RECLASSIFICATION DDC to LCC                      1 November 2000

We have done several DDC to LCC reclassifications.  Here are some
practices which we found to work well for patrons, and which eased the
transition for staff.

1) Class all new material in LCC

On day one, class all new material in LCC.  Most material will have CIP
with an LCC number.  Have classifiers unfamiliar with LCC look the number
up in the schedules to ascertain how it was constructed.

For material which must be originally classified, check the first
subject heading against an LC MARC database (we use ITS MARC English).

LCSH can also be used as an index to the classification, if the
cataloguer does not know which schedule index to consult.  The meanings
of at least the first letters should be memorized.

Use the LC Cuttering method as opposed to Cutter-Sanborn.  This table can
soon become internalized, and will not have to be consulted.

2) Ribbon shelving

Shift all DDC books down on the shelves, shelving tightly.  Shelve the
newly classed LCC books above.

There should be a rough correspondence between subject matter above and
below.  There will be less walking for patrons to see both sections for
most subjects.  To create this correspondence shelve in this order:

A   B         C    D    E    F    G    H    J    K    L    M    N
000 100,200   900                 300                      700

P        Q    R    S    T    U    V    Z
400,800  500  600

There will be some lack of correspondance, e.g., recreation in 790, and
the DDC 000s split between LCC's A and Z.  Place labeled wooden blocks
on the DDC shelves to direct patrons to moved classes.  It would, w
think, ecause too much confusion to move parts of classes such as 790s
or 020s to be with their LCC counterparts.

3) Osmotic reclassification

Never reshelve a DDC book in the DDC section.  After circulation, return
the book to cataloguing for reclassification.  It is also possible to
notify cataloguing of books checked out (by sending the circulation card
or shelf list for libraries having either of those) so that the
reclassification is completed by the time the book is returned.

4) Initially avoid down the shelf reclassification.

With the exception of reference materials (and perhaps reserve materials in
an academic library) avoid down the shelf reclassification for some
time.  Down the shelf reclassification would result in time being
absorbed by obscure material lacking MARC records having LCC numbers,
and which may never be used.

5) Weed

When the DDC collection has shrunk to one quarter or less of the total
collection, undertake weeding of the DDC collection.  The remainder may
be reclassed leisurely.

Please feel free to ask any questions I have not covered or any points
about which I have not been clear.