Editorial Policy Committee Meeting October 2005
This report outlines major issues considered at Meeting 124 of Editorial Policy Committee on 12-14 October 2005.
EPC New Member Training
Initial training for new committee members was recommended during consideration of the role and functions of the Editorial Policy Committee at the retreat held to plan the development of Edition 23 of the Dewey Schedules, and endorsed by the Committee at Meeting 123 as particularly important given the shorter member terms now introduced for new members. Some prior structured introduction to the support mechanisms and processes that are used to develop the classification was thought to be a useful way to allow new members to contribute with more confidence early in their membership, as experienced members indicated that such training would have been very welcome if it had been available at the start of their terms.
This first session was held prior to the Meeting, on the 11th October, and was attended by the three new members, Caroline Kent (CILIP) Andrea Kappler (replacing Jan Desirey from January, Public Libraries) Wilna van Eeden, South Africa, in place of OCLC representative) , the Chair and Vice-Chair of the EPC and the Editor and Assistant Editors, with members of The Decimal Classification Division joining the group for lunch and informal discussions..
The Agenda covered:
- DDC Development
a) DDC editorial team
b) Short- and long-term development cycle
c) How do we develop a schedule?
d) Electronic and print publications - Editorial Rules
a) Literary warrant
b) Other key rules - How to Review a Schedule
- Lunch and Discussion: The Dewey Family: OCLC, LC, and EPC
- Introduction to Dewey Application at LC
- Interaction with Users: Dewey Web Site, Discussion Papers, RSS Feeds, Dewey Blog
- How EPC Functions: Meetings, Teleconferences, Listserve, Action Items
- Wrap-up and Questions
The day appeared to be extremely successful as a basic guide to the complex scaffolding that underpins the production of the schedules, and the three new members seemed to think it was appropriate, as they enthusiastically endorsed it when new member training was reported at the meeting, recommending it become part of all future new member inductions.
Meeting
The meeting itself took place over two and three quarter days, with an extremely full
Agenda , to the extent that a number of items could not be covered in the time available. As a consequence of this, future face to face meetings will be for three full days to ensure that issues considered important/complex enough to warrant face to face discussion will have adequate time for consideration.
Matters not covered at the meeting will be addressed via a series of Teleconferences, and e mail discussions, or at later Washington meetings, with a first teleconference on November 17 to finalize the vexed question of Graphic Novels which is yet to be resolved despite a long consultation process and a number of classification proposals.
One proposal to streamline the work of the Committee in the Washington meeting was to handle the Abridged Edition exhibits via teleconference or Email rather than at the formal meeting. This proposal was made because by and large the likely problems have been discussed at length as part of the development of the full edition, with the abridged development serving as a final test for the full edition. This proposal was endorsed by the Committee, on the understanding that it is likely to be different for the 900s which the Committee will need to see and discuss..
The minutes of Meeting 123 were accepted without amendment, and this been the end of Andrea Stamm’s time as Chair, Deane Zeeman from National Archives and Library Canada was elected as Chair. This is the first time both the Chair and Vice-Chair have been from outside the United States simultaneously, which is an interesting development in the increasingly greater international input into the development of the Schedules.
Current Activities
Dewey Decimal Classification
Joan Mitchell present the semi-annual report on the current activities and progress of the Dewey Decimal Classification, outlining the work progress of the editors, who have been concentrating on schedule development in preparation for the meeting, particularly approaches to graphic novels, reconsideration of options in religion and changes in segmentation practice. There were also consultations with the Division on treatment of terrorism and various other topics under development. The updated full and abridged databases were also delivered in late august for November 2005 installation in WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey.
The Dewey Blog, launched on July 1 as an informal communication vehicle has been very successful with over 10 000 visits. The Blog is being considered as the site for recording material important for the use of the Classification instead of the present Dewey Tips area on the official Website. The number of visits to the Dewey Tips page is around 2000-2500, considerably fewer than the Blog, which is worrying, as important information is obviously not being reaching its target audience, and is more likely to do so, given the comparative usage figures, if it is incorporated into the Blog, which makes use of a lighter, more humorous touch to
deliver useful information.
