COLON CLASSIFICATION
Colon classification (CC) is a system of library classification developed by S. R. Ranganathan. It was the first
ever faceted (or analytico-synthetic) classification Its name "colon classification" comes from the use of colons to
separate facets in class numbers The colon classification uses 42 main classes that are combined with other letters,
numbers and marks
Facets
CC uses five primary categories, or facets, to further specify the sorting of a publication. Collectively, they are
called PMEST:
, Personality
; Matter or property
: Energy
. Space
' Time
Classes
The following are the main classes of CC, with some subclasses, the main method used to sort the subclass using the
PMEST scheme and examples showing application of PMEST.
z Generalia
1 Universe of Knowledge
2 Library Science
3 Book science
4 Journalism
B Mathematics
B1 Arithmetic
B13 Theory of numbers
B2 Algebra
B23 Algebraic equations
B25 Higher Algebra
B3 Analysis
B33 Differential Equations [equation] , [degree] , [order] : [problem]
B331,1,2:1 Numerical solutions (:1) of ordered (331) linear (,1) second order (,2) differential equations
B37 Real Variables
B38 Complex Variables
B4 Other Methods
B6 Geometry
B7 Mechanics
B8 Physico-Mathematics
B9 Astronomical Mathematics
C Physics
C1 Fundamentals of Physics
C2 Properties of Matter
C3 Sound
C4 Heat
C5 Light and Radiation
C6 Electricity
C7 Magnetism
C8 Cosmic Hypothesis
D Engineering
E Chemistry
facets
:1 General Chemistry
:2 Physical Chemistry
:3 Analytical Chemistry
:33 Qualitative Chemistry
:34 Quantitative Chemistry
:35 Volumetric Chemistry
:4 Synthetic Chemistry
:5 Extraction Chemistry
E1 Inorganic Chemistry
E10 Group 0
E11 Group 1
E110 Hydrogen
E1109 Lithium
E111 Sodium
E2 Hydroxl (Base)
E3 Acid
E4 Salt
E5 Organic Substance
F Technology
G Biology
H Geology
H1 Mineralogy
H2 Petrology
H3 Structural Geology
H4 Dynamic Geology
H5 Stratigraphy
H6 Paleontology
H7 Economic Geology
H8 Cosmic Hypothesis
HX Mining
I Botany
J Agriculture
facets
:1 Soil
:3 Propagation
:4 Disease
:5 Development
:6 Breeding
:7 Harvest
:91 Nomenclature
:92 Morphology
:93 Physiology
:95 Ecology
material facets
,2 Bulb
,3 Root
,4 Stem
,5 Leaf
,6 Flower
,7 Fruit
,8 Seed
,97 Whole Plant
J1 Horticulture
J2 Feed
J3 Food
J4 Stimulant
J5 Oil
J6 Drug
J7 Fabric
J8 Dye
K Zoology (same facet schedule as I Botany)
KZ Animal Husbandry (same facet schedule as I Botany)
L Medicine [organ]:[problem],[cause]:[handling]
LZ3 Pharmacology [substance].[action],[organ]
LZ5 Pharmacopoeia
M Useful arts
M7 Textiles [material]:[work]
Δ Spiritual experience and mysticism [religion],[entity]:[problem]
N Fine arts
NA Architecture [style] , [utility] , [part] : [technique]
ND Sculpture [style] , [figure] ; [material] : [technique]
NN Engraving
NQ Painting [style] , [figure] ; [material] : [technique]
NR Music [style] , [music] ; [instrument] : [technique]
O Literature
P Linguistics
Q Religion
R Philosophy
S Psychology
T Education
U Geography
V History
W Political science
X Economics
Y Sociology
Z Law
A common example of the colon classification is:

"Research in the cure of the tuberculosis of lungs by x-ray conducted in India in 1950s":

