CINXE.COM

<!doctype html> <html lang="en"> <head> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ google_ad_client: "ca-pub-3257090923471382", enable_page_level_ads: true }); </script> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://use.typekit.net/oxg8oqz.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/themes/publiclibrariesonline/style.css?1669790856" type="text/css" /> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/themes/publiclibrariesonline/assets/js/main.js?1669790856"></script> <link rel="pingback" href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/xmlrpc.php" /> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico" />  <title>Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries - Public Libraries Online</title> <meta name="description" content="Libraries, especially public libraries, have been enthralled with decimal classification systems since Dewey’s flash of inspiration at the end of the nineteenth century. His genius invention—to classify library materials using a subject-based decimal notation system—allowed for an extensible interfiling of library materials previously unknown. Decimal-based classification notation is brief, expressive, and hospitable, making it ideal" /> <meta name="robots" content="max-image-preview:large" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/05/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries/" /> <meta name="generator" content="All in One SEO (AIOSEO) 4.5.1.1" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Public Libraries Online - A Publication of the Public Library Association" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries - Public Libraries Online" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Libraries, especially public libraries, have been enthralled with decimal classification systems since Dewey’s flash of inspiration at the end of the nineteenth century. His genius invention—to classify library materials using a subject-based decimal notation system—allowed for an extensible interfiling of library materials previously unknown. Decimal-based classification notation is brief, expressive, and hospitable, making it ideal" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/05/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries/" /> <meta property="article:published_time" content="2013-05-07T17:00:04+00:00" /> <meta property="article:modified_time" content="2013-05-07T17:00:04+00:00" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries - Public Libraries Online" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Libraries, especially public libraries, have been enthralled with decimal classification systems since Dewey’s flash of inspiration at the end of the nineteenth century. His genius invention—to classify library materials using a subject-based decimal notation system—allowed for an extensible interfiling of library materials previously unknown. Decimal-based classification notation is brief, expressive, and hospitable, making it ideal" /> <script type="application/ld+json" class="aioseo-schema"> {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/#blogposting","name":"Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries - Public Libraries Online","headline":"Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/author\/bdowling\/#author"},"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/#organization"},"datePublished":"2013-05-07T17:00:04-05:00","dateModified":"2013-05-07T17:00:04-05:00","inLanguage":"en-US","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/#webpage"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/#webpage"},"articleSection":"Magazine Feature, March\/April 2013"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/#listItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/","nextItem":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/#listItem"},{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/#listItem","position":2,"name":"2013","item":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/","nextItem":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/#listItem","previousItem":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/#listItem"},{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/#listItem","position":3,"name":"May","item":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/","nextItem":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/#listItem","previousItem":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/#listItem"},{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/#listItem","position":4,"name":"Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries","previousItem":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/#listItem"}]},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/#organization","name":"Public Libraries Online","url":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/author\/bdowling\/#author","url":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/author\/bdowling\/","name":"Brendan Dowling","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/#authorImage","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8f44138a78c05c38c6bef1526cf4b88e?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","width":96,"height":96,"caption":"Brendan Dowling"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/","name":"Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries - Public Libraries Online","description":"Libraries, especially public libraries, have been enthralled with decimal classification systems since Dewey\u2019s flash of inspiration at the end of the nineteenth century. His genius invention\u2014to classify library materials using a subject-based decimal notation system\u2014allowed for an extensible interfiling of library materials previously unknown. Decimal-based classification notation is brief, expressive, and hospitable, making it ideal","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/#breadcrumblist"},"author":{"@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/author\/bdowling\/#author"},"creator":{"@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/author\/bdowling\/#author"},"datePublished":"2013-05-07T17:00:04-05:00","dateModified":"2013-05-07T17:00:04-05:00"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/","name":"Public Libraries Online","description":"A Publication of the Public Library Association","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/#organization"}}]} </script>  <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Public Libraries Online » Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries Comments Feed" href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/05/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries/feed/" />  <script src="//www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-6JSW4JQ869" data-cfasync="false" data-wpfc-render="false" type="text/javascript" async></script> <script data-cfasync="false" data-wpfc-render="false" type="text/javascript"> var mi_version = '9.2.4'; var mi_track_user = true; var mi_no_track_reason = ''; var MonsterInsightsDefaultLocations = {"page_location":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/"}; if ( typeof MonsterInsightsPrivacyGuardFilter === 'function' ) { var MonsterInsightsLocations = (typeof MonsterInsightsExcludeQuery === 'object') ? MonsterInsightsPrivacyGuardFilter( MonsterInsightsExcludeQuery ) : MonsterInsightsPrivacyGuardFilter( MonsterInsightsDefaultLocations ); } else { var MonsterInsightsLocations = (typeof MonsterInsightsExcludeQuery === 'object') ? MonsterInsightsExcludeQuery : MonsterInsightsDefaultLocations; } var disableStrs = [ 'ga-disable-G-6JSW4JQ869', ]; /* Function to detect opted out users */ function __gtagTrackerIsOptedOut() { for (var index = 0; index < disableStrs.length; index++) { if (document.cookie.indexOf(disableStrs[index] + '=true') > -1) { return true; } } return false; } /* Disable tracking if the opt-out cookie exists. */ if (__gtagTrackerIsOptedOut()) { for (var index = 0; index < disableStrs.length; index++) { window[disableStrs[index]] = true; } } /* Opt-out function */ function __gtagTrackerOptout() { for (var index = 0; index < disableStrs.length; index++) { document.cookie = disableStrs[index] + '=true; expires=Thu, 31 Dec 2099 23:59:59 UTC; path=/'; window[disableStrs[index]] = true; } } if ('undefined' === typeof gaOptout) { function gaOptout() { __gtagTrackerOptout(); } } window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.MonsterInsightsDualTracker = { helpers: {}, trackers: {}, }; if (mi_track_user) { function __gtagDataLayer() { dataLayer.push(arguments); } function __gtagTracker(type, name, parameters) { if (!parameters) { parameters = {}; } if (parameters.send_to) { __gtagDataLayer.apply(null, arguments); return; } if (type === 'event') { parameters.send_to = monsterinsights_frontend.v4_id; var hookName = name; if (typeof parameters['event_category'] !== 'undefined') { hookName = parameters['event_category'] + ':' + name; } if (typeof MonsterInsightsDualTracker.trackers[hookName] !