We really must not dumb down literacy and numeracy in our libraries. Why are
we constantly re inventing wheels.
Of course we should entice and attract, not just children, but all readers
and potential readers to books, and not just new books, but the amazing
books that have been published over the years, not everything good is new!
But so much has been done in this area, particularly recently, to take note
of how the best book shops display material and encourage people to browse
and read.
However classification is an essential finding tool, especially for non
fiction material, and as an aid to the librarian in locating material which
is not simple described by on or two words, such as 'New Books'.
Any one using the internet where the wealth of information is overwhelming,
can appreciate the order and sense of a classification system in a crowded
and complex area.
There is room for both simplicity and attractive display, and order and
detail.
What about all these projects on new ways of introducing and displaying
material that have been funded over the last couple of years, are these not
in practice now, what did they discover, who has taken them up?
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Murray" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2002 10:25 AM
Subject: Re: Classification & Children's Libraries
> Liz makes a really interesting comment about the environment of
> libraries.... they are complex environments, but the systems we then
devise
> to help people navigate the complex arrangements we have just created
> compounds the inability of so many people to help themselves in our
> libraries.... on the whole, I suspect most people in traditionally
arranged
> libraries - both children and young people and adults - are completely
> baffled most of the time ...we surely need to ditch Dewey and its jumble
of
> numbers as soon as possible and move to ways of displaying stock and
helping
> people find things that have resonance with the rest of their libraries...
>
> in most library environments, I suspect nice big signs with one or two
words
> would probably suffice... especially if the chosen words are "New books"
>
>
> David Murray
> Director
> London Libraries Development Agency
>
> 020 7641 5266
> [log in to unmask]
> www.llda.org.uk
>
> 35 St Martin's Street
> London
> WC2H 7HP
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "DUBBER, Elizabeth" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2002 10:04 AM
> Subject: Re: Classification & Children's Libraries
>
>
> > I appreciate Chris's comments. The trend away from classification is
only
> > helpful if there are clear ways for children (and others) to access the
> > materials they want without difficulty. Browsing is to be encouraged
for
> > many things, but where a specific topic is sought you can't beat a
> > simplified Dewey system with a good subject index, combined with a
colour
> > coded system for younger children. If they are helped to use such a
> system,
> > children find it empowering - they can learn to look for themselves and
> take
> > control of their searching. Unclassified is fine to encourage browsing,
> > especially for reluctant users, but we must find a way of ensuring that
> > children can be helped to develop search strategies as they develop into
> > independent and self managing learners. Even where we don't classify,
> let's
> > not make the mistake of thinking that this automatically enables
children
> to
> > be self-directed searchers. They will still need the mediation of a
> > supportive adult who knows the stock, and many children not used to
> > browsing will need help to gain the confidence to even take the books
off
> > the shelves. The barriers are more do to with the nature of the library
> > environment and the fear of failure or being the centre of attention,
than
> > to do with the classification scheme.
> > Liz Dubber
> > Gloucestershire
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Hall, Chris [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> > Sent: 26 November 2002 09:25
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Re: Classification & Children's Libraries
> >
> >
> > Sorry, I'm not a children's librarian, so I'll have to leave specific
> > comments to colleagues elsewhere. However, can I enter my own plea to
> > "think outside of the box"? It seems to me that you are boxing yourself
> in
> > by your starting point of "how classification systems may act as a
> barrier".
> > They may indeed, but they may also act as an essential tool for the
> > discovery of books (etc.) and information - after all that is what they
> are
> > designed to do. There seems to be a growing myth that classification is
> > indeed more of a barrier than a tool, but frankly that is nonsense.
Dewey
> > numbers to the nth decimal point on spine labels may not be helpful in
all
> > libraries (children's or otherwise) but systematic organisation is, and
> > that, fundamentally, is what classification is all about. Ah well, I
> > suppose that's the bib services librarian in me coming out!
> >
> > Chris Hall
> >
> >
> > Bibliographical Services Librarian
> > Corporation of London Libraries
> > Email:[log in to unmask]
> > Tel: 020 7332 1075
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Russell Allen [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> > Sent: 06 May 1998 16:23
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Classification & Children's Libraries
> >
> >
> >
> > Hello all
> >
> > For my dissertation I am investigating children's access to non-fiction
> > resources in libraries. My specific interest is how classification
> systems
> > may act as a barrier. If anyone has any knowledge on this subject,
ideas
> > for research or links to other sources I would be very grateful of the
> help.
> > Please do "think outside of the box" as well, things like:
> > - can children use OPACs designed for adults?
> > - do children approach staff?
> > - are printed indexes any use at all?
> > - is Dewey the only system used?
> > - how does visual guiding support/hinder the child user?
> >
> > Any response is better than none!
> >
> > Finally if anyone would like to express an interest in having their
> > knowledge formally surveyed by a simple (& brief) questionnaire that
would
> > be great!
> >
> > Come on, don't be shy....
> >
> > Russell Allen
> > BA (Hons) Information & Library Studies
> >
> >
> >
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