Planning is well under way for the new editorial support system, and there has been considerable time rethinking the editorial environment in relation to data representation and relationships, users, rights, and links to other terminologies..
The Dewey Translators’ Meeting at Oslo in August focussed mainly on treatment of options in religion. This centred on different approaches to providing a more balanced representation of major religions at the top levels of Dewey while fostering interoperability. A move to a more general option that might serve as the future framework for the 200 Religion schedule was supported.
Decimal Classification Division
The DCD Chief, Dennis McGovern presented a report on the June –July activities of the Division, in which he noted that in addition to debate among the classifiers about proper DDC treatment of the complex topic of terrorism and continued debate about how to treat graphic novels, DDC segmentation practice was put forth for consideration by Dewey stakeholders. The new Assistant Editor, Jonathan Furner,
arrived in April, and the classifiers embarked on an ambitious cross-training exercise which will continue well into the next reporting period. . The Assistant Editors, Winton Matthews and Julianne Bealle, were heavily occupied revising parts of the schedules, preparing exhibits of revisions, new numbers, etc., assisting the various translation projects now under way, training, and attending various conferences or delivering presentations . Julianne also began reviewing the 620-690 portion of the German translation.
During the January-June period, the Divisional staff classified 54, 983 items, with productivity (titles per hour 9.98. Comparable figures for the January-June 2004 span were 56,215 and 9.32. the increased productivity and slight decrease in production may be attributed to two factors: staff cross-training in the 800 and 900 schedules, and the four month detail of one of the Division’s most prolific classifiers to the Cataloging Policy and Support Office.
In the immediate future the two newest classifiers are expected to become independent and fully productive within a month. The bad news looming is the retirement of one or more senior classifiers within the next year.
Dennis indicated that the Division is expecting to lose two positions as part of an overall reduction in staff within the Library of Congress that is being mandated.
Staff level isn’t going to increase.
In anticipation of possible staff losses in key subject areas the staff began the cross training project early in the year, beginning with the 800s, then the 400s and continued by training in 900s.
Investigation of the possibility of some automated assignment of Dewey numbers is continuing, and the Division is making increased use of unaudited copy catalogue to source numbers. These non-LC assigned numbers are identified by a change of indicator to 4 in the 082 tag.
Discussion Highlights
Detailed here are the more significant topics discussed at the meeting, with other matters touched on rather than discussed in detail.
Graphic Novels
The discussion of graphic Novels and where to place them in the classification has been going on for approximately 18 months and is yet to be finalized. The draft schedule mounted on the Dewey Website for comment engendered a number of responses from a variety of stakeholders, but no clear consensus emerged, and a very long discussion, focussed primarily on the decision of making a split, and if so on what basis, or alternatively keeping them together , ensued at the meeting.
Although the difficulties inherent in splitting based upon type i.e. continuing narrative thread versus self-contained cartoon, is for the classifier working without the title in hand were raised, an equally valid counter-argument was put forward that bookstores intuitively make the split and that it was not a critical issue and that public libraries will have ways to split. In fact, many public libraries do split in various ways, but they are just as likely to avoid the classification issues entirely, and not classify at all, in ways reminiscent of the treatment of fiction, or picture books.
One of the issues I see in the matter, is the wildly varying nature of the materials subsumed in the term ‘graphic novel’, which ranges from collections of self-contained comics, having no continuing narrative story, although certain characters may appear regularly, through continuing narrative storylines, Manga, comic strip retelling of written narratives, stories told in pictures, not necessarily in comic format, non-fiction comics etc.
As was remarked, the area is an immature form and as the field matures we may be able to articulate the split with more clarity.
The suggestion that options should be considered was raised, but as Joan said, quoting David Ballati, a previous Chair of the Committee, “Options should not be substituted for a decision”. During the lunch break Winton Matthews discussed the matter with a Library staffer who has a keen interest in, and considerable knowledge of the area., and came back with some useful information about how the published patterns in the field were developing. 5-7 years ago individual panels and comic strips comprised 70-80 percent of publishing, but this has now reversed to 70-80% comic books with collected comics produced as graphic novels and original graphic novels. Evidently the narrative approach is very much evident. His suggestion for subdividing was first Format, then Geographic. If you are looking for a graphic novel you don’t really care whether it is original or derivative, and that the natural split in the genre is between single focus comics gathered into a collected works & comic books (collections of previously published narrative comics & graphic novels .