== 'undefined') { MonsterInsightsDualTracker.trackers[hookName](parameters); } else { __gtagDataLayer('event', name, parameters); } } else { __gtagDataLayer.apply(null, arguments); } } __gtagTracker('js', new Date()); __gtagTracker('set', { 'developer_id.dZGIzZG': true, }); if ( MonsterInsightsLocations.page_location ) { __gtagTracker('set', MonsterInsightsLocations); } __gtagTracker('config', 'G-6JSW4JQ869', {"forceSSL":"true","link_attribution":"true"} ); window.gtag = __gtagTracker; (function () { /* https://developers.google.com/analytics/devguides/collection/analyticsjs/ */ /* ga and __gaTracker compatibility shim. */ var noopfn = function () { return null; }; var newtracker = function () { return new Tracker(); }; var Tracker = function () { return null; }; var p = Tracker.prototype; p.get = noopfn; p.set = noopfn; p.send = function () { var args = Array.prototype.slice.call(arguments); args.unshift('send'); __gaTracker.apply(null, args); }; var __gaTracker = function () { var len = arguments.length; if (len === 0) { return; } var f = arguments[len - 1]; if (typeof f !== 'object' || f === null || typeof f.hitCallback !== 'function') { if ('send' === arguments[0]) { var hitConverted, hitObject = false, action; if ('event' === arguments[1]) { if ('undefined' !== typeof arguments[3]) { hitObject = { 'eventAction': arguments[3], 'eventCategory': arguments[2], 'eventLabel': arguments[4], 'value': arguments[5] ? arguments[5] : 1, } } } if ('pageview' === arguments[1]) { if ('undefined' !== typeof arguments[2]) { hitObject = { 'eventAction': 'page_view', 'page_path': arguments[2], } } } if (typeof arguments[2] === 'object') { hitObject = arguments[2]; } if (typeof arguments[5] === 'object') { Object.assign(hitObject, arguments[5]); } if ('undefined' !== typeof arguments[1].hitType) { hitObject = arguments[1]; if ('pageview' === hitObject.hitType) { hitObject.eventAction = 'page_view'; } } if (hitObject) { action = 'timing' === arguments[1].hitType ? 'timing_complete' : hitObject.eventAction; hitConverted = mapArgs(hitObject); __gtagTracker('event', action, hitConverted); } } return; } function mapArgs(args) { var arg, hit = {}; var gaMap = { 'eventCategory': 'event_category', 'eventAction': 'event_action', 'eventLabel': 'event_label', 'eventValue': 'event_value', 'nonInteraction': 'non_interaction', 'timingCategory': 'event_category', 'timingVar': 'name', 'timingValue': 'value', 'timingLabel': 'event_label', 'page': 'page_path', 'location': 'page_location', 'title': 'page_title', 'referrer' : 'page_referrer', }; for (arg in args) { if (!(!args.hasOwnProperty(arg) || !gaMap.hasOwnProperty(arg))) { hit[gaMap[arg]] = args[arg]; } else { hit[arg] = args[arg]; } } return hit; } try { f.hitCallback(); } catch (ex) { } }; __gaTracker.create = newtracker; __gaTracker.getByName = newtracker; __gaTracker.getAll = function () { return []; }; __gaTracker.remove = noopfn; __gaTracker.loaded = true; window['__gaTracker'] = __gaTracker; })(); } else { console.log(""); (function () { function __gtagTracker() { return null; } window['__gtagTracker'] = __gtagTracker; window['gtag'] = __gtagTracker; })(); } </script>  <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ window._wpemojiSettings = {"baseUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/14.0.0\/72x72\/","ext":".png","svgUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/14.0.0\/svg\/","svgExt":".svg","source":{"concatemoji":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-emoji-release.min.js?ver=6.4.5"}}; /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(i,n){var o,s,e;function c(e){try{var t={supportTests:e,timestamp:(new Date).valueOf()};sessionStorage.setItem(o,JSON.stringify(t))}catch(e){}}function p(e,t,n){e.clearRect(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height),e.fillText(t,0,0);var t=new Uint32Array(e.getImageData(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height).data),r=(e.clearRect(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height),e.fillText(n,0,0),new Uint32Array(e.getImageData(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height).data));return t.every(function(e,t){return e===r[t]})}function u(e,t,n){switch(t){case"flag":return n(e,"\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0f","\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200b\u26a7\ufe0f")?!1:!n(e,"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf3","\ud83c\uddfa\u200b\ud83c\uddf3")&&!n(e,"\ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc65\udb40\udc6e\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc7f","\ud83c\udff4\u200b\udb40\udc67\u200b\udb40\udc62\u200b\udb40\udc65\u200b\udb40\udc6e\u200b\udb40\udc67\u200b\udb40\udc7f");case"emoji":return!n(e,"\ud83e\udef1\ud83c\udffb\u200d\ud83e\udef2\ud83c\udfff","\ud83e\udef1\ud83c\udffb\u200b\ud83e\udef2\ud83c\udfff")}return!1}function f(e,t,n){var r="undefined"!=typeof WorkerGlobalScope&&self instanceof WorkerGlobalScope?new OffscreenCanvas(300,150):i.createElement("canvas"),a=r.getContext("2d",{willReadFrequently:!0}),o=(a.textBaseline="top",a.font="600 32px Arial",{});return e.forEach(function(e){o[e]=t(a,e,n)}),o}function t(e){var t=i.createElement("script");t.src=e,t.defer=!0,i.head.appendChild(t)}"undefined"!=typeof Promise&&(o="wpEmojiSettingsSupports",s=["flag","emoji"],n.supports={everything:!0,everythingExceptFlag:!0},e=new Promise(function(e){i.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",e,{once:!0})}),new Promise(function(t){var n=function(){try{var e=JSON.parse(sessionStorage.getItem(o));if("object"==typeof e&&"number"==typeof e.timestamp&&(new Date).valueOf()<e.timestamp+604800&&"object"==typeof e.supportTests)return e.supportTests}catch(e){}return null}();if(!n){if("undefined"!=typeof Worker&&"undefined"!=typeof OffscreenCanvas&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&URL.createObjectURL&&"undefined"!=typeof Blob)try{var e="postMessage("+f.toString()+"("+[JSON.stringify(s),u.toString(),p.toString()].join(",")+"));",r=new Blob([e],{type:"text/javascript"}),a=new Worker(URL.createObjectURL(r),{name:"wpTestEmojiSupports"});return void(a.onmessage=function(e){c(n=e.data),a.terminate(),t(n)})}catch(e){}c(n=f(s,u,p))}t(n)}).then(function(e){for(var t in e)n.supports[t]=e[t],n.supports.everything=n.supports.everything&&n.supports[t],"flag"!==t&&(n.supports.everythingExceptFlag=n.supports.everythingExceptFlag&&n.supports[t]);n.supports.everythingExceptFlag=n.supports.everythingExceptFlag&&!n.supports.flag,n.DOMReady=!1,n.readyCallback=function(){n.DOMReady=!0}}).then(function(){return e}).then(function(){var e;n.supports.everything||(n.readyCallback(),(e=n.source||{}).concatemoji?t(e.concatemoji):e.wpemoji&&e.twemoji&&(t(e.twemoji),t(e.wpemoji)))}))}((window,document),window._wpemojiSettings); /* ]]> */ </script> <style id='wp-emoji-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> img.wp-smiley, img.emoji { display: inline !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; height: 1em !important; width: 1em !important; margin: 0 0.07em !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; background: none !important; padding: 0 !important; } </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='wp-block-library-css' href='https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-includes/css/dist/block-library/style.min.css?ver=6.4.5' type='text/css' media='all' /> <style id='classic-theme-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> /*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} </style> <style id='global-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> body{--wp--preset--color--black: #000000;--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray: #abb8c3;--wp--preset--color--white: #ffffff;--wp--preset--color--pale-pink: #f78da7;--wp--preset--color--vivid-red: #cf2e2e;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange: #ff6900;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber: #fcb900;--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan: #7bdcb5;--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan: #00d084;--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue: #8ed1fc;--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue: #0693e3;--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple: #9b51e0;--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,rgb(155,81,224) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(122,220,180) 0%,rgb(0,208,130) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(252,185,0,1) 0%,rgba(255,105,0,1) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,105,0,1) 0%,rgb(207,46,46) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(238,238,238) 0%,rgb(169,184,195) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(74,234,220) 0%,rgb(151,120,209) 20%,rgb(207,42,186) 40%,rgb(238,44,130) 60%,rgb(251,105,98) 80%,rgb(254,248,76) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,206,236) 0%,rgb(152,150,240) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(254,205,165) 0%,rgb(254,45,45) 50%,rgb(107,0,62) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,203,112) 0%,rgb(199,81,192) 50%,rgb(65,88,208) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,245,203) 0%,rgb(182,227,212) 50%,rgb(51,167,181) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(202,248,128) 0%,rgb(113,206,126) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--midnight: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(2,3,129) 0%,rgb(40,116,252) 100%);--wp--preset--font-size--small: 13px;--wp--preset--font-size--medium: 20px;--wp--preset--font-size--large: 36px;--wp--preset--font-size--x-large: 