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called pure, otherwise mixed. Dewey’s notation is an example of pure notation. In this classification he uses only figures, and not letters and figures, But an extension using figures and letters is found only in 822.33 (Shakespeare’s Plays). Dr. S. R. Ranga- nathan. uses letters, figures, punctuation marks, etc., in his Colon Classification. Hence the notation used by him is a mixed one.

CLASS NUMBER

The notation (number) assigned to the main classes, their divisions and subdivisions of subjects is called the class number. Dr. S. R. Ranganathan considers a class number as an artificial language of ordinal symbols designed to translate the name of the specific subject into the symbolic language or code language. The class numbers in a classifica- tion scheme are useful for: —

1. Finding out the books on a particular sub- ject quickly since the books are arrang- ed on the shelves according to the class numbers of the various specific subjects treated in the books.

2. Replacing the books on the shelves imme-. diately.

8. Making use of them as short symbols in loan records.

4. Analysing the use of books on various: subjects in a lending library.

5. Stock taking in the library, using. the shelf list.

BOOK NUMBER

Many libraries add a book number to the class number. It is used to distinguish an individual >