Eventually it was decided to defer a decision for a special Teleconference at which a revised schedule would be considered and a final decision made.
In my opinion it is symptomatic of the fluid state of the genre that so much time is required for a decision on an area where it is likely many libraries, at least the public lending libraries, simply will not classify any way . There were some suggestions that graphic novels be classified in the 800s as they were ‘fiction’, but on that reasoning, a very large percentage of material living quite comfortably with the format in the 700s would require relocating, so this did not get a great deal of support, although the rhetoric of graphic novels, i.e. how to write them will be located in 808.069. Rhetoric of writing other literary forms is housed in the 808s so this is an extension of current practice.
Sociology and Anthropology 301-307 vs 361-365 Manual Note
The Manual Notes at 301-307 differentiating between classifying at 301-307 vs 361-365, have certain ambiguities which make the usage unclear and difficult sufficiently to require rewording and clarification.
The exhibit detailing these problems recommended :
That the two notes be replaced with a single Manual note, presented as part of the Exhibit.
The “see Manual” references at 361.1 Social problems and 362.042 Social problems be deleted
Further investigation be conducted of the structure and indexing of 362.04 Spedial topics of social welfare problems and services.
The recommendations were accepted subject to the proviso that the proposed Note at 301-307vs 361-365 be reworded to change the negative slant to a more positive style, depict what you should do rather than what you should not.
A further matter relating to Issues in 301-307 Sociology and anthropology , for which no exhibit was made available was raised for the consideration of the committee. As a long term plan , coming back with concrete proposals, the instruction ‘class with the last’ was construed as odd, as topics are generally classed with the process rather than the group.. The proposal is for thoughts about the idea of dropping the preference order, and the implications of of doing that.. As this has the potential to open up a large can of worms it will be necessary to consult with outside experts. The expectation is that the editors will come back to the Committee with a discussion paper for consideration in the future.
Terrorism
Classification of works about terrorism is an extremely ‘hot’ topic, of great topical interest, such that all the Divisional classifiers were in attendance for the Committee’s discussions.
The topic was originally raised at the 2004 meeting, when the editors realized that some aspects had been overlooked in their original proposal so they undertook to do more work on it and bring it back to the committee for more discussion . The current schedules were provided with sufficient time for circulation to a wider audience for comment, and the views provided to the various EPC representatives became part of the discussions informing the Committee, with the responsible editor undertaking to investigate and incorporate points raised in the dialogue.
After further discussion, the Exhibit was approved, subject to editorial refinement reflecting the advice of the Committee, for quick posting on the Web site, as this is a part of the classification for which there is urgent demand.
This exhibit is part of the new and changed entries for the November posting on the Dewey website.
Tsunamis
A new number for Tsunamis as specific weather events, 363..3494, was presented in an exhibit dealing with the highly topical subject. The exhibit also outlined two other numbers to be used when studying the science of the event (551.4637156 and 909.09824083 when describing the effect of the event on the general life and history of the place.
The new number was posted as part of the November update.
Sociology and anthropology
A paper outlining issues of ambiguity within two Manual notes , one at 301-307 (Sociology) vs 361-365 (Social problems and services) the second at 301-307 vs 362.042 Social problems and proposed solutions, namely that the two Manual notes be replaced with a single Manual note, the see Manual references at 361.1 and 362.042 be deleted and further investigation be conducted of the structure and indexing of 362.04 Special topics of social welfare problems and services.
These recommendations were approved after some discussion and a proviso that the note was recast to be positive in format i.e. is… rather than ..is not…and will be posted in November. A second matter in relation to Sociology and anthropology was raised, for advice, as it is a long term issue, to come back to the committee in a year’s time.
The Preference order in sociology where the instruction requires the classifier to ‘class with the last’ is construed as odd.. It is not the choice of notation as such, but the preference order itself that is proposed for investigation with thoughts about the implications of dropping the preference order being sought. Potentially this could open up a large can of worms, and requires consultation with outside experts before any changes are made.
