DDC

• PLUSES++++++++++++
  • notation is easy to remember: completely numerical.
  • can be general or very specific.
  • takes location into account.
  • specifics can be added without disturbing general system.
• MINUSES--------------
  • divisions reflect 19th century mindset.
  • little room for completely new topics.
  • call numbers for specific topics can get very long.
  • not suitable for narrow topic libraries.
  • does not take time periods or types of material into account.
  • need to add elements from other systems for fiction, etc.

LCC

• PLUSES++++++++++++
  • can be used for very specific topics.
• MINUSES--------------
  • alphabetical/numerical system is harder to remember, not as elegant.
  • call numbers can get very long.
  • designed for just one library, therefore is limited and has biases as to U.S. topics.

BLISS

• PLUSES++++++++++++
  • notation is briefer than LCC.
  • designed to be more general than LCC and more adaptable to small collections.
• MINUSES--------------
  • alphabetical/numerical system is harder to remember, not as elegant.
  • numbers can get very long.

CUTTER

• PLUSES++++++++++++
  • has 7 separate systems (schedules) designed for libraries of different sizes. Designed so libraries can easily 'upgrade' to a more complicated schedule when their collections grow.
  • has more generalities than DDC does: the largest system has a separate generality for every letter of the alphabet.
  • like DDC, has numerical identifiers for geographic location.
  • has option for a 'form' number which indicates history, criticism, bibliography, dictionary, compendium, atlas, etc.
  • labels are flexible and items can be placed in different ones according to the library's needs or to make the call number shorter.
  • expanded version can take into account author, title, edition, translation, critical works (e.g. books about a book or author) and even no. of pages.
• MINUSES--------------
  • alphabetical/numerical system is harder to remember, not as elegant.
  • if all options are used, can expand to 4 lines with alpha-numerical codes on each.
  • as each letter of the alphabet is used, there isn't any room for completely new topics.

UDC

• PLUSES++++++++++++
  • designed for universal use in all types and sizes of libraries. Can go into extremely specific detail in many areas, especially technology. Can be as simple or complicated as the user desires.
  • is purely numerical, similar to DDC, so easier to read and remember. Has similar generalities. One generality (400) has been left empty for future expansion.
  • can indicate multiple topics or comparisons of different topics using a colon (:).
  • allows for geographic location, time period, form/type of material and many other universal aspects: these are separated from the main call number with punctuation, making them easier to read and remember. Called Common Auxiliaries, there are nearly 15,000 in total.
  • 200s are dedicated to Religion & Spirituality, but are divided more evenly than DDC. Has many Common Auxiliaries for specific aspects of religions.
• MINUSES--------------
  • call numbers can be very long for specialised topics.
  • generalities are divided similarly to DDC, and have some of the samedrawbacks and biases. (e.g. religion takes up a whole generality)

COLON

• PLUSES++++++++++++
  • is a faceted system, i.e. designed so that different facets (categories) can be combined in the one call number. In CC they are: Personality, Matter/Property, Energy, Space, Time.
    • e.g. Medicine, tuberculosis, treatment, India, 1950s
    • The 5 facets and their sub-categories are separated by punctuation.
• MINUSES--------------
  • alphabetical/numerical system is harder to remember, not as elegant. Punctuation must be memorised as well.
  • sub-divisions are also expressed alpha-numerically, and may not apply universally across generalities as DDC and other hierarchical systems often do.
  • The 5-facet system may not apply to all types of works.
  • assumes that the user desires to record all of the facets in the call number.