Main classification is Medicine


Within Medicine, the Lungs are the main concern


(Medicine,Lungs;Tuberculosis:Treatment;X-ray:Research.India)
During the time (') of 1950


(Medicine,Lungs;Tuberculosis:Treatment;X-ray:Research)
This Research is performed within a geographical space (.) namely India


(Medicine,Lungs;Tuberculosis:Treatment;X-ray)
And this discussion of treatment is regarding the Research phase


(Medicine,Lungs;Tuberculosis:Treatment)
The matter that we are treating the Tuberculosis with are X-Rays


(Medicine,Lungs;Tuberculosis)
The Tuberculosis is being performed (:) on, that is the intent is to cure (Treatment)


(Medicine,Lungs)
The property of the Lungs is that they are afflicted with Tuberculosis


(Medicine)
(Medicine,Lungs;Tuberculosis:Treatment;X-ray:Research.India'1950)
And translating into the codes listed for each subject and facet the classification becomes

L,45;421:6;253:f.44'N5
PHASE RELATION
A phase relation is the assembling together of two or more of subjects (Basic or Compound)
one and the same facet, or isolate ideas in one and the same array).
isolate ideas (iii
Assembling is done to express one or the other of possible relations between the components of the assembly. The
result is a complex subject, complex isolate idea, or a complex array isolate idea, as the case may be. Each
component in the assembly, in its turn, is called a "phase". They are called "phase 1" and "phase 2" as determined
by their sequence in the assemblage.
8.3.1
Types of Phase Relation
There are three types of phase relation. The relation may be between
i) Two or more subjects, known as Inter-Subject Phase Relation; or
ii) Two or more isolates within one and-die same schedule of facet isolates, known
as Intra-Facet Phase Relation; or
iii) Two or more isolates within one and the same array of isolates, known as IntraA"
Phase Relation.
Inter-Subject Phase Relation
In inter-subject phase relation, we notice an interaction between two subjects.
Consider, for example, the following titles:
Sociology for economists
Statistical analysis in library management
Weather forecasting for the cultivation of the rice crop
In the first example, two main classes are involved; ~ sociology and economics. The specific: subject of this title is
sociology, expounded to suit the special needs of economists. In the second example, the statistical analysis is a
tool subject used in managing libraries. Here, the two subjects involved are library science and statistics. 'The two
compound subjects in the third example are weather forecasting frommeteorology and rice cultivation from
agriculture.
Intra-Facet Phase Relation
In intra-facet phase relation, we see two isolate ideas of the same facet interact to form, a complex subject, For
example:
Comparative study of Buddhism and Jainism
Difference between democracy and oligarchy
Influence of aristocracy on rural folks In the first example, the comparative study, is between two religious faiths
belongingto the facet religion. In the second, the study is between two isolates of the same facet type of state in
political science. Application to Library In the third example, what is studied is the influence of aristocracy on rural
people. Both these isolates belong to the same facet social groups in sociology. The following diagram displays the
infrafacet phase relation. The asterisk marks indicate relation
.
examples, the sequence of the two phases is given according to Colon Classification.
Bias Phase
The Bias Relation between two subjects indicates that the exposition of one subject (Phase 1) is biased towards
another subject specialist (Phase 2). This means that the exposition of a subject is specially attuned by the
selection, arrangement, choice of illustrations, etc., of the topics as per the needs of a specialist. Here, Phase 1 is
