Classification is the process of assigning a standardized call number to library materials so they can be organized systematically on shelves. Whether you use Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) or Library of Congress Classification (LCC), the goal is the same: group like materials together so patrons can browse and staff can shelve efficiently.

This guide provides practical steps for classifying library items in Koha, with examples for both DDC and LCC systems.

Before You Start: Choose Your Classification System

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

Best for:

  • Public libraries
  • School libraries
  • Small academic libraries
  • General collections

Characteristics:

  • Numerical (000-999)
  • Easier to learn
  • Shorter call numbers
  • Licensed (subscription required for full schedules)

Library of Congress Classification (LCC)

Best for:

  • Academic libraries
  • Research libraries
  • Large, specialized collections

Characteristics:

  • Alphanumeric (A-Z)
  • More specific
  • Longer call numbers
  • Free (public domain)

Most libraries standardize on one system. Switching mid-collection creates inconsistency, so choose carefully.

General Classification Workflow

Regardless of which system you use, follow this process:

Step 1: Identify the Item

Gather bibliographic information:

  • Title
  • Author
  • Subject matter
  • ISBN/ISSN
  • Publication details

Step 2: Determine Subject

Analyze what the item is about:

  • Main topic
  • Secondary topics
  • Audience level
  • Format considerations

Step 3: Search for Existing Records

Before classifying from scratch, check if professional catalogers have already done the work:

In Koha:

  • Search local catalog for duplicates
  • Use Z39.50 to query Library of Congress
  • Search OCLC Classify by ISBN

Step 4: Assign Classification Number

Either:

  • Copy from imported record, OR
  • Assign original number using classification schedules

Step 5: Create Cutter Number

Add author/title Cutter to create unique call number

Step 6: Add to Item Record

Enter complete call number in Koha item record (field 952$o)

Step 7: Print Spine Label

Generate and affix call number label to item

Classifying with Dewey Decimal (DDC)

Method 1: Import from Library of Congress

  1. Open Z39.50 in Koha
    • Navigate to Cataloging → New from Z39.50
  2. Search by ISBN
    • Enter ISBN in search box
    • Select “Library of Congress” as target
    • Click Search
  3. Review Results
    • Preview MARC record
    • Check field 082 (Dewey Decimal number) 
      082 04 $a 641.5 $2 23
  4. Import Record
    • Click Import to bring into Koha
    • Edit as needed for local practice
  5. Add Item Record
    • Create item (952 field)
    • Copy DDC number from 082$a to 952$o
    • Add Cutter number and year 
      952 $o 641.5 S655c 2023

Method 2: Assign Original DDC Number

  1. Analyze the Item
    • Book title: The Joy of Vegetarian Cooking
    • Author: Smith, Jane
    • Subject: Vegetarian cooking
  2. Consult DDC Schedules
    • Use WebDewey (subscription) or Abridged DDC
    • Navigate hierarchy: 
      600 Technology
  640 Home & family management
    641 Food & drink
      641.5 Cooking
        641.563 Cooking specific materials
          641.5636 Vegetables
    • Assign 641.5636
  3. Generate Cutter Number
    • Use Cutter-Sanborn table for author “Smith”
    • First letter: S
    • Consult table: “Smith” = S655
    • Add title initial: c (for “cooking”)
    • Result: S655c
  4. Construct Complete Call Number 
    641.5636      ← Classification
S655c         ← Cutter + title
2023          ← Publication year
  5. Enter in Koha
    • Add to 082 field (bibliographic record)
    • Add to 952$o (item record)

DDC Classification Tips

  • Use OCLC Classify - Free tool shows consensus DDC numbers for ISBNs
  • Check Multiple Sources - LC and other libraries may differ; choose most appropriate
  • Consult Relative Index - Helps find scattered topics
  • Follow Local Practice - Your library may have decided standards (e.g., fiction = FIC)
  • Don’t Over-Specify - Most public libraries stop at 3-4 decimal places

Classifying with Library of Congress (LCC)

Method 1: Import from Library of Congress

  1. Open Z39.50 in Koha
    • Navigate to Cataloging → New from Z39.50
  2. Search by ISBN
    • Enter ISBN
    • Select “Library of Congress” target
    • Search
  3. Review Results
    • Check field 050 (LC Classification) 
      050 00 $a QA76.73.P98 $b W45 2023
  4. Import and Add Item
    • Import MARC record
    • Create item (952)
    • Copy from 050 to 952$o: 
      952 $o QA76.73.P98 W45 2023

