Color by Numbers: An Exploration of the Use of Color as Classification Notation

Rachel Ivy Clarke

doi:10.1086/673514

Abstract

Notation is a fundamental component of a classification scheme, especially library and bibliographic classification. However, notation is often considered an afterthought or auxiliary to classification itself. With the advances in technology, classification systems, including their notation, must evolve. What, if any, possibilities lie beyond alphanumeric characters and symbols? The author explores the possible use of color as classificatory notation by looking at the traditional qualities of notation and the classificatory needs it must accommodate, various theories and standards of color, and their possible applications to classification notation. Theoretical and practical implications are considered and discussed, as well as larger implications for notation and classification overall.

Highlights

Notation is a fundamental component of a classification scheme, especially library and bibliographic classification
Elaborate color classification schemes arose over time to classify things like insects, soil,[1] and even human races based on skin tone.[2]
Inc.,“About Pantone: What We Do,” http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone.aspx?pgϭ19306. This content downloaded from 212.77.30.207 on Fri, 28 Feb 2014 08:49:19 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

Summary

Syracuse University

Follow this and additional works at: https://surface.syr.edu/istpub Part of the Cataloging and Metadata Commons. A classification system makes such order explicit through schedules, rules, instructions, and notation as well In addition to such explicit definition, notation provides a filiatory order,[9] in order to organize physical materials on library shelves and demonstrate the relationship between a particular document and those around it. Ranganathan postulates that notation should be capable of large capacity due to an ever-expanding and infinitely divisible universe of subjects.[16] Such an evergrowing organism requires that any notation be hospitable to both extrapolation and interpolation as well as expressive of subjects and relationships.[17] Ranganathan mentions the qualities of brevity, pronounceability, and mnemonics; all are interesting features but not inherently necessary All of his principles of notation serve in an attempt to organize an n-dimensional universe into a single-dimensional line—that is, a prescribed filiatory order appropriate for arranging physical library materials in a line on a shelf.

Large capacity

Findings

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