known as Biased Phase and Phase 2 Statistics for librarians BT&b2 Statistics for Engineers BT&bD Statistics for
Biologists BT&bG
Relation between Religion and Philosophy (Inter-subject) Religion - Philosophy(Sequence in CC) Q&aR
Relation between anatomy and physiology.,(Intra-facet) According to CC, Anatomy would precede Physiology;
hence the sequence of the two phases is asfollows: Medicine, Anatomy, Physiology L;2&j3
Relation between Audio and Visual learning in Education. Here again, according to CC, Audio would precede Visual
and hence, the sequence of the two phases is Education, Learning, Audio, Visual T;416&t7
Comparison Phase
This Phase Relation denotes cases where two subjects are compared.
Consider the following examples:
Comparison between plants and animals (Inter-subject) Botany - Zoology (Sequence in CC) I&cK
Comparison between morphology and physiology (Intra-facet) I;2&m3Comparative psychology of man and
woman (Intra-array)Psychology, Man, Woman (Sequence in CC) S,55&v6
Difference Phase
This Phase Relation denotes cases of documents where the difference between two subjects is expounded.
For example:
Difference between political science and history (Inter-subject)
History - Political Science (As in CC) V&dW
Psychological difference between sick and abnormal persons (Intra-facet)
Psychology, Sick, Abnormal (As in CC) S, 4&m6
Difference between meditation and worship (Intra-array)
Religion, Worship, Meditation (As in CC) Q;413&w4
Tool Phase
This Phase Relation deals with cases of documents where one subject is used as a tool to expound the other. For
example:Literature Through .Art: A New Approach to French Literature (Inter-subject) O,122&eN
Classification as a tool to study circulation service (Intra-facet2;8&p5Rural sociology as a tool to study urban
sociology (Intra-array) Y,342&x1
This phase Relation has been recognised as one of the phase relations to classifydocuments which display such
relations. This device , however calls for further investigation to assess its full implications . It is also referred to as
‘Exposition Phase’.
Influence of nourishment on education(Inter-subject) T&gL;573
Influence of intellectuals on ruling classes(Intra-facet)Y,417&r53
Influence of direct tax on indirect tax (Intra-array)X 72,01 &y2
The sequence of the two phases in the two phases in the three examples above are: Education Nourishment
Ruling Classes Intellectuals
Indirect Tax Direct tax Application to Library 40 Classification
Question
4) Identify the type and kinds of phases in each of the following titles. Arrange
the two phases in each title according to the sequence in Colon Classification ,
giving a line for each title..
Inter-Subject Kinds of Relation Class NumberRelation between religion and philosophy (General) Q&aRStatistics
for engineers (Bias) BT&BdComparison between plants and animals (Comparison) I&cKDifference between
political scienceand history(Difference) V&dWLiterature through art, a
newapproachinFrenchLiterature(Tool)0,122&eNInfluence of nourishment on education (Influence) T&gL;573lntraFacetRelations between anatomy and physiology
(General) L;2&j3
Comparison between morphology and
physiology ,of plants
(Comparison) I;2&m3
Psychological difference between sick
and abnormal person's
(Difference) S,4&n6
Indian music through painting (Tool) NR-(44)&pN6
Influence of intellectuals on ruling
classes
(Influence) Y,417&r53
Intra-Array
Relation between education of blind and dumb
(General) T,522&t5
Comparison between psychology of man
and woman
(Comparison) S,55&v6
Difference between meditation and worship (Difference) Q;4 I 3&w4
Rural sociology as a tool to study urban
sociology.
(Tool) Y,342&x I
Influence of direct tax on indirect tax (Influence) X72,01&y2
The seventh edition of Colon Classification has been used for constructing the above