42px;--wp--preset--spacing--20: 0.44rem;--wp--preset--spacing--30: 0.67rem;--wp--preset--spacing--40: 1rem;--wp--preset--spacing--50: 1.5rem;--wp--preset--spacing--60: 2.25rem;--wp--preset--spacing--70: 3.38rem;--wp--preset--spacing--80: 5.06rem;--wp--preset--shadow--natural: 6px 6px 9px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--deep: 12px 12px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);--wp--preset--shadow--sharp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--outlined: 6px 6px 0px -3px rgba(255, 255, 255, 1), 6px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);--wp--preset--shadow--crisp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);}:where(.is-layout-flex){gap: 0.5em;}:where(.is-layout-grid){gap: 0.5em;}body .is-layout-flow > .alignleft{float: left;margin-inline-start: 0;margin-inline-end: 2em;}body .is-layout-flow > .alignright{float: right;margin-inline-start: 2em;margin-inline-end: 0;}body .is-layout-flow > .aligncenter{margin-left: auto !important;margin-right: auto !important;}body .is-layout-constrained > .alignleft{float: left;margin-inline-start: 0;margin-inline-end: 2em;}body .is-layout-constrained > .alignright{float: right;margin-inline-start: 2em;margin-inline-end: 0;}body .is-layout-constrained > .aligncenter{margin-left: auto !important;margin-right: auto !important;}body .is-layout-constrained > :where(:not(.alignleft):not(.alignright):not(.alignfull)){max-width: var(--wp--style--global--content-size);margin-left: auto !important;margin-right: auto !important;}body .is-layout-constrained > .alignwide{max-width: var(--wp--style--global--wide-size);}body .is-layout-flex{display: flex;}body .is-layout-flex{flex-wrap: wrap;align-items: center;}body .is-layout-flex > *{margin: 0;}body .is-layout-grid{display: grid;}body .is-layout-grid > *{margin: 0;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;}.has-black-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red) !important;}.has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum) !important;}.has-blush-light-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple) !important;}.has-blush-bordeaux-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux) !important;}.has-luminous-dusk-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk) !important;}.has-pale-ocean-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean) !important;}.has-electric-grass-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass) !important;}.has-midnight-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--midnight) !important;}.has-small-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--small) !important;}.has-medium-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--medium) !important;}.has-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--large) !important;}.has-x-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--x-large) !important;} .wp-block-navigation a:where(:not(.wp-element-button)){color: inherit;} :where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;} :where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;} .wp-block-pullquote{font-size: 1.5em;line-height: 1.6;} </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='wordpress-popular-posts-css-css' href='https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/plugins/wordpress-popular-posts/assets/css/wpp.css?ver=6.3.4' type='text/css' media='all' /> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/plugins/google-analytics-for-wordpress/assets/js/frontend-gtag.min.js?ver=9.2.4" id="monsterinsights-frontend-script-js" async="async" data-wp-strategy="async"></script> <script data-cfasync="false" data-wpfc-render="false" type="text/javascript" id='monsterinsights-frontend-script-js-extra'>/* <![CDATA[ */ var monsterinsights_frontend = {"js_events_tracking":"true","download_extensions":"doc,pdf,ppt,zip,xls,docx,pptx,xlsx","inbound_paths":"[{\"path\":\"\\\/go\\\/\",\"label\":\"affiliate\"},{\"path\":\"\\\/recommend\\\/\",\"label\":\"affiliate\"}]","home_url":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org","hash_tracking":"false","v4_id":"G-6JSW4JQ869"};/* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery.min.js?ver=3.7.1" id="jquery-core-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery-migrate.min.js?ver=3.4.1" id="jquery-migrate-js"></script> <script type="application/json" id="wpp-json"> {"sampling_active":0,"sampling_rate":100,"ajax_url":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/wp-json\/wordpress-popular-posts\/v1\/popular-posts","api_url":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/wp-json\/wordpress-popular-posts","ID":2054,"token":"407a065dbe","lang":0,"debug":0} </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/plugins/wordpress-popular-posts/assets/js/wpp.min.js?ver=6.3.4" id="wpp-js-js"></script> <link rel="https://api.w.org/" href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-json/" /><link rel="alternate" type="application/json" href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/2054" /><link rel="EditURI" type="application/rsd+xml" title="RSD" href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/xmlrpc.php?rsd" /> <meta name="generator" content="WordPress 6.4.5" /> <link rel='shortlink' href='https://publiclibrariesonline.org/?p=2054' /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/json+oembed" href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubliclibrariesonline.org%2F2013%2F05%2Fpicturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries%2F" />   <style type="text/css" media="screen"> .g { margin:0px; padding:0px; overflow:hidden; line-height:1; zoom:1; } .g img { height:auto; } .g-col { position:relative; float:left; } .g-col:first-child { margin-left: 0; } .g-col:last-child { margin-right: 0; } .g-1 { min-width:1px; max-width:302px; } .b-1 { margin:1px 1px 1px 1px; } .g-5 { min-width:0px; max-width:300px; } .b-5 { margin:0px 0px 0px 0px; } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px) { .g-col, .g-dyn, .g-single { width:100%; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; } } </style>  <style id="wpp-loading-animation-styles">@-webkit-keyframes bgslide{from{background-position-x:0}to{background-position-x:-200%}}@keyframes bgslide{from{background-position-x:0}to{background-position-x:-200%}}.wpp-widget-placeholder,.wpp-widget-block-placeholder,.wpp-shortcode-placeholder{margin:0 auto;width:60px;height:3px;background:#dd3737;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#dd3737 0%,#571313 10%,#dd3737 100%);background-size:200% auto;border-radius:3px;-webkit-animation:bgslide 1s infinite linear;animation:bgslide 1s infinite linear}</style>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-36503405-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script> <style id="wpforms-css-vars-root"> :root { --wpforms-field-border-radius: 3px; --wpforms-field-background-color: #ffffff; --wpforms-field-border-color: rgba( 0, 0, 0, 0.25 ); --wpforms-field-text-color: rgba( 0, 0, 0, 0.7 ); --wpforms-label-color: rgba( 0, 0, 0, 0.85 ); --wpforms-label-sublabel-color: rgba( 0, 0, 0, 0.55 ); --wpforms-label-error-color: #d63637; --wpforms-button-border-radius: 3px; --wpforms-button-background-color: #066aab; --wpforms-button-text-color: #ffffff; --wpforms-field-size-input-height: 43px; --wpforms-field-size-input-spacing: 15px; --wpforms-field-size-font-size: 16px; --wpforms-field-size-line-height: 19px; --wpforms-field-size-padding-h: 14px; --wpforms-field-size-checkbox-size: 16px; --wpforms-field-size-sublabel-spacing: 5px; --wpforms-field-size-icon-size: 1; --wpforms-label-size-font-size: 16px; --wpforms-label-size-line-height: 19px; --wpforms-label-size-sublabel-font-size: 14px; --wpforms-label-size-sublabel-line-height: 17px; --wpforms-button-size-font-size: 17px; --wpforms-button-size-height: 41px; --wpforms-button-size-padding-h: 15px; --wpforms-button-size-margin-top: 10px; } </style></head> <body class="post-template-default single single-post postid-2054 single-format-standard"> <div class="wrap masthead"> <div class="content"> <div class="g g-6"><div class="g-single a-211"><div class="billboard"><a class="gofollow" data-track="MjExLDYsMSwxMA==" href="https://alastore.ala.org/2025-pla-early-literacy-calendar-english-language-version-pdf-download/"><img src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/earlylitcalendarbillboardad2025.png" /></a></div></div></div> <a class="subhead" href="https://www.ala.org/pla/">A Publication of the Public Library Association</a> <a class="header" href="/">Public Libraries <em>Online</em></a> </div> </div> <nav class="wrap menu" id="menu" role="navigation"> <div class="content"> <a id="menu-toggle" href="#menu-header">☰ Menu</a> <ul id="menu-header" class="sf-menu"><li id="menu-item-10" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-home menu-item-has-children menu-item-10"><a href="http://publiclibrariesonline.org/">Blog</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-18218" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18218"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/administration-leadership/">Administration & Leadership</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18233" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18233"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/books/">Books</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18219" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18219"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/cataloging-technical-services/">Cataloging & Technical Services</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18220" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18220"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/collection-management/">Collection Management</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18221" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18221"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/equity-diversity-inclusion-social-justice/">Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Social Justice</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18222" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18222"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/information-literacy-library-instruction/">Information Literacy & Library Instruction</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18223" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18223"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/intellectual-freedom-copyright/">Intellectual Freedom & Copyright</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18224" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18224"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/marketing-engagement/">Marketing & Engagement</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18234" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18234"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/programs-services/">Programs & Services</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18226" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18226"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/self-care/">Self-Care</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18227" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-18227"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/technology/">Technology</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-8240" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-category menu-item-8240"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/category/media/podcast/">Podcast</a></li> <li id="menu-item-9" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-9"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/about/">About</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18162" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-18162"><a href="#">Magazine</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-18231" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-18231"><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/public-libraries-magazine-archives/">Magazine Archives</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18232" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-18232"><a href="https://connect.ala.org/pla/communities/community-home/librarydocuments?communitykey=97ed89fc-2d42-422d-a2b6-a996d4274add&tab=librarydocuments&defaultview=folder&libraryfolderkey=9f521d19-2707-4946-9196-17d2334fc55c">Past Issues (Members only)</a></li> <li id="menu-item-18154" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-18154"><a href="https://www.ala.org/pla/resources/publications/publiclibraries/subscribe">Subscribe</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <div class="social"> <form method="get" action="https://www.google.com/search" class="search"><input type="hidden" name="domains" value="https://publiclibrariesonline.org"><input type="hidden" name="sitesearch" value="https://publiclibrariesonline.org"><input type="text" name="q" placeholder="Search" class="input"><input type="submit" value="Submit" class="submit"></form> <a href="https://twitter.com/publibonline" class="icon-twitter">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/publiclibrariesonline" class="icon-facebook">Facebook</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/publiclibrariesonline" class="icon-instagram">Instagram</a> <a href="https://pinterest.com/publibonline" class="icon-pinterest">Pinterest</a> </div> </div> </nav> <div class="wrap"> <div class="main"> <div class="content article"> <div class="post-2054 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-magazine-feature issue-marchapril-2013" id="picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries"> <div class="entry"> <h1><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/05/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries/">Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries</a></h1> <div class="featured-image"></div> <p class="author"><em>by</em> Rachel Ivy Clarke, raclarke@uw.edu <em>on</em> May 7, 2013</p> <div class="sharing"> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_counter_style"> <a class="addthis_button_facebook_like" fb:like:layout="box_count"></a> <a class="addthis_button_tweet" tw:count="vertical"></a> <a class="addthis_button_google_plusone" g:plusone:size="tall"></a> <a class="addthis_counter"></a> </div> </div> <p>Libraries, especially public libraries, have been enthralled with decimal classification systems since Dewey’s flash of inspiration at the end of the nineteenth century. His genius invention—to classify library materials using a subject-based decimal notation system—allowed for an extensible interfiling of library materials previously unknown. Decimal-based classification notation is brief, expressive, and hospitable, making it ideal not only for the basis of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), but many other classification systems throughout the world. Many European countries, the Netherlands among them, created library classification systems based on this concept, which have been as ubiquitous to libraries as buns and glasses are to librarians.</p> <p>Until recently, that is, when some librarians began to voice their concerns about their patrons’ abilities to efficiently and effectively navigate decimal-based organization systems. In America, Maricopa County (Ariz.) Libraries traded in DDC for BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications), a keyword-based system used by the commercial book industry, to offer patrons the parallel experience of a familiar bookstore. The Markham Public Library (Ontario, Canada) developed an entirely new local system, still numerical, but based on local library customer needs and wants.</p> <p>A decade earlier, the Netherlands struggled with similar issues. The traditional system, SISO (a decimal-based system similar to DDC) was perceived as too difficult for children—even for some adults. Many individual libraries took it upon themselves to develop “audience-friendly” alternatives to SISO that used “everyday language,”<sup>1</sup> but these were quite specific to each institution. As more and more libraries implemented unique alternative schemes, the differences among these schemes became problematic. Classifications varied from library to library, confusing users. Local librarians had to maintain their home-grown systems and reclassify all their acquisitions accordingly. These libraries needed a system that was straightforward for patrons to use—especially patrons who don’t use the library catalog—both within individual libraries as well as across the country. Libraries cried out for a centralized classification system that would be universally applicable, easy for patrons to use and for librarians to apply.</p> <p>In 1998, NBD Biblion took up the call. NBD Biblion is a national centralized library service agency which provides a variety of products and services, including acquisitions, bibliographic description/cataloging, binding, classification labeling, RFID/security, and more, to all types of libraries in the Netherlands.<sup>2</sup> NBD Biblion was originally formed by libraries, with librarians filling the board of directors. The organization is not government funded and so runs under a business model to continue offering services to libraries.</p> <p>NBD Biblion began by sending representatives to tour the country and examine many of the locally developed systems, trying to glean the advantages from each one. First, they considered the idea of classification using color alone, but that was limited in many ways, mostly a lack of accommodation for colorblind patrons. Then they considered using keywords alone. Eventually, they drew ideas from all of these systems. They modeled the new nonfiction classification on a system previously designed by NBD Biblion to organize fiction by genre, where each genre is identified by a representative symbol, or pictogram, printed on the spine label of the book along with the first four letters of the author’s name (see figure 1).</p> <p>The new system for nonfiction, PIM, uses a combination of color-coded pictograms and keywords to organize physical nonfiction library materials. PIM is designed to “speak for itself,” said Erwin Tuinstra, editor of subject indexing at NBD Biblion who oversees PIM.<sup>3</sup> Unlike decimal-based systems, which essentially translate subjects into numerals, PIM clearly demonstrates the subject matter embodied in the materials. Tuinstra emphasized that PIM is specifically intended for library patrons who don’t use the library catalog or who are more inclined to browse rather than search for specific materials. Combined with wayfinding signage and innovative shelf labeling, he said PIM is designed to “show its own way” around the library without the need to rely on a catalog search or reference inquiry.