Dewey always have to use traditional classification systems? Part 2
The previous article in this series presented some problems with existing classification systems, and indicated that some small libraries, such as home libraries, may be on the forefront of change.
A three-bedroom, 1090-square-foot Jerusalem apartment, would seem to be far too small to hold a growing reference collection with nearly 30,000 documents, as well as a wife, five children, a very large software collection, and a constant parade of guests.
Clearly, no existing classification system can possibly expand the physical space required to maintain the holdings in a readily-accessible manner. Something had to go - either the books or the classification system. The decision was made easier when I realized that certain major Judaica volumes (including 15” high volumes of the Talmud) could easily crush the many little 2-4-page leaflets which are shelved with them. We were not about to bind each leaflet between two Pressboard covers, nor did we feel that it would help to combine similar leaflets of different sizes.
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