The Committee has not discouraged this investigation, as no specific proposal for change was made, and any decisions will be made when specific proposals are presented eventually.
Sign languages
Expansion to 419 allow the addition of notation from Table 4 for specific sign languages, as requested by the Committee at Meeting 122, was presented and approved by the meeting. The exhibit touched on the difficulty where more than one sign language is used in the same area. That is a problem because the number for a specific sign language is built first by addition of notation from Table 2. We do not believe that notation from Table 4 should be added to the same base number for more than one language. However there does not seem to be much literary warrant for the specific case of Thailand that was mentioned & the proviso is for specific languages relying on the general rule against adding for a topic that does not approximate the whole to prevent classifiers from adding for a language that is not the sole or the strongly predominant language in the area expressed by the Table 2 notation.
Other Asian variants of communism
A paper distributed at the meeting outlined expansions in the schedules for other Asian variants of communism as well as Chinese communism, for example the thoughts of Ho chi Min. The expansions were requested by the Vietnamese translators. This exhibit was approved.
Table 5 and 6 Updates
Three Exhibits outlining:
1. Revisions to T6—995 ( currently Austronesian languages of Melanesia and Micronesia) and T6—9952 (currently Austronesian languages of Micronesia) to tie them more closely with the Ethnologue arrangement of language
Families, without relocating many actual works. The proposals were approved.
2. Table 5& 6 updates to Native American peoples. Full table entries in T5 and replacement s for index terms currently linking entries for North and south American native peoples to associated T5 numbers. These numbers are built from T6 corresponding numbers for languages . Approved with some reservations about the award form of the phraseology “peoples who speak, or whose ancestors spoke….”
3. Dual headings in Table 6 and 400 languages
Primary purpose to finish removing dual headings for languages, and during the process attempt to bring the groupings and terminology more in line with Ethnologue., to facilitate use of Ethnologue as a guide to classifying languages not named in Dewey. Any necessary changes in other places were checked, some appearing only in the Relative index where a number is built using the modified Table 6 notation.. The project of checking for other changes has not begun. Exhibit approved.
Table 2 Portugal and Indonesia
Two exhibits with revised notation for Portugal and Indonesia were presented to the EPC. Neither schedule has yet been reviewed by the respective national libraries of Indonesia and Portugal, despite repeated attempts to have this done. Indonesia has proved particularly difficult as requests were made well over a year ago. It is presently being reviewed by an IFLA/OCLC Fellow. It was hoped that the Portuguese Schedule would have been checked by the time of the meeting, but it hadn’t been. Both Exhibits seem unexceptional, but have not been approved yet.
Associations
The Exhibit dealing with Associations 366 outlined the structural problems in this part of the classification:
366 is used for comprehensive works on associations and for esoteric associations and societies.
There is a dual set of standard subdivisions at 366
The majority of associations not dealing with a specific subject are located at 369, which is separated from 366 and 367 by 368 Insurance.
Four possible methods of improvement were outlined, with respective pros & cons, with a recommendation that Relocate comprehensive works on Associations to 369 was the least bad solution of the four, with least amount of disruption & relation. The term esoteric has been removed and 366 is now Secret associations and societies . The exhibit was approved.
Table 1: Use of Notation 08 vs 092 and Proposed Extensions to 092
The paper presented a review of the implications of altering the preference for 092 over 08 in Table 1. Any change in the preference order would have a ripple effect across the DDC with a number of unintended consequences, however after exploring the implications no change to preference order was proposed.
Overall the recommended path was to retain the distinction between individual & collected treatment of biography, but permit addition to the collected biography number for aspects being stressed.
Preference order for aspects of -08 other than –089 already covered by the 3 in notation -0923 will be that already found in Table 1 for other aspects of -08. this means that the -081-087 aspect will be preferred over place or ethnic/national grouping, but further extension by -09 is permitted..