<sup>4</sup></p> <h1>How It Works</h1> <p>PIM is an alphabetically based system with two main parts: categories and keywords.<sup>5</sup> Spine labels for books and other materials include both of these components, as well as the first four letters of the main entry (see figure 2).</p> <p>Items are grouped first by category, which is represented by a color-coded symbol, one of twenty-seven pictograms grouped into color families (see figure 3). While there is no “name” for the overarching color-coded areas, each color clearly represents a topical area: red represents the area of the arts, blue for geography and history, orange for leisure activities like hobbies and sports, and so forth.<sup>6</sup> Within each general pictogram category, items are assigned more specific subject keywords.</p> <p>Within a library, items are grouped first by the pictograms and then arranged alphabetically by keyword. PIM has no prescribed order other than this alphabetical arrangement within categories. It is purposefully designed to be a flexible system in which local libraries can “easily make changes without prejudice to the national system.”<sup>7</sup> Libraries may arrange sections in whatever order best suits their needs. So a library with a large arts section may choose to place that first in the shelf order, while a library with a collection heavy in history may emphasize that class. Some libraries may alphabetize by author or main entry within keyword sections, while other libraries forego this step. Since their patrons do not seem to utilize the alphabetical-by-author organization, these libraries save time shelving materials. Shelf labels and signage are used to navigate within a particular library rather than relying on a preset ordering system like those inherent in decimal or alphanumeric systems. Additionally, if a material is pre-assigned a PIM category that does not match the local view of how it should be categorized, it can easily be classified according to the local view without affecting the overall system.</p> <h1>Development</h1> <p>To develop the pictograms, sample symbols were shown to a test group of approximately 1,000 people, representing both librarians and patrons. Participants were shown a symbol and asked what the symbol made them think of, in order to see if the pictogram clearly expressed the intended meaning. After finalizing the symbols, a later study presented potential patrons and librarians with “dummy” books, mocked up with sample labels, for feedback.</p> <p>The keywords used in PIM are derived from the Dutch NBD Biblion thesaurus (a Dutch equivalent of Library of Congress Subject Headings specifically designed for use in public libraries). However, sometimes adjustments are necessary to adapt keywords for PIM. This can be simple, like using a broader term as the PIM keyword when the work might ordinarily be assigned a much narrower term. For example, the Dutch thesaurus includes headings for individual soccer clubs, such as “Ajax Soccer Club” and “PSV Soccer Club.” Using these specific narrow terms would separate materials on the shelf, classing books on the Ajax soccer club under “Sport en Spel>Ajax” and books on PSV under “Sport en Spel>PSV.” Because keywords are filed alphabetically within categories, both of these books on soccer clubs would be separated by alphabetic distance, with “Ajax” under “A” and “PSV” with the “P”s. Instead, the broader term for “soccer clubs” (“Voetbalclubs”) is applied to ensure they file together. These changes are recorded and documented in the PIM literature maintained by NBD Biblion; however, the original subject headings are not changed in the Dutch NBD Biblion thesaurus. Rather, a “see” or “see also” reference might be included in the Dutch thesaurus to direct users to the term adjustments for PIM.</p> <p>In an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) interface, what patrons see of the PIM classification depends heavily on the software used by the library. Some catalogs will only display the keyword; others are capable of displaying the colored pictograms as well. Libraries can license the rights to the pictograms in order to include them in OPAC development and display.</p> <h1>Application</h1> <p>PIM is specifically designed for libraries with nonfiction collections of up to 15,000 items—any more than that and it becomes difficult to scale. For example, a smaller library may have about a dozen books about various types of ships, and all of these would be classed in PIM under that general category. However, a larger library may have many dozen—if not a hundred or more—books about ships, which would all be classed together using PIM. This presents the library user with a large number of books to browse with no secondary class (such as types of ships: sailboats, submarines, and so forth) used for division to aid the seeker. PIM is currently used in more than four hundred small-scale libraries in the Netherlands, mostly public libraries, but also schools, and it is especially popular in prison libraries.</p> <p>Some public library systems include smaller branches that use PIM while the larger central branches still use SISO. These libraries and systems consider easy shelf browsing, exploration, and access a higher priority than consistent application of a classification system across multiple branches. This also reflects a focus on tailoring the library’s organization specifically to its local users, regardless of whether it is part of a branch system or if it stands alone.</p> <h1>Support</h1> <p>NBD Biblion currently supplies pre-classified and labeled books and other materials to libraries as part of a larger cataloging and binding service in which a majority of Dutch libraries already participate. Now libraries can just choose to receive PIM labeling and processing rather than the traditional SISO classification. Libraries also have the option to purchase software and labels for printing from NBD Biblion in order to produce labels locally, in the event that labels need replacing, or if a library feels the need to make local adaptations. PIM classifications and keywords are included in the bibliographic records supplied to libraries, along with genre information, summaries (about 1,000 words, written by participating librarians and other professional authorities from all over the country), SISO classification, and Dutch NBD Biblion subject headings.</p> <p>PIM is supported by the bibliographic description department at NBD Biblion, which consists of twelve full-time employees who create about 20,000 bibliographic records per year. Two developers within this department are directly responsible for PIM, but there are also many opportunities for users to offer input. In addition to the email address (pim@nbdbiblion.nl) used by librarians to submit suggestions, NBD Biblion also conducts panel discussions with librarians every other year to solicit feedback. One example of this was the major shift from twenty-six to twenty-seven original pictograms: “religion” (“Religie”) was separated out from “spiritual life” (“Geestelijk leven”) due to popular demand, both from patrons who wanted the change for personal reasons as well as librarians who felt that the category was too large to encompass the number of materials at libraries with large religion sections. NBD Biblion seems very responsive to feedback from both librarians and patrons and is “constantly optimizing” the system.8 Any changes to PIM are processed retrospectively across previous cataloged titles and bibliographic descriptions to keep it current and adequately representative of user behavior and library collections.</p> <h1>Future Possibilities</h1> <p>Since its inception more than ten years ago, PIM continues to increase in popularity, and is in its sixth edition as of 2011. While currently only available in Dutch, NBD Biblion has received requests to translate PIM into other languages, especially Arabic and Turkish. Requests have also been made for NBD Biblion to develop a PIM-like system for larger library collections, and they are considering the possibility. However, scaling the system for larger collections entails significant challenges, the biggest of which entails developing additional levels of keywords, such as the previously described example about “ships.” Considering that until this year NBD Biblion has done little to no marketing for the classification system, PIM’s growth by word-of-mouth alone has been quite phenomenal.</p> <p>So is this possible in the United States, a country 230 times the size of the Netherlands, with almost 800 times the number of libraries?9 Perhaps if we look at what characteristics make PIM successful, we can begin to evaluate the possibilities.