UDC index: concept, structure, and principles

Many people, using the library or electronic catalogs, face a universal decimal classification. This does not bypass those who work on scientific articles in many areas, for example, economics, physics, mathematics, astronomy, politics and others. For each science there is a certain code that simplifies the search for necessary information.

The concept of the UDC index

For more than 100 years there is the concept of universal decimal classification - the UDC index. Thanks to M. Dewey, UDC retained its structure and main purpose. For all time of the existence such system not once changed, improved, got the best kind. Many criticized her, and many admired her. And yet, after a century, UDC indexes became indispensable in the international bibliography. And it is worth considering.

The UDC index is a hierarchical system of classification of scientific works, publications, information used in the international bibliography to simplify the search for necessary material, systematization of knowledge of various sciences (literature, art, metamathematics, astrology, scientific publications, cards and documents).

The principle of such a system is that each section (subsection) is divided into ten digits. As a result, each department is divided into structures that move from the whole to the private. Thus, each object has its own cell marked with an Arabic numeral. For convenience, three characters in the code are separated by dots, creating a universal cipher.

Structure and principles of the unique decimal classification

Numerous sections cover the whole universe of knowledge - nothing remains forgotten. In addition, thanks to a wide and convenient internal structure, the UDC index is perceived as a single, integrated system with its own hierarchy and construction rules. Here you can find not only extensive treatises, but also small notes, narrow-thematic meetings and so on.

In the UDC structure, subordination and co-subordination of connected classes is clearly monitored. For example, section 32 "Politics" will subordinate to such units as 321 "Forms of political organization", 324 "Referendums. Plebiscites. Election campaigns. Corruption in elections "and so on. In turn, each subsection has its own special branch, where knowledge is detailed. Thus, for each scientific work or scientific knowledge there is its own cell - UDC index.

In addition, general and special determinants are used in UDC, which reflect processes, language, time and place, equipment, etc. For example, in the section of politics one of the special determinants is "The general doctrine of the state. Theories of the state. Theory of power. Essence, concept, tasks and functions of the state "under code 321.01.

The structure of the main series of the table UDC:

Thus, every science and knowledge department has its place, thanks to such a concept as the UDC code. With its help, you can easily find the necessary material, even despite the volume. This is the window to a new world of knowledge!