The Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) is known by many names such as
European Dewey, Brussels Classification, and the International Decimal
Classification. Since it was based on the Dewey’s System, it was called
Expanded Dewey in the beginning. UDC is a general classification scheme for
all fields of knowledge available in various languages. All branches of
knowledge have a place in UDC, though traditionally it is considered stronger
in science and technology subjects. It is a general classification scheme that is
particularly detailed and sophisticated. It can therefore be used both for
information systems covering all subjects, or most of them, and for those
which are more specialized but still cover a range of other subjects in less
detail. It is based on recognized fields of study, or disciplines, and has a
hierarchic structure.
UDC is owned, managed, maintained, and distributed by an international
consortium of publishers with its headquarters in The Hague. Its editorial
team comprises six Associate Editors lead by an Editor-in-Chief and
supported by the UDC’s Advisory Board of over 20 members.
Salient features of UDC are:
(i) UDC is a practical bibliographic classification, truly international in
efforts and exposition of contents. It is considered as the first faceted
classification and a synthetic classification which is able to specify
minute subjects, aspects, formats and their varied viewpoints.
(ii) It is the first officially internationally used classification system being
published in French, German and English.
(iii) UDC is a practical bibliographic classification, truly international in
efforts and exposition of contents. It is considered as the first faceted
classification and a synthetic classification which is able to specify minute
subjects, aspects, formats and their varied viewpoints.
(iv) It lays more emphasis on subject analysis and document specification.
(v) Its auxiliary apparatus of relations and synthesis is quite powerful. This
makes the UDC a truly multidimensional scheme.
(vi) It is more suitable for microdocuments, electronic information and
information retrieval in online and networked databases, and websites.
(vii) Its structure is flexible to accommodate new subjects, and change
citation order for flexibility of shelf arrangement and searching.
(viii) UDC is a practical scheme based on the demands of pamphlets, reports
and periodical literature rather than the framework of a theory. The scheme
is based on DDC and claims to be the first Analytico-synthetic classification
scheme.
(ix) It lays more stress to achieve co-extensive class numbers i.e. detailed
specification than the achievement of a sequence of subjects for optimum
helpfulness.
(x) It avoids the lacunae of numerous private classification schemes by
providing a standard system covering all the disciplines and may be used in
any type of library.
(xi) It is a general classification scheme and not a bundle of special
classification. It is rather an integrated whole.
(xii) The scheme reflects exhaustive enumeration in the schedule with due
provision for synthesis or coordination. It is amenable to adjustments to
meet the special needs because actitation order in any given class allows
alternative treatment. The terminology used in UDC helps in a
comprehensive vocabulary of terms for indexing purposes.
(xiii) It is the first officially internationally used classification system being
published in French, German and English. Its notation is independent of any
particular language or script, and its translations have appeared in about 39
languages.