</p> <p>At the top of the list is PIM’s “audience-friendly” design: focusing on and aligning with observed patron needs and behaviors seems surely at the heart of its success. PIM offers an accessible and browseable physical collection while not significantly altering the search and retrieval experience<br /> for those patrons who still prefer an online catalog search. Additionally, while offering consistency through centralized creation and distribution, it still offers libraries enough flexibility to make changes — local tweaks as well as contributing suggestions to larger, system-wide changes. Such participatory design in the initial design as well as ongoing maintenance of the scheme keeps it relevant to users and librarians, which surely helps contribute to lasting success.</p> <p>NBD Biblion considered the scope of the project and targeted exactly which libraries and users PIM was designed to serve. By targeting smaller libraries and collections, with more niche needs and underserved by larger, all-encompassing classification schemes, NBD Biblion was able to keep the scope of the project and the scheme itself manageable, as opposed to an attempt to design a classification system meant to be used by all libraries, everywhere. “One size fits all” often really fits none.</p> <p>However, there is more to success than the design of the system. Without commitment on the part of NBD Biblion to devote time and resources to maintain PIM and keep it current, it would surely fall out of use as categories became outdated. Additionally, the centralized services provided<br /> by NBD Biblion make it easy for libraries to use PIM—since most libraries already acquire 80 to 90 percent of their materials already cataloged, classified, bound, and labeled from NBD Biblion, they can simply choose which NBD Biblion-supported classification system should be applied to their purchases.</p> <p>Scope would certainly play a major—if not the most important—role in undertaking such a project in the United States. The US may be a larger country with a larger number of libraries, but if the scope is chosen carefully, design and support of useful classification systems for smaller,<br /> more niche groups is certainly possible.</p> <p>Additionally, a secure commitment from a centralized organization to design, develop, maintain, and distribute the classification scheme would be required. Obvious choices include the Library of Congress or OCLC, although as the former struggles with funding issues and cutbacks such a<br /> project may not be a feasible undertaking at this point in time. However, a vendor-based solution might also be viable, especially one that could offer simultaneous classification and acquisitions, as NBD Biblion does. Even a library branch or system might play this role, so long as the organization is stable and makes a solid commitment to the user-centered, participatory design of the system as well as ongoing, continued maintenance.</p> <p>There are multitudes of classification systems in the world, besides just the ubiquitous Dewey and LC classifications. While these systems offer strength in longevity, it’s clear that more and more libraries in the US and abroad are interested in more user-based classification schemes while still maintaining centralized maintenance. PIM is an example from the Netherlands that we can look to as a success story to inspire similar progress all across the nation.</p> <h1>REFERENCES AND NOTES</h1> <ol> <li><a title="NBD Biblion Homepage" href="http://www.nbdbiblion.nl" target="_blank">NBD Biblion homepage</a>, accessed Mar. 15, 2013.</li> <li>NBD Biblion is the product of the 2002 merger of two library service agencies, NBD and Biblion.</li> <li>Erwin Tuinstra and Linda de Man, personal interview with the author, Sept. 12, 2011.</li> <li>Ibid.</li> <li>NBD Biblion, PIM: Presentatiesysteem Informatieve Media, 6th ed. (Leidschendam, Netherlands: NBD Biblion, 2o11): 5.</li> <li>Ibid., 7.</li> <li>Ibid., 5.</li> <li>NBD Biblion homepage, accessed Mar. 15, 2013.</li> <li>American Library Association, “<a title="Number of Libraries in the United States" href="http://www.ala.org/ala/professionalresources/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet01.cfm" target="_blank">Number of Libraries in the United States</a>,” accessed Mar. 15, 2013; Netherlands Institute for Social Research, “<a title="Table 1.1" href="http://www.scp.nl/english/dsresource?objectid=21996&type=org" target="_blank">Table 1.1</a>,” <em>The Future of the Dutch Public Library</em>, June 2008, accessed Mar. 15, 2013,</li> </ol> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="sidebar"> <div class="widget widget-mailing-list"> <a class="button" href="http://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/americanlibraryassociation/pages/PLA_Email_Sign_Up_PL_Online"> Join our mailing list » </a> </div> <div class="widget advertisement"> <div class="g g-1"><div class="g-col b-1 a-216"><a class="gofollow" data-track="MjE2LDEsMSwxMA==" href="https://www.digipalooza.com/?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=pla&utm_campaign=digipalooza&utm_content=novemberbannerad"><img src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DigiP-Banner-Ads_300x250-02-6.png" /></a></div></div><div class="g g-1"><div class="g-col b-1 a-217"><a class="gofollow" data-track="MjE3LDEsMSwxMA==" href="https://www.heifer.org/what-you-can-do/get-involved/schools/read-to-feed.html?msource=AECOM24PL0001&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=cm_school&utm_content=read-to-feed&utm_term=online-banner/"><img src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Heifer-International-24-CM-U3UV-PLA-Web-Banner-Digital-Ads-300x250px-3Jan.jpg" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="widget advertisement">  </div> <h3>Recent Posts</h3> <div class="list"> <div class="post-19732 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-administration-leadership category-equity-diversity-inclusion-social-justice category-news-opinion category-programs-services tag-blackhistorymonth tag-blackhistorymonthatthelibrary tag-blackhistorymonthprogramminginpubliclibraries" id="honoring-black-history-engaging-library-programs-and-initiatives-for-every-community"> <a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/02/honoring-black-history-engaging-library-programs-and-initiatives-for-every-community/" class="thumbnail"><img width="1448" height="724" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-2190368710.jpg" class="attachment-small size-small wp-post-image" alt="red yellow green words and a 2025 graphic on a black background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-2190368710.jpg 1448w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-2190368710-600x300.jpg 600w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-2190368710-900x450.jpg 900w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-2190368710-768x384.jpg 768w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-2190368710-300x150.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1448px) 100vw, 1448px" /></a> <h4><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/02/honoring-black-history-engaging-library-programs-and-initiatives-for-every-community/">Honoring Black History: Engaging Library Programs and Initiatives for Every Community</a></h4> </div> <div class="post-19727 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-administration-leadership category-equity-diversity-inclusion-social-justice category-programs-services tag-blackhistorymonth tag-blackhistorymonthatthelibrary" id="exploring-black-history-month-programming-in-public-libraries"> <a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/02/exploring-black-history-month-programming-in-public-libraries/" class="thumbnail"><img width="1322" height="793" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-1923910527.jpg" class="attachment-small size-small wp-post-image" alt="Black History Month words stacked in red yellow and green with the word February running vertically alongside the stack in same colors all on a black background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-1923910527.jpg 1322w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-1923910527-600x360.jpg 600w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-1923910527-900x540.jpg 900w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-1923910527-768x461.jpg 768w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-1923910527-300x180.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1322px) 100vw, 1322px" /></a> <h4><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/02/exploring-black-history-month-programming-in-public-libraries/">Exploring Black History Month Programming in Public Libraries</a></h4> </div> <div class="post-19721 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-books category-interviews tag-lgbt-youth tag-lgbtqia tag-melissa-mogollon tag-ya-books tag-young-adult-books" id="mogollon"> <a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/01/mogollon/" class="thumbnail"><img width="2240" height="1260" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-2.png" class="attachment-small size-small wp-post-image" alt="Author Photo of Melissa Mogollon" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-2.png 2240w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-2-600x338.png 600w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-2-900x506.png 900w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-2-768x432.png 768w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-2-1536x864.png 1536w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-2-2048x1152.png 2048w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-2-300x169.