Many people, using a library or electronic catalogs, are faced with a universal decimal classification. This does not bypass those who work on scientific articles in many fields, for example, economics, physics, mathematics, astronomy, politics and others. For each science, there is a certain code that simplifies the search for the necessary information.
UDC Index Concept
For over 100 years, the concept of a universal decimal classification has existed - the UDC index. Thanks to M. Dewey, UDC retained its structure and main mission. Over the entire period of its existence, such a system has repeatedly changed, improved, and acquired a better look. Many criticized her, and many admired. And yet, after a century, the UDC indices have become indispensable in the international bibliography. And this is worth considering.
The UDC Index is a hierarchical system of classification of scientific works, publications, information, which is used in the international bibliography to simplify the search for the necessary material, systematize the knowledge of various sciences (literature, art, metamathematics, astrology, scientific publications, cards and documents).
The principle of such a system is that each section (subsection) is divided into ten digits. As a result of this, each department is subdivided into structures that pass from the whole to the particular. Thus, each item has its own cell, marked with an Arabic numeral. For convenience, the three characters in the code are separated by dots, creating a universal cipher.
The structure and principles of a unique decimal classification
Numerous sections cover the entire universe of knowledge - nothing remains forgotten. Moreover, due to the wide and convenient internal structure, the UDC index is perceived as a single, integrated system with its own hierarchy and construction rules. Here you can find not only extensive treatises, but also small notes, narrow-topic collections and more.
In the UDC structure, the subordination and subordination of connected classes is clearly monitored. For example, section 32 “Politics” will be subordinated to such units as 321 “Forms of political organization”, 324 “Referenda. Plebiscites. Election campaigns. Corruption in the elections ”and so on. In turn, each subsection has its own special department, which details knowledge. Thus, for each scientific work or scientific knowledge there is a cell - the UDC index.
In addition, UDC uses general and special determinants that reflect processes, language, time and place, equipment, etc. For example, in the policy section, one of the special determinants is “General doctrine of the state. Theories of the state. Power theory. The essence, concept, tasks and functions of the state ”under code 321.01.
The structure of the main row of the UDC table:
| 0-3 | In the first three sections you can find knowledge on science in general (for example, journalism, culture, museum work, writing, information and so on), philosophy, religion, theology and social sciences. |
| four | Since 1961, this cell has not been used. |
| 5-6 | In these cells there is material on mathematics, science (section 5); in applied (medicine, technology, general) (6 section). |
| 7-9 | In these sections you can find information on art, music and sports (section 7); philology, linguistics, fiction (8 section); geography, biography, and also history (9 section). |
Thus, each science and knowledge department has its own place, thanks to such a concept as the UDC code. With it, you can easily find the necessary material, even despite the volume. This is a window into a new world of knowledge!