2. It is also suggested that content analysis of books on Buddhism should be done to detect predominant areas so as to form guidelines for revision or expansion of a classification system. 3. For libraries in Thailand, where there are many books on Buddhism, a suitable classification schedule for Buddhism should be proposed.