Notation derived from -081-088 will be added to numbers in the range -0924-0928, starting with – 0925 as a large body of literature with -0924 previously used for individual treatment still exists. It was also pointed out that the terminology used for persons is confusing and it has been reworded for clarity in some instances.
One or two other minor improvements were recommended. Exhibit was approved.
Table 3c –3 Arts and literature dealing with specific themes and subjects
The paper presented a Schedule reflecting the conclusions outlined in the final paragraph of EPC Exhibit 123C-9 where certain shortcomings in the tables and possible solutions were explored and sent for stakeholder feedback.:
“Based on their feedback and editorial discussion we are leaning towards retaining the current development and providing for the missing 000 and 400 topics”
The schedule includes appropriate changes identified originally , but study of –32 Places and –Historical and political themes suggests that other changes are required.. Recommendations for these will be made at a later date.
The schedule as proposed was approved.
760 Graphic arts Prints and printmaking
This exhibit addressed a number of problems . The current heading is dual, shared between Graphic arts and Printmaking and prints, there are two sets of standard subdivisions, one for each topic, and the number for graphic arts comes later in the schedules than the numbers for two subclasses of the graphic arts drawing and drawings at 741, panting and paintings at 750. The proposed solution addresses all three issues by relocating graphic arts to 740 and its standard subdivisions to 740.1-9
The proposal was approved subject to a number of refinements, including some rewording of the caption and a request for a definition of ‘decorative arts’.
The issues of the vacant 744 number and iconography in the visual arts remain to be addressed.
Iconography in the arts
A paper addressing the possibility of rationalizing the rather complex treatment of iconography across the 700s to explore the possibility of rationalizing it in such a way that any future developments and/or relocations can be handled with consistency was circulated prior to the meeting.
The paper explored the issues and difficulties in some depth and made some recommendations for further exploration of at least two potential solutions and two other issues, the potential for increased use of Dewey for classifying kind, i.e individual artworks and images of artworks and the opportunity to establish consistency between the treatment of works about non literary artworks in the 700s and works about literary works , works about technique, works that are collections and works that are literary works in the 800s
This is an extraordinarily large topic and no one was willing to make a definitive decision about it at this time. The EPC requested that more work be done on identifying the potential effects of such a major change on the classification and the results be brought back for further discussion at a later date.
Deferred Schedules
A number of Exhibits could not be adequately discussed at the October meeting, as there was insufficient time available and these were to be scheduled for discussion and decisions via a range of either email discussions, Teleconferences, Meetings 125 and 126 in Washington, depending on the perceived complexity of the issues.
(It is highly unlikely, for instance, that the matter of Iconography is suitable for email or Teleconference. The possible consequences of major changes throughout the Classification suggest it is a matter likely to occupy the editors and the EPC over a considerable time-span, and will required a measured response over more than one annual meeting..
Religion
A report outlining issues relating to the 200 religion schedules, together with results of a survey to ascertain what use is made of the options available to users in the schedules was presented to the EPC.
Remarkably few uses of the options were found, although several respondents apparently do use a couple of them, even without instructions of how to use 298.
There is no decision to radically revise the Schedule in this area at the moment, but some lively discussion about implications and shortcomings ensued at the meeting.
DDC and UDC are considering a crosswalk at high level numbers between classifications as UDC has recently revised its Religion schedules to reflect a less lop-sided view of the area, which in Dewey is heavily weighted towards Christianity.
Giles Martin will continue his gradual changes for the moment.
Other matters
Library of Congress Report
Beacher Wiggins presented a comprehensive report on matters of interest at the Library of congress, outlining the new structure of the institution, and current issues and challenges in the work environment. As you may know, the Cataloguing Directorate is now Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access, with Acquisitions finally being integrated with Cataloging,
A Workflow Group is looking at workflows with a view to achieving outcomes including:
- Allowing staff to complete as much of the processing activity as early in the process as possible. At present material can be handled as much as 20 times. Processing to be do done by the lowest level of staff that can do tasks proficiently
- Ballooning digital materials to be included with the paper processing which is not decreasing.
