A Comparative Study on the Principles of Book Classification between China and the West
Date Issued
2009
Date
2009
Author(s)
Cheng, Hui-Chen
Abstract
This research aims at tracing the source and comparing the principles of book classification between China and the West to find out their origins, intentions, characteristics, and differences. Besides, it further explores background factors which make developments of their own library classification systems divergent. It is hoped that this research can facilitate an in-depth and cross-cultural study, and then set up a necessary reference of comparison, as well as broaden horizons on the topic of library classification.he approach adopted in this research is literature analysis. The research attempts to find answers to the issues: First, what are the origins of thinking on book classification of both China and the West? Second, what principles of book classification do both China and the West hold? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between them? Third, what special features do both Chinese and Western library classification systems have? Are there any similarities and dissimilarities during the course of establishment for Chinese and Western library classification systems? Fourth, what factors cause divergent development of book classification systems between China and the West?he results of this research can be detailed in four corresponding categories: irst, with a major difference on the theoretical application of book classification, the West tends to apply the classical theory of categories, whereas China tends to apply the modern theory of categories.econd, in terms of principles of book classification and their similarities and dissimilarities between China and the West, the results are listed below: 1. Notation principles were proposed in the West; 2. In the West, desrcriptive theories were advanced before dynamic theories while in China these developments were synchronized; 3. Some principles of book classification proposed by Western classificationists originated in China; 4. Both Chinese and Western ideas of library classification were affected by philosophical or logical principles of classification; 5. Both China and the West put more emphasis on principles of class headings. hird, with regard to the characteristics of library classification systems as well as the same and different ideas of building library classification systems between China and the West, the results are listed below: 1. Features of Chinese library classification systems include value, succession, concrete thinking, mnemonics, simplicity, and unity while Western systems include value, succession, abstract thinking, internationalism, mnemonics, interchangeability, simplicity, and democracy; 2. Both Chinese and Western library classification schemes are based on practical collection, whereas those of Western libraries are also based on logical of knowledge classification in addition to practical collection; 3. How a class heading was placed in a classificaiton system depends on its value; 4. The essence of building library classification systems in Chinese and Western libraries was all based on entropy-reducing principle; 5. Both China and the West took their predecessors’ experiences as a foundation while setting up a new book classification system; 6. The contents of book classification systems linked closely with higher education between China and the West; 7. In West, a book classification scheme had been created before its application, whereas in China both were done simultaneously; 8. Most of the structures of Western book classification systems are hierarchical and faceted while those of China are hierarchical only; 9. In the West, notations are abstract symbols while those of China are characters.ourth, in the category of important factors which caused Chinese and Western library classification systems to develop divergently: 1. Forms of feudal government differed greatly between ancient China and Western countries; 2. China suffered from political interference longer than the West; 3. The academic disciplines of ancient China were integratded, whereas those of the West were classified; 4. The programs of higher education were different between ancient China and the West; 5. China and the West have different traditional humanist thinking patterns; 6. The ideas of library classification which could be borrowed from the philosophical, logical or biological principles of classification were different between China and the West; 7. The West had more experience than China in transnational learning; 8. In the West, bibliography and book classification schemes developed independently while in China both developed in a convergent manner; 9. The academic backgrounds of classificationists were different between China and the West; 10. In the West, modes of thought are mostly abstract and analytical while those of China are often based on images and generality.o sum up, this research makes the following suggestions. First, it should be ensured that hierarchical classifications have conformed to the canon of mutual exclusivity. Second, classificationists should give consideration to concrete thinking and abstract thinking on classification at the same time. Third, modern book classification systems may work diligently toward the goal for achieving “revealing the academic principles and defining the origins of different principles.” Fourth, the principles of book classification between China and the West should be paid attention to on an equal basis. Fifth, literary warrant and the revision of class headings should be emphasized.
Subjects
Chinese book classification
Western book classification
principles of book classification
category theory
bibliography
SDGs
Type
thesis
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