Formats and special collections
One of my main goals as a contributor to the open shelves classification project seems to be succeeding. I like the idea of having a classification system that ignores format completely, making it possible for individual libraries to treat their collections however they wish (ex. put dvd in front of the call #) and creating a system that will not have problems with future formats. At most I think the project should come up with some best practices incorporating various item types, but nothing should be mandated.
I also think the borderline formats (graphic novels, musical scores) should be treated this way. Right now in my own library we have a system (that predates me), which I absolutely hate. For scores we use an entirely different classification system that only one person in the building understands (we have a music turned reference librarian). For graphic novels we put them all into the single call # for comics, irregardless of content, effectively creating a special collection. But I always get annoyed when a non-fiction comic gets thrown into the middle of the superhero books.
How do others handle these sorts of things? And what would you do differently if given a free hand?
Tags: cataloging, classification, formats, graphic novels, Librarything, Open Shelves Classification, printed music, scores
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