Method 2: Assign Original LCC Number

  1. Analyze the Item
    • Book title: Learning Python
    • Author: Williams, Robert
    • Subject: Python programming language
  2. Consult LC Classification Schedules
    • Download from LC website
    • Navigate Class Q (Science): 
      Q Science
  QA Mathematics
    QA75.5-76.95 Electronic computers. Computer science
      QA76.73 Programming languages
        QA76.73.P98 Python
    • Assign QA76.73.P98
  3. Generate Cutter Number
    • Use LC Cutter table for author “Williams”
    • Look up: W = base
    • “Wi” = W45-W59 range
    • “Wil” = W55-W59
    • Assign: W55
  4. Add Year
    • Publication year: 2023
  5. Construct Complete Call Number 
    QA76.73.P98      ← Classification
W55              ← Cutter (author)
2023             ← Year
  6. Enter in Koha
    • Add to 050 field: 050 _4 $a QA76.73.P98 $b W55 2023
    • Add to 952$o: QA76.73.P98 W55 2023

LCC Classification Tips

  • Import When Possible - LC does the work; use it
  • Use Classification Web - LC’s official tool (subscription)
  • OCLC Classify Works - Shows consensus LC numbers
  • Watch Indicators - 050 first indicator blank = LC assigned; 0 = assigned by other agency using LC rules
  • Document Local Decisions - Maintain authority file of unusual cases

Special Cases

Fiction

Many public libraries don’t use classification for fiction:

Option 1: No classification (DDC)

FIC        ← "Fiction" designation
ROW        ← Author Cutter (Rowling)

Option 2: Literature number (DDC)

823        ← English fiction
ROW        ← Author Cutter

Option 3: PS class (LCC)

PS3568     ← American fiction, 1961-
.O935      ← Cutter for Rowling
H37        ← Cutter for title (Harry Potter)
2001       ← Year

Biographies

DDC Options:

  • 92 (simplified biography number) + Cutter for biographee
  • B + Cutter for biographee
  • Subject number (e.g., 973.7092 for Lincoln biography) + Cutter

LCC:

  • Subject class (e.g., E457.2 for Lincoln in U.S. History)

Audiovisual Materials

Use same classification as print equivalent, but add format prefix:

DDC:

DVD 791.43 S685s    ← DVD prefix for movies
CD 781.65 C665      ← CD prefix for music

LCC:

DVD PN1997.2.S73    ← Movies
CD ML410.B4 T45     ← Music

Reference Materials

Add R or REF prefix to keep in reference collection:

R 031 E536 2023     ← Reference encyclopedia
REF QA76.73.P98     ← Reference computer book

Cutter Number Resources

Cutter-Sanborn Tables (for DDC)

  • Four-figure alphabetical table
  • Free online versions available
  • Provides consistent author/title codes

LC Cutter Tables (for LCC)

Online Cutter Generators

  • OCLC Classify provides suggested Cutters
  • Various free tools available via web search

Classification Checklist

Before finalizing any call number, verify:

  • Classification number fits subject matter
  • Number matches library’s chosen system (DDC vs LCC)
  • Cutter follows local practice
  • Call number is unique in collection
  • Additional elements (year, volume, copy) added if needed
  • Entered in both bibliographic (082/050) and item (952$o) records
  • Matches existing practice for similar materials
  • Documented if unusual case or local exception

Common Classification Errors

  1. Misidentifying Subject - Book about history of medicine classified as medicine
  2. Wrong Cutter - Using title instead of author, or vice versa
  3. Duplicate Call Numbers - Two different items with identical call numbers
  4. Over-Classification - Using 12-digit DDC numbers when 4 would suffice
  5. Inconsistency - Classifying similar items differently

Classification Training Resources

Conclusion

Classification is both art and science. While tools like Z39.50 and OCLC Classify make it easier to find professional call numbers, understanding the principles behind DDC and LCC is essential for original cataloging and quality control.

Koha provides excellent support for both classification systems through proper MARC handling, Z39.50 integration, and flexible item record management. Whether you’re classifying a single item or processing thousands, following consistent procedures ensures an organized, browsable collection.

Remember: consistency matters more than perfection. A slightly imperfect call number applied consistently is far better than agonizing over every decision. Document your local practices, train your staff thoroughly, and build a reliable system over time.

Need classification training or catalog cleanup services for your Koha library? We provide workshops, consulting, and hands-on support. Contact us to learn more.