class numbers. Ampersand (&) is the connecting symbol for phase relation in the 7
t
edition of Colon Classificatio
INTERA CLASS PHASE RELATION
INTER CLASS GENERAL PHASE RELATION:---1.RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY:- Q 0a R
2.PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY :-- C Oa E
INTER CLASS BIAS PHASE RELATION
1STATISTICS FOR PSYCHOLOGY :--- B28 ObS
ECONOMITRICS :----- B28 0BX
INTER CLASS COMPARISON PHASE RELATION
1 COMPARISION BETWEEN RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY :----Q 0Cr
2.history and political science compared :---- V 0C W
INTER CLASS DIFFERENCE PHASE RELATION
1.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ZOOLOGY AND BOTANY :- I 0d K
2. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY :-----Q 0d R
INTER CLASS INFLUENCE PHASE RELATION
1.INFLUENCE OF PHILOSOPHY ON SOCIAL LIFE :---Y 0Gr
2.IMPACT OF RELIGION ON POLITICS :----- Q 0d R
INTERA FACET PHASE RELATION
INTERA –FACET GENERAL PHASE RELATION
1RELATION BETWEEN SECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION :----. T2 0j 4
2.RELATION BETWEEN URBAN LIFE AND RURAL LIFE :------ Y3I 0j 3
INTERA FACET BIAS PHASE RELATION
1.CLASSIFICATION FOR CATALOGUING:---- 2:51 0k 5
2.PHYSIOLOGICAL ANATOMY :------G:3 0k 2
INTERA FACET COMPARISION PHASE RELATION:
1.COMPARISION OF CULTURE OF INDIA AND CHINA :-----Y:1.41 0m44
2.ECOLOGY COMPARED TO GENETICS :----- G:5 Om 6
INTERA FACET DIFFERENCE PHASE RELATION
1.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ECOLOGY AND GENETICS :------ G:5 On6
2.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION :-----T15 On2
INTERA FACET INFLUENCE PHASE RELATION
1INFLUENCE OF REFERENCE SERVICE ON CIRCULATION:----2:6 Or 7
2.INFLUENCE OF MORPHOLOGY ON PHYSIOLOGY :----- G:3 Or 2
INTERA ARRAY PHASE RELATION
INTERA ARRAY GENERAL PHASE RELATION:
1DESIGNING OF RADIO AND TELEVISION :----D65430 Of 5:4
2.EDUCATION THROUGH AUDIO- VISUAL AIDS :---T:416 Of 7
INTRA ARRAY BIAS PHASE RELATION
1.URBAN SOCIOLOGY FOR RURAL PEOPLE
Y33 Ou 1
2.CITY CULTURE FOR VILLAGERS :--- Y35 Ou 1:1
INTRA ARRAY COMPARISION PHASE RELATION
1.COMPARISION BETWEEN THE RURAL AND URBAN CULTURE :---- Y31 Ov 5:1
2.COMPARISION BETWEEN SECONDARY EDUCATION OF UP AND RAJASTHAN :----T24437 Ov55
INTRA ARRAY DIFFERENCE PHASE RELATION
1.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RURAL AND URBAN LIFE :---Y31 Ow 5:1
2.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MILK OF COW AND BUFFALO :---KX311 0w2:71
INTRA ARRAY INFLUENCING PHASE RELATION
1.INFLUENCE OF URBAN CULTURE ON RURAL CULTURE :---Y31 0r 5:1
2.INFLUENCE OF COLON CLASIFICATION ON DDC :---- 2:51 m76 Oy N33
COMMON ISOLATE
It could be in the form of outline, history,
theory or dictionary. It could also be in the form of a periodical or a handbook. It could as well be a presentation of
how to study
or teach that subject. These common forms and modes of presentation are called
standard subdivisions. It has been found that certain kinds of concepts keep recurring and may be found in
many subjects, e.g., proceedings, periodical, dictionary or encyclopaedia. These are
all referred to as forms of presentation. Publications like Journal of Economics,
Encyclopaedia of Philosophy and Proceedings of All India Library Conference have
their own subjects.
Applicable before space facet
a - bibliography
c - concordance
d - table
f - atlas
k – cyclopaedia
m - periodical Application to Library
46
Classification
p - conference proceedings
v - history
w - biography
Anteriorising common isolates
Applicable after space facet
r - periodical administration report
s - statistics (serial)
Anteriorising common isolates
Applicable after time facet
T - commission report
t4 - survey
v - source material
v46 - genealogy
v6 chronology
, Posteriorising Common Isolates in CC
Posteriorising common isolates are of three types, personality, matter and energy'
