Organization of Information in Libraries:

Library materials are organized or arranged by classification, which is part of the process of cataloging. Cataloging of materials usually involve creating a physical description of each individual item; choosing related names and titles to act as keywords for searches; conducting a subject analysis on the contents of the item; choosing subject headings and classification notations that represent the subject analysis; assigning a call number to the item. Physical items have to be processed according to each library’s specification. It may include removing or adding a book jacket and labeling the item with call numbers and barcodes. These processed items are then referred to as collections. Catalogs provide major access to a library’s collection. The catalog is able to show what the library has and is arranged by authors, titles, and subjects. The catalog is also able to show exactly where a particular item may be located.

Model of Organizing Information

Ronald Hagler (1997), identified six major activities as being involved in the organization of recorded information:

1. Identifying the existence of all types of information packages as they are made available.
   
2. Identifying the works contained within those information packages or as part of them.
   
3. Systematically pulling together these information packages into collections in libraries, archives, museums, Internet communication files, and other such depositories.
   
4. Producing lists of these information packages prepared according to standard rules for citation.
   
5. Providing name, title, subject, and other useful access to these information packages.
   
6. Providing the means of locating each information package or a copy of it (p. 19).