The functions of classification in Argentinian university library online catalogs

Abstract

A sample of 91 online catalogs from Argentine public university libraries was analyzed, in order to investigate the use of classification. Four functions were taken into account: find (class number as an access point), gather (class number to bring together records on the same topic), obtain (class number to locate the document on shelf), and navigate or explore the hierarchical structure of the classification system. There were 8 catalogs (8,8%) without classification; 83 catalogs (91,2%) complied with the obtain function, 18 (19,8%) with find function, 19 (20,9%) with gather function, and no one with the navigate function. 64 catalogs (70,3%) only complied with one function (obtain). The computer system used for the catalog was not determinant, but facilitated the compliance with the functions. The more used classification system was Universal Decimal Classification (69 catalogs, 75,8%). It is concluded that the advantages of classification for information retrieval are misused by most of the sample catalogs.