It is a system for organizing and categorizing knowledge. Classification also brings related items together in a useful sequence from the general to the specific. For our kitchen example, we can go from general to specific for edible items (food → refrigerated food → dairy → milk → skim milk).

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In a library, books and resources are classified (or grouped) together so that patrons can easily find what they need. Classification is grouping like items together using the notation of the library’s authorized classification scheme.

Traditionally, the classification grouping was used for shelving purposes, but it has additional value as a topical grouping mechanism for collection development and user discovery of related resources. Classification provides a logical approach to the categorization of these resources as a subject-organizing tool. Web resources can also be classified even though they aren’t physically shelved.

Examples of classification schemes used by libraries:

• Library of Congress Classification (LCC)
• Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
• National Library of Medicine (NLM) Classification