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 2240px) 100vw, 2240px" /></a> <h4><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/01/mogollon/">Melissa Mogollon On The Joy Of Writing Angry Teenage Girls</a></h4> </div> <div class="post-19716 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-early-childhood-literacy category-podcast-2 category-podcast category-programs-services tag-fyipodcast tag-plapodcast tag-publiclibrariesmagazine tag-workitoutwombats" id="fyi-podcast-episode-work-it-out-wombats"> <a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/01/fyi-podcast-episode-work-it-out-wombats/" class="thumbnail"><img width="560" height="315" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/New-PodcastOut-Now.png" class="attachment-small size-small wp-post-image" alt="Public Libraries Podcast logo" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/New-PodcastOut-Now.png 560w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/New-PodcastOut-Now-330x186.png 330w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" /></a> <h4><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/01/fyi-podcast-episode-work-it-out-wombats/">FYI Podcast Episode – Work It Out Wombats!</a></h4> </div> <div class="post-19708 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-news-opinion tag-bluesky tag-publiclibrariessocialmedia" id="join-public-libraries-online-on-bluesky"> <a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/01/join-public-libraries-online-on-bluesky/" class="thumbnail"><img width="900" height="795" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bluesky_Logo.svg_.png" class="attachment-small size-small wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bluesky_Logo.svg_.png 900w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bluesky_Logo.svg_-600x530.png 600w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bluesky_Logo.svg_-768x678.png 768w, https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bluesky_Logo.svg_-300x265.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a> <h4><a href="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/01/join-public-libraries-online-on-bluesky/">Join Public Libraries Online on BlueSky!</a></h4> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wrap footer"> <div class="content"> <div class="column"> <p><a href="http://www.ala.org/pla/"> <svg width="284" height="77" viewBox="0 0 284 77" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M32.9112 0.330817C24.2876 1.75411 16.8439 5.61487 10.8477 11.7736C4.12034 18.683 0.514646 27.0084 0.0469555 36.7111C-0.496062 47.9802 3.68351 58.4031 11.9207 66.3212C17.2562 71.4499 23.6669 74.8258 31.0961 76.4195C34.7045 77.1935 42.916 77.1935 46.5244 76.4195C60.6056 73.3989 71.3259 63.9084 75.8661 50.4429C78.2499 43.3727 78.302 34.5667 76.0044 27.0303C74.9812 23.6749 72.3188 18.4906 70.0653 15.4655C64.5033 7.99944 56.5607 2.90326 47.1294 0.749537C43.6847 -0.0371045 36.4334 -0.250823 32.9112 0.330817ZM44.9976 5.16459C52.2402 6.52956 58.7421 10.0843 63.7582 15.421C76.7467 29.2406 75.9372 50.5235 61.9334 63.4007C57.8397 67.165 52.6277 69.9649 46.9268 71.4625C43.9981 72.232 37.0723 72.5572 33.9467 72.0727C24.7453 70.6452 16.8276 65.8727 11.1853 58.3535C9.25647 55.7832 6.71019 50.3705 5.79628 46.8974C4.83489 43.2447 4.51119 37.2963 5.06752 33.5056C6.00532 27.1136 9.11973 20.6461 13.6944 15.5908C16.9483 11.9949 22.5975 8.31656 27.6171 6.52535C32.5539 4.7636 39.8436 4.19308 44.9976 5.16459ZM32.3061 7.6715C19.6113 10.4369 10.0563 20.1492 7.65464 32.7283C7.40295 34.0461 7.19905 36.6988 7.20117 38.6228C7.21721 52.7776 16.3798 64.7795 30.3398 68.9315C32.8815 69.6875 33.4442 69.7413 38.8102 69.7413C44.2011 69.7413 44.7272 69.6905 47.2807 68.9219C58.3425 65.592 66.2715 57.8082 69.3484 47.2582C72.5076 36.4249 69.5323 24.6704 61.564 16.5037C57.827 12.6742 52.2392 9.41521 46.9782 7.99734C43.4747 7.05289 35.9154 6.88516 32.3061 7.6715ZM45.246 11.33C60.3769 14.8036 69.9891 30.3603 66.1707 45.1946C64.0298 53.5119 58.7201 59.9298 50.9109 63.6385C47.4489 65.2827 45.3857 65.8685 41.5302 66.3026C36.5374 66.8644 31.8088 66.0101 26.7096 63.6255C17.9033 59.5072 11.8617 50.9704 10.8586 41.2286C9.71357 30.1078 15.6677 19.1077 25.6459 13.9093C31.9304 10.6353 38.4705 9.77442 45.246 11.33ZM33.3649 12.3703C20.7893 15.1234 12.0375 25.7874 12.0375 38.3574C12.0375 49.0178 17.9351 58.2868 27.513 62.6802C31.6648 64.5844 33.5918 64.9677 38.9615 64.9577C44.2858 64.9481 45.9911 64.6045 50.0393 62.7256C57.9989 59.0313 63.3673 52.3733 65.1936 43.9303C65.4447 42.7701 65.6498 40.3332 65.6498 38.5146C65.6498 36.6961 65.4447 34.2592 65.1936 33.0989C62.9405 22.6826 54.6999 14.497 44.3439 12.3874C41.5356 11.8154 35.9393 11.8067 33.3649 12.3703ZM44.1043 17.1999C48.4003 18.178 53.0917 21.1367 55.9889 24.6948C57.7463 26.8533 59.6424 30.5788 60.3455 33.2543C61.0476 35.9269 61.05 41.1842 60.3503 43.7749C56.9398 56.4006 43.9633 63.3995 31.669 59.2444C21.9597 55.9632 15.6299 45.99 16.8947 35.9662C17.9296 27.7662 23.3547 20.9233 31.1242 18.0181C35.4744 16.3916 39.4519 16.1409 44.1043 17.1999ZM86.4566 28.5952V40.769H89.4818H92.5069V37.0496V33.3301L95.936 33.1996C98.9475 33.0851 99.5271 32.9742 100.701 32.2885C102.423 31.2822 103.226 30.4102 103.968 28.7419C105.922 24.3482 104.462 19.1925 100.716 17.2591L99.0933 16.4213H92.775H86.4566V28.5952ZM126.691 28.5952V40.769H129.414C131.935 40.769 132.137 40.7246 132.137 40.1679C132.137 39.4416 132.37 39.4113 133.076 40.0461C135.262 42.012 139.784 41.6432 142.487 39.2787C145.76 36.4165 146.382 30.4904 143.846 26.3339C141.862 23.0812 137.518 21.89 134.091 23.658L132.59 24.4317L132.682 20.4267L132.774 16.4213H129.733H126.691V28.5952ZM147.264 26.2656C147.265 32.4842 147.388 36.5476 147.598 37.2981C148.285 39.7561 150.505 41.0645 153.993 41.0678L155.733 41.0696V38.548V36.0267L154.703 35.8346C154.137 35.7291 153.593 35.4324 153.493 35.1754C153.394 34.9184 153.313 30.5935 153.313 25.5647V16.4213H150.288H147.262L147.264 26.2656ZM157.548 18.6758V20.9302H160.573H163.598V18.6758V16.4213H160.573H157.548V18.6758ZM186.287 28.7455V40.769H193.396H200.505V39.2661V37.7632H195.06H189.615V27.2425V16.7219H187.951H186.287V28.7455ZM202.32 18.3752V20.0284H203.984H205.648V18.3752V16.7219H203.984H202.32V18.3752ZM208.673 28.7455V40.769H210.186H211.699V39.717C211.699 39.1384 211.835 38.6649 212.001 38.6649C212.167 38.6649 212.304 38.8032 212.304 38.9721C212.304 39.1411 212.943 39.6821 213.724 40.1745C214.958 40.9524 215.424 41.0687 217.279 41.063C220.755 41.0522 222.992 39.6028 224.459 36.4105C225.027 35.1724 225.147 34.4047 225.135 32.052C225.119 28.5823 224.399 26.666 222.435 24.8676C219.817 22.4698 215.484 22.3964 213.017 24.7083L212.001 25.6602V21.1911V16.7219H210.337H208.673V28.7455ZM97.673 22.41C98.4202 23.1524 98.5573 23.5273 98.5573 24.8285C98.5573 27.2777 97.0157 28.3472 93.855 28.0911L92.6582 27.994L92.5723 24.7627L92.4864 21.5314H94.6376C96.6118 21.5314 96.8614 21.6035 97.673 22.41ZM34.2725 22.6937C31.5132 23.4816 29.3381 24.7834 27.1201 26.9753C20.6871 33.3319 20.6868 43.6956 27.1192 50.0539C30.4466 53.343 34.2156 54.8967 38.8659 54.8967C48.0996 54.8967 55.2974 47.7541 55.2974 38.5913C55.2974 33.8405 53.7987 30.2 50.4883 26.911C48.3186 24.7549 45.8235 23.315 42.9841 22.5801C40.6976 21.9882 36.5535 22.0424 34.2725 22.6937ZM172.504 23.0157C170.782 23.4251 168.371 24.9626 167.334 26.3113C164.558 29.9241 164.944 35.4919 168.185 38.5735C168.74 39.102 169.989 39.8946 170.959 40.335C172.584 41.0729 172.965 41.1261 175.799 41.0107C178.407 40.9046 179.106 40.7633 180.388 40.0831C182.025 39.2144 182.959 38.5546 182.959 38.2663C182.959 38.1662 182.476 37.2104 181.885 36.1424L180.811 34.2003L179.315 35.124C175.752 37.3249 171.937 35.9407 171.565 32.3117C171.188 28.6322 175.024 26.5776 178.583 28.554L179.96 29.3187L181.016 27.6787C182.55 25.295 182.551 25.2764 181.198 24.3866C178.957 22.9135 175.335 22.342 172.504 23.0157ZM106.471 30.023C106.587 36.7871 106.615 37.055 107.339 38.3553C108.424 40.3013 109.925 41.0585 112.712 41.0648C115.185 41.0702 116.809 40.4489 117.89 39.0836L118.523 38.2832V39.5261V40.769H121.397H124.271V31.9017V23.0343H121.246H118.221L118.214 27.6183C118.209 31.4658 118.116 32.4037 117.635 33.4563C116.968 34.9148 115.934 35.687 114.595 35.7249C112.754 35.7769 112.635 35.3822 112.531 28.8859L112.437 23.0343H109.395H106.353L106.471 30.023ZM157.548 31.9017V40.769H160.573H163.598V31.9017V23.0343H160.573H157.548V31.9017ZM242.404 23.4371C240.611 24.0268 239.228 24.8042 239.229 25.2214C239.229 25.4237 239.491 26.0143 239.81 26.5338L240.389 27.4785L241.991 26.7168C245.038 25.268 247.855 25.8036 248.782 28.0078C249.528 29.7822 249.463 29.8417 246.564 30.038C241.484 30.3819 238.618 31.9423 237.995 34.7026C237.455 37.0968 238.773 39.7585 240.943 40.6596C243.368 41.6666 247.134 40.9058 248.545 39.1242C249.361 38.0929 249.513 38.1623 249.513 39.5667V40.769H251.047H252.58L252.483 34.0809C252.39 27.5837 252.365 27.3544 251.627 26.0441C250.541 24.1176 248.847 23.2564 245.903 23.1341C244.552 23.0779 243.118 23.202 242.404 23.4371ZM202.32 32.052V40.769H203.984H205.648V32.052V23.3349H203.984H202.32V32.052ZM227.732 32.052V40.769H229.396H231.06V36.4652C231.06 31.4544 231.463 29.6728 232.936 28.1759C234.074 27.0186 234.92 26.6414 236.373 26.6414H237.412V24.9881V23.3349H236.187C234.338 23.3349 232.484 24.5607 231.412 26.4911C231.139 26.9825 231.076 26.7493 231.069 25.2136L231.06 23.3349H229.396H227.732V32.052ZM255.563 