The Bodleian's book classification scheme, introduced in 1883 by E. W. B. Nicholson, is described and some peculiarities of its structure are analysed. The author concludes that, despite the scheme's underlying logic, its age and inconsistencies in classificatory practice will result in its discontinuance in the near future.
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References
1.
Manley, K.A.The Bodleian classification of manuscripts . J. Librarianship, 10 (I) January 1978, 56-59.
2.
Wheeler, G.W.Bodleian pressmarks in relation to classification . Bodleian Quarterly Record, I (10) 1916, 280-292; I (II) 1916, 311-322, contains details of earlier shelf-arrangements and a brief outline of the present scheme.
3.
Dewey, M.A classification and subject index for cataloguing and arranging the books and pamphlets of a library. Amherst, 1876, 7.
4.
Manley, op. cit, 57.
5.
Library records: section 628. My thanks are due to the Curators of the Library, who granted me time and facilities to study the scheme and its records; and to my colleagues on the staff of the Library who did much to assist my studies. The records are reproduced by permission of the Curators.
6.
Foskett, D.J.Classification for a general index language. Library Association , 1970, 29.
