This established textbook introduces the essentials of classification as used for information processing. The third edition takes account of developments that have taken place since the second edition was published in 2002. Classification Made Simple provides a useful gateway to more advanced works and the study of specific schemes. As an introductory text, it will be invaluable to students of information work and to anyone inside or outside the information profession who needs to understand the manner in which classification can be utilized to facilitate and enhance organisation and retrieval.

Contents: Introduction; What is classification?; Classification in an information system; Faceted classification; Practical examples of faceted classification schemes; Hierarchical classification; Practical examples of hierarchical enumerative classification schemes; The use of synthesis in a basically enumerative scheme; Synthesis grafted on to an enumerative scheme; More about notation; More about schedule and citation order; Other features of classification schemes; The relationship between classification and alphabetical authority lists of indexing terms – the compilation of thesauri; Classification as a search tool; Classification and the internet; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

About the Author: Eric Hunter is Emeritus Professor of Information Management, Liverpool John Moores University, UK. His numerous monographic publications include a number of well-known student and practitioner texts that have been used throughout the world and his work has been translated into several languages.

Reviews: Acclaim for the second edition:-
This is a clearly written, well-paced, authoritative and comprehensive introduction to conventional classification for information retrieval, manual or automated. But do not keep it to yourself - if you have colleagues in the IT department concerned with search and retrieval then buy them a copy too. It will repay its cost time and again in the future. Managing Information

The ideas in this volume are of great relevance to any information professional concerned with information discovery. Library Collections, Acquisitions and Technical Services.

This book with its simplicity and practicality has no rival for learning the science and turbulently advancing discipline of classification. Knowledge Organisation

The work deserves a far wider circulation than the cosy little world of libraries and information services. New Library World.

Any reader who is concerned with the organisation of information so that others can retrieve it, or with the retrieval of information, or with both (and, by definition, all readers should fall into one of these categories) should read this well written book. The British Journal of Healthcare Computing

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Full contents list

Introduction

Index