32.052V40.769H257.227H258.891V36.0134C258.891 31.4216 258.92 31.2019 259.723 29.6262C260.716 27.6778 262.124 26.6414 263.776 26.6414H264.941V24.9881V23.3349H263.871C262.23 23.3349 260.495 24.3737 259.48 25.9626L258.589 27.3604V25.3476V23.3349H257.076H255.563V32.052ZM266.757 23.5459C266.757 23.6779 268.373 27.5621 270.349 32.1773L273.941 40.5689L273.329 42.0324C272.302 44.4888 270.301 45.5962 268.561 44.671C268.067 44.4086 267.897 44.5357 267.371 45.5607C267.033 46.2187 266.757 46.8367 266.757 46.9344C266.757 47.0321 267.229 47.3081 267.806 47.5476C270.131 48.5131 273.255 47.7385 274.706 45.8367C275.311 45.044 284 24.1324 284 23.469C284 23.3794 283.169 23.3466 282.153 23.3956L280.307 23.4852L278.042 29.6473C276.796 33.0364 275.712 36.0122 275.633 36.2602C275.553 36.5103 275.234 35.9753 274.917 35.0579C274.603 34.1486 273.474 31.1727 272.409 28.4449L270.473 23.4852L268.615 23.3956C267.593 23.3466 266.757 23.4142 266.757 23.5459ZM44.4885 27.0288C54.2262 31.8109 54.2156 45.2238 44.4703 50.0094C42.2299 51.1096 42.081 51.1394 38.826 51.1394C35.6901 51.1394 35.3552 51.0795 33.4333 50.1748C30.7412 48.9078 28.3504 46.5322 27.0753 43.8573C26.1656 41.9495 26.1045 41.6128 26.1045 38.5146C26.1045 35.4165 26.1656 35.0798 27.0753 33.172C28.1858 30.8424 30.5918 28.2676 32.6313 27.226C35.0366 25.9975 36.2512 25.7426 39.2979 25.8271C41.9625 25.901 42.3969 26.0017 44.4885 27.0288ZM219.292 26.7168C222.487 28.8206 222.596 35.5108 219.467 37.4277C217.307 38.7512 215.347 38.6111 213.783 37.0219C212.494 35.7122 212.053 34.4807 212.024 32.1175C212 30.1784 212.519 28.4771 213.449 27.4379C214.775 25.9578 217.608 25.6082 219.292 26.7168ZM137.964 28.6574C139.889 30.3603 139.783 34.4239 137.778 35.8199C136.945 36.3997 135.024 36.3814 134.108 35.785C132.451 34.7059 131.984 31.1045 133.278 29.3728C134.466 27.7821 136.605 27.4557 137.964 28.6574ZM248.994 33.6228C248.766 37.4992 244.61 39.8964 242.109 37.5936C241.291 36.8404 241.096 35.4808 241.657 34.4401C242.284 33.2748 245.265 32.3435 248.001 32.4584C249.026 32.5013 249.057 32.5383 248.994 33.6228ZM92.1019 48.2086C91.3674 49.6524 86.7591 59.9274 86.7591 60.1213C86.7591 60.2238 87.0864 60.3073 87.4864 60.3073C88.0829 60.3073 88.338 60.0097 88.9034 58.6541L89.5931 57.0008H93.112H96.6308L97.3206 58.6541C97.9271 60.1086 98.1132 60.3073 98.8686 60.3073H99.7271L98.0475 56.6251C94.0927 47.9552 93.7884 47.382 93.1404 47.382C92.7698 47.382 92.3542 47.713 92.1019 48.2086ZM108.54 47.9086C107.017 48.6646 106.229 50.365 106.692 51.8993C107.099 53.2495 108.301 54.105 110.468 54.5877C112.911 55.1315 113.945 55.6819 114.166 56.5563C114.419 57.5578 113.554 58.7972 112.317 59.2069C111.246 59.5616 109.156 59.0671 107.866 58.1539C107.066 57.5885 106.929 57.5714 106.512 57.9853C105.88 58.6141 106.225 59.0409 108.048 59.8844C111.817 61.6281 115.801 60.114 115.801 56.9371C115.801 55.1781 114.705 54.2493 111.475 53.2702C109.524 52.6793 108.716 52.278 108.347 51.7189C107.233 50.0287 109.493 48.2495 111.927 48.9009C112.613 49.0842 113.471 49.4275 113.833 49.6635C114.42 50.0452 114.549 50.0305 115.005 49.5294C115.49 48.9971 115.48 48.9427 114.827 48.5245C112.924 47.3059 110.277 47.0465 108.54 47.9086ZM124.987 47.9585C123.658 48.7641 123.061 49.7308 123.061 51.0789C123.061 52.6778 124.243 53.8065 126.571 54.4308C129.661 55.2598 130.459 55.7844 130.566 57.058C130.644 57.9898 130.525 58.254 129.822 58.7112C128.559 59.5327 126.482 59.3923 124.72 58.3661C123.316 57.5491 123.251 57.5392 122.85 58.0833C122.491 58.5717 122.507 58.7019 122.975 59.059C125.645 61.0973 130.21 61.103 131.643 59.0698C131.927 58.667 132.137 57.7782 132.137 56.975C132.137 55.1718 131.174 54.163 128.838 53.5164C125.53 52.6011 125.135 52.4262 124.818 51.7327C124.387 50.7946 124.732 49.5841 125.553 49.1477C126.596 48.5928 128.686 48.7536 129.933 49.4846C131.008 50.1147 131.063 50.1186 131.455 49.5868C131.808 49.108 131.777 48.9667 131.219 48.5167C129.738 47.3231 126.513 47.0342 124.987 47.9585ZM142.854 47.9318C138.877 49.7882 137.818 55.4318 140.85 58.6066C142.314 60.1387 143.781 60.6843 146.089 60.5547C147.775 60.46 148.377 60.2767 149.443 59.5333C151.358 58.1972 152.256 56.415 152.237 53.9859C152.218 51.5617 151.319 49.7651 149.483 48.4843C147.805 47.3138 144.728 47.0574 142.854 47.9318ZM163.123 47.951C159.286 49.6827 158.13 55.2006 160.939 58.3793C162.452 60.0912 163.944 60.6903 166.357 60.5547C168.037 60.4606 168.646 60.2761 169.69 59.5468C171.092 58.566 171.242 58.2639 170.544 57.8266C170.205 57.614 169.772 57.7412 168.952 58.294C166.878 59.6923 164.395 59.5646 162.583 57.9663C161.747 57.2278 160.89 55.2229 160.882 53.9835C160.874 52.6673 161.975 50.4618 163.017 49.7092C164.745 48.4596 167.25 48.5209 169.145 49.8595C169.927 50.4116 170.045 50.4231 170.48 49.9908C170.894 49.5796 170.901 49.4476 170.53 49.0028C169.245 47.4602 165.416 46.9164 163.123 47.951ZM190.832 53.6192C189.274 57.0495 187.947 59.958 187.882 60.0819C187.817 60.2057 188.12 60.3073 188.555 60.3073C189.222 60.3073 189.46 60.05 190.081 58.6541L190.817 57.0008H194.278H197.738L198.5 58.6541C199.145 60.0545 199.385 60.3073 200.067 60.3073C200.59 60.3073 200.82 60.1754 200.722 59.9316C200.64 59.7251 199.315 56.8166 197.778 53.4689C195.388 48.2636 194.888 47.382 194.324 47.382C193.758 47.382 193.26 48.2708 190.832 53.6192ZM235.446 47.7493C233.954 48.2748 232.924 49.145 232.06 50.6094C231.4 51.7288 231.242 52.3733 231.237 53.9715C231.224 58.0078 233.799 60.6178 237.781 60.6013C241.562 60.5857 244.367 57.7725 244.367 53.995C244.367 50.2439 241.53 47.3709 237.866 47.4124C237.034 47.4217 235.945 47.5735 235.446 47.7493ZM179.027 53.995V60.3073H179.783H180.539V53.995V47.6826H179.783H179.027V53.995ZM204.438 48.2705C204.438 48.7921 204.686 48.8687 206.631 48.9469L208.825 49.0352L208.907 54.6713C208.985 60.0368 209.018 60.3073 209.581 60.3073C210.144 60.3073 210.177 60.0368 210.255 54.6713L210.337 49.0352L212.53 48.9469C214.475 48.8687 214.724 48.7921 214.724 48.2705C214.724 47.7099 214.483 47.6826 209.581 47.6826C204.678 47.6826 204.438 47.7099 204.438 48.2705ZM221.984 53.995V60.3073H222.74H223.497V53.995V47.6826H222.74H221.984V53.995ZM252.236 53.995C252.236 60.1068 252.255 60.3073 252.841 60.3073C253.421 60.3073 253.446 60.1068 253.446 55.3476C253.446 52.6198 253.548 50.3882 253.673 50.3882C253.798 50.3885 255.668 52.6204 257.829 55.3479C260.839 59.1465 261.918 60.3073 262.442 60.3073H263.126V53.995V47.6826H262.377H261.628L261.545 52.6249L261.462 57.5669L257.566 52.6249C254.484 48.7163 253.519 47.6826 252.952 47.6826H252.236V53.995ZM147.716 49.2006C149.843 50.001 151.178 52.9032 150.554 55.3671C149.361 60.0747 143.191 60.6707 141.181 56.2731C140.432 54.6349 140.465 53.1963 141.288 51.5963C142.598 49.0485 144.967 48.1659 147.716 49.2006ZM240.136 49.3479C241.159 49.8576 241.836 50.6434 242.392 51.9672C243.005 53.4235 242.971 54.7705 242.284 56.2731C240.275 60.6692 234.104 60.0747 232.912 55.3702C231.79 50.9452 236.112 47.3429 240.136 49.3479ZM95.8346 55.5466C95.8346 55.6852 94.6094 55.7985 93.112 55.7985C91.6145 55.7985 90.3893 55.6728 90.3893 55.5192C90.3893 55.3653 91.0083 53.9147 91.7649 52.2951L93.1401 49.3506L94.4875 52.3228C95.2284 53.9574 95.8346 55.408 95.8346 55.5466ZM195.857 52.6808C196.583 54.2838 197.178 55.641 197.178 55.6969C197.178 55.7528 195.873 55.7985 194.279 55.7985C192.684 55.7985 191.425 55.6828 191.48 55.5415C192.131 53.8834 194.279 49.512 194.39 49.622C194.47 49.7013 195.13 51.0777 195.857 52.6808Z" fill="black"/> </svg> </a> <br />225 N Michigan Ave Ste 1300, Chicago, IL 60601 <br />Copyright © 2025 <a href="/legal">Terms & Policies</a></p> </div> <div class="column"> <h3>About Us</h3> <p>Publiclibrariesonline.org is the companion website to the bi-monthly print publication “Public Libraries,” the official magazine of the Public Library Association. <a href="/about/">Learn more »</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" id="clicktrack-adrotate-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var click_object = {"ajax_url":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/plugins/adrotate/library/jquery.adrotate.clicktracker.js" id="clicktrack-adrotate-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="disqus_count-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var countVars = {"disqusShortname":"https-publiclibrariesonline-org"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/plugins/disqus-comment-system/public/js/comment_count.js?ver=3.0.23" id="disqus_count-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="disqus_embed-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var embedVars = {"disqusConfig":{"integration":"wordpress 3.0.23"},"disqusIdentifier":"2054 http:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/?p=2054","disqusShortname":"https-publiclibrariesonline-org","disqusTitle":"Picturing Classification The Evolution and Use of Alternative Classification in Dutch Public Libraries","disqusUrl":"https:\/\/publiclibrariesonline.org\/2013\/05\/picturing-classification-the-evolution-and-use-of-alternative-classification-in-dutch-public-libraries\/","postId":"2054"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://publiclibrariesonline.org/wp-content/plugins/disqus-comment-system/public/js/comment_embed.js?ver=3.0.23" id="disqus_embed-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":false};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://s7.addthis.com/js/300/addthis_widget.js"></script> </body> </html>