common isolates. They are to be attached to the host(core) class with their respective
connecting symbols, viz., comma, semi colon and colon. A personality common
isolate stands mainly for institutions, some of which- are as follows:
f - investigating- institution
f2 - observational institution
f3 - laboratory
g - learned body
h6 - museum
y - cultural organizations
C"aN7 - 'Bibliography of physics books up to the 1979s
C"k73;N3- - Encyplopaedia of physics, first published in the USA in the
1930s C"m56,N5 - Physics journal first published in the UK in the 1950s '
C"p44,N7 - Proceedings of physics, conference held first in the 1970s in India
C”1v - History of physics
C"wM88 - Biography of a physicist, born in the year 1888(C.V. Raman)
T,4.44"r Report on adult education in India.
47
Common Isolates
T,4.44"s Statistics on adult education in India (Published regularly, a serial).
T,4.44'N75''t Indian adult education commission report, published in 1975.
T, 4.44’N75”t4 Statistics of adult education in India published in 1975 (a stray publication)
1) Indian Mathematical Society founded in 1931 B.44,g,9N31
2) Delhi University
T,18.44,t4,N21 .
3) Poona Observatory B9.44,f2,P
Given below is the expansion of the numbers so as to enable you to know the rules:
1) B Mathematics
44 India (all space isolates are added with a dot() as the connecting
symbol)
g Learned body (all lower case Roman letters represent common
isolates. An element added with a comma as the connecting symbol
indicates personality facet)
9N3 1 A national body is represented by 9 and the date of foundation; N31
is 1931
2) T Education
T,18 University education. 18 from personality facet under the main class T
44. India
t4 An institution of higher education. t4 is a personality common isolate.
N21 Founded in 1921. Delhi University is a localised body and so 9 is not prefixed.
3) B9 Astronomy
44 India
f2 Observational institution (f2 is a personality common isolate)
P Poona (alphabetical device)
The outgoing Tamil Nadu ministry - V,4411,2;aP5
Where , V History
4411 Tamil Nadu
2 Cabinet(Ministry)
aP5 outgoing- Matter property common isolate
The intrinsic value of paintings - N6;a72
Where, N6 is painting
a72 is intrinsic value
ab - establish, inaugurate eb - mixing
af3 - differentiate eg - cleaning
ak - compensate ev - washing
aD2 - infiltrate e3 - boiling
aR - investigation, research fZ6 - preserving
aR2 - observing p2 - describing
aT - evaluation pR4 - printing
dl - designing u1 – surveying
1) Observing solar eclipse BX,3;57:aR2
2) Research on the ulcer of the intestine L,25;474:aR
3) Designing architectural plan of library buildings NA,9(2);3:dl
DEWEY DECIMAL CLASSIFICATION
The following are the different types of common isolates in DDC.
- 01 Philosophy and theory
- 016 Indexes
- 02 Miscellany
- 022 Illustrations and models
- 028 Techniques, procedures, apparatus, equipment, material
- 0285 Data processing
- 0288 Maintenance and repair
- 03 Dictionaries, encyclopaedias, concordances
- 05 Serial publications
- 06 Organisations and management
- 07 Study and teaching
- 072 Research
- 08 History and description of-the subject among groups of persons
- 09 Historical and geographical treatment
-1 Area, regions, places in
-2 Persons regardless of area, region and place
-3 The ancient world
-4 Europe Application to Library
50
Classification
-5 Asia
-6 Africa
-7 North America
-8 South America
-9 Other parts of the world.
Medical dictionary - 610.3 610 plus 03
Encyclopaedia of religion - 203 200 plus 03
Journal of agriculture - 630.5 630 plus 05
Research in crystallography - 548.072 548 plus, 072
Encyclopaedia of oriental philosophy - 181.003
Dictionary of political science - 320.03
Journal of social welfare - 361.005
Journal of engineering - 620.005
Journal of public administration - 350.0005