Library of Congress Classification Explained: A Practical Guide for Koha Libraries
The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system is a widely used method for organizing library collections by subject. Developed by the Library of Congress beginning in 1897, the system was designed to manage the complexity and diversity of materials in large research libraries. Today, it is used by Koha libraries around the world—particularly academic and research institutions—to provide a scalable, precise, and flexible structure for arranging materials.
Why LCC Matters for Koha
Koha, the world’s most popular open-source Integrated Library System (ILS), offers full support for the Library of Congress Classification system. Koha administrators can assign LCC call numbers to bibliographic records, configure classification display in the OPAC, and streamline cataloging with Z39.50 sources that use LCC as their default scheme.
Libraries using Koha benefit from:
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Greater consistency in subject-based shelving
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Compatibility with academic standards
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Support for cross-institutional cataloging using shared classification schemes
Structure of the Library of Congress Classification System
The LCC system is divided into 21 main classes, each represented by one or two capital letters. These main classes are then divided into subclasses and further segmented by numeric ranges, allowing highly specific categorization.
Below is a summary of the 21 main classes:
| LCC Class | Subject Area |
|---|---|
| A | General Works – Encyclopedias, reference books, general periodicals |
| B | Philosophy, Psychology, Religion – Includes ethics and theology |
| C | Auxiliary Sciences of History – Archaeology, genealogy, heraldry |
| D | World History – Includes ancient, medieval, and modern history |
| E | History of the Americas – Focuses on the United States |
| F | Local History of the Americas – Covers states, regions, and countries |
| G | Geography, Anthropology, Recreation – Includes travel, cartography, sports |
| H | Social Sciences – Sociology, economics, education, business |
| J | Political Science – Government systems, public administration |
| K | Law – International, federal, state, and comparative law |
| L | Education – Theory, practice, administration |
| M | Music – Composition, performance, theory |
| N | Fine Arts – Art history, architecture, painting, sculpture |
| P | Language and Literature – Linguistics, rhetoric, literary works |
| Q | Science – Mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry |
| R | Medicine – Medical sciences, pharmacology, public health |
| S | Agriculture – Farming, animal science, forestry |
| T | Technology – Engineering, manufacturing, applied sciences |
| U | Military Science – Military organization, tactics, history |
| V | Naval Science – Navigation, naval strategy, maritime studies |
| Z | Bibliography and Library Science – Cataloging, classification, publishing |
LCC vs. Dewey: Why LCC Is Often Used in Koha for Academic Libraries
While Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is common in public and school libraries, LCC is preferred in academic and research settings due to:
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Its ability to handle complex, multi-disciplinary topics
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More detailed subject granularity
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A more flexible alphanumeric notation system
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Compatibility with scholarly cataloging standards
Koha supports both DDC and LCC, giving libraries the flexibility to choose the system that best fits their user base and collection.
Benefits of Using Z39.50 with Koha
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Streamlines cataloging: Importing high-quality MARC records saves time and ensures data accuracy.
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Improves interoperability: Koha libraries can connect with other ILS platforms, union catalogs, and national bibliographic databases.
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Enhances discovery: Supports seamless integration with external holdings and consortial searches.
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Reduces duplicate effort: Shared cataloging reduces redundancy, especially in multi-branch or networked libraries.
Using LCC in Koha
To implement LCC in Koha:
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Use MARC field 050 for Library of Congress call numbers
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Enable LCC in the Classification Sources administration settings
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Configure Z39.50 servers that support LCC to speed up cataloging
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Customize OPAC and staff interface to sort or display records by call number
Final Thoughts
The Library of Congress Classification system is a foundational tool in academic library cataloging. Its structured and detailed approach allows libraries—especially those using Koha—to efficiently organize vast and diverse collections. By using LCC within Koha, libraries can ensure consistency, support subject-based browsing, and integrate smoothly into broader academic networks and union catalogs.
For libraries seeking a scalable, standards-compliant classification solution, LCC in Koha offers both power and flexibility.