University of Leeds Classification of Books

1. Overview

The University of Leeds Library employs a bespoke classification system known as the Leeds Classification Scheme (LCS). Designed in the 1970s to meet the specific needs of a researchintensive university, the LCS blends elements of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) while adding custom notations for interdisciplinary subjects that are prominent at Leeds.

Unlike a single universal system, the Leeds Classification is a local adaption that is updated regularly by the Classification and Knowledge Management team. It provides a consistent shelf arrangement across the main library, the biomedical centre, and the specialised libraries for art, engineering and law.

2. Historical Background

During the postwar expansion, Leeds faced a rapid growth in collections. The existing Dewey system proved too rigid for the emerging fields of computer science, molecular biology and cultural studies. A taskforce led by Dr. Margaret Jessop was appointed in 1969. After three years of trial, the first edition of the Leeds Classification was published in 1972.

Key milestones:

• 1972 First edition (threedigit main classes).
• 1985 Introduction of auxiliary tables for language and geographic subdivisions.
• 1998 Digital conversion and integration with the Alma library management system.
• 2012 Major revision to accommodate eresources and data sets.
• 2024 Ongoing review to align with the universitys strategic research themes.

3. Structure of the Scheme

The LCS is built on a hierarchical, alphanumeric structure:

1. Main Classes (AZ) 26 broad areas, each identified by a single capital letter.
2. Divisions (twodigit numbers) Subcategories within each main class.
3. Sections (oneletter suffix) Further refinement, e.g., A12A, B07B.
4. Auxiliaries Period, language, form, and geographic qualifiers added after the main number.

Example notation:

H23B 2021 ENB

Interpretation:

• H Health and Medicine
• 23 Clinical Pharmacology
• B Monographs (as opposed to B = journals)
• 2021 Publication year
• ENB English language, biomedical format.

Main Classes (selected)

• A Arts & Design
• B Business & Economics
• C Computing & Information Technology
• D Engineering & Technology
• E Education
• F Law
• G Geography & Environmental Studies
• H Health & Medicine
• I Life Sciences
• J Humanities (History, Philosophy, Languages)
• K Social Sciences
• L Library & Information Science
• M Materials Science
• N Natural Sciences
• P Physical Sciences
• Q Quantum & Advanced Research Areas
• S Sports & Physical Education
• T Theology & Religious Studies
• U Interdisciplinary & Emerging Fields
• V Visual & Performing Arts
• W Writing & Publishing
• X Special Collections & Archives
• Y Youth Studies & Education
• Z Zoonotic and Veterinary Sciences

4. How the Scheme Is Used in the Library

All printed and many electronic resources are shelved according to their LCS notation. When a new item arrives, cataloguers assign a call number using the Leeds Classification Toolkit. The system interacts with the discovery layer, allowing users to search by classification, keyword or subject heading.

Key practices include:

• Reshelving audits Conducted quarterly to maintain shelf accuracy.
• Subject guides Each faculty has a guide that lists the relevant LCS ranges.
• Interlibrary loan coding The LCS number is included in loan requests to ensure correct handling.

5. Comparison with Other Classification Systems

While DDC and LCC dominate globally, the Leeds Classification offers distinct advantages for the university:

6. Further Resources

For more detailed information, consult the following:

• Leeds Classification Service page official guidelines and updates.
• Jessop, M. (1974). The Leeds Classification: A Practical Guide. University of Leeds Press.
• University of Leeds Library Blog regular posts on classification changes.
• Alumni Library Training videos short tutorials on assigning call numbers.