- Need to save staff to fill voids as workflows change created
- Aim to have all descriptive cataloguing done by Technicians
- Authority control, bibliographic access, subject assignment remain with professional staff
- Team operation in all areas, with teams having competent staff for all functions
- There is an initiative to purchase shelf ready materials for the Library of Congress
- Talk of core level cataloguing with full authority control
- Aim to automate as much as possible of the process
Beacher’s report gave considerable food for thought about implications for the wider cataloguing community, but LC remains committed to the provision of Dewey.
Dewey in South Africa
Wilna presented an interesting report on Dewey in South Africa where it appears to be flourishing
DDC Training
Ensuring that users of the classification are given adequate training has been a topic of interest and lively discussion over the course of several meetings, with a range of interesting and innovative suggestions being contributed.
Jonathan Furner, the newest Assistant Editor, who comes with considerable educational experience, presented an overview of the issue drawing on previous discussion to outline possible strategies for beginning with what is easy to deliver but which will have impact. The discussion is not finished but some possible effective strategies i.e. developing reusable modular materials, web-based distance learning classes, training kits for new editions, central web site for training materials
Announcements of workshops, etc were discussed . It was emphasised that trainer interaction is vital, as there is no real substitute for knowledgeable human involvement.
WebDewey and ESS
Giles Martin presented an outline of current issues relating to the development of a new editorial support system, for which he has the task of writing the specifications. .
This module is also intended to be available as a tool for the EPC members among others, and will require customized programming to provide the unique processing components required.
Diane Vizine-Goetz presented a report of current research activities relating to Dewey being undertaken in the Office of Research at OCLC, and Libby Crawford reported on marketing of the classification. Her guerrilla marketing strategies seem to be quite successful, and she outlined a number of licensing agreements for production of Dewey themed goods, ranging from carpets to a possible Dewey action doll, which keep the Dewey name in the public eye.
Communication with users
A wide ranging discussion of ways to communicate most effective with users of the classification, both to let them know of changes, draft schedules etc and to encourage reciprocal communication about matters of concern or new schedule requirements by users ensued when this topic was opened for discussion.
The Dewey Blog was noted as a highly effective way of delivering information judging by the number of hits.
It was pointed out that in some instances users tend to self select for responses, ‘opting in’ to contribute to an issue which they deem important, which is perfectly acceptable, as in many cases other change will not affect them .
There is no one perfect way to communicate, so a wide variety of methods is useful, and will differ according to the nature of the communication required.
Conclusion
Since the meeting I have received the proposed schedule for dealing with Exhibits not considered at the October meeting which I include here for your information:
Proposal for Open Agenda Items from Meeting 124
7. Editorial Rules 124-7 (9/6/05)
7a. Order within including, class-here, and option notes 124-7a (9/6/05)
7b. Uneven spans 124-7b (9/6/05)
7c. Wording of Manual-like note 124-7c (9/6/05)
7d. Notes in options 124-7d (9/6/05)
7e. Mappings 124-7e (9/6/05)
Action: Meeting 125 (we believe this is a candidate for e-mail discussion and approval).
19. 510 Mathematics 124-19 (9/6/05)
19.1 Comments on 510 Mathematics 124-19.1 (distributed
Action: Hold for meeting 126. GM will revise based on comments and additional research.
20. 641.22 and 663.2 Wine 124-20 (9/6/05)
Action: Hold for meeting 126. JB and JSM will revise based on CILIP comments and additional research.
24. 900 Historical Periods in Abridged Edition 14 124-24 (7/6/05)
Action: Meeting 125 (we believe this is a candidate for e-mail discussion and approval).
25. Gentry 124-25 (8/5/05)
Action: Meeting 125 (we believe this is a candidate for e-mail discussion and approval).
27. Miscellaneous Topics in History 124-27 (9/6/05)
Action: Meeting 125 (we believe this is a candidate for e-mail discussion and approval).
The Meeting itself was satisfyingly animated and productive, with much thoughtful and reasoned discussion informed by the contributions of the wider Dewey user communities.
The involvement of the users outside the continental United States, including not only the English speaking world but also the ever widening network of translations continues to enrich and inform the classification to its betterment, and this development is reflected in the makeup of the EPC at this time. The full English edition is considered the standard, and this is unlikely to change.


