The United Nations Classification Scheme: A Critique and Recommendations

Anecdotal evidence suggests that dissatisfaction with the United Nations Classification Scheme (UNCS), a notational system in continuous use since 1946, has been widespread among researchers and government information specialists. Through the examination of over fourteen thousand document symbols assigned over the course of a year, this study identifies flaws in the notation that have limited its effectiveness. The criteria for this evaluation, which are drawn from both archival and library classification literature, include simplicity, the appropriate use of mnemonics, brevity, serial piece collocation, and the appropriate representation of administrative origin. The author concludes that the scheme satisfies none of these criteria consistently, due in part to the lack of centralized control over its development, and offers recommendations for correcting its defects. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]