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Classification of
Islamic literature
149
Library Review
Vol. 59 No. 3, 2010
pp. 149-164
#Emerald Group Publishing Limited
0024-2535
DOI 10.1108/00242531011031142
Received 17 August 2009
Reviewed 20 September 2009
Revised 20 September 2009
Accepted 11 December 2009
Classification of Islamic
literature in Pakistani libraries
A survey
Haroon Idrees
Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University,
Islamabad, Pakistan, and
Khalid Mahmood
Department of Library and Information Science, University of the Punjab,
Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw an exact and accurate picture of classification
problems being faced by libraries having a reasonable amount of collections on Islam. Different
classification systems have been developed during the last two centuries to organize library
materials. Where these systems provided libraries with better solution for organization of materials,
the systems have also some limitations. Religious materials are one of the areas where these systems
could not satisfy a reasonable number of libraries. The libraries that have rich collections on Islam are
also facing such problems. This study has been conducted with the aim of addressing this problem.
Design/methodology/approach – The study comprises a precise review of literature relevant to
this problem, along with the collection and analysis of data from such libraries from all the main
cities of Pakistan. The data have been collected using the interview technique.
Findings – The review of literature and empirical data collected for this study show that the libraries
are facing problems regarding the classification of materials where there are rich collections on Islam.
The standard classification systems have not provided proper place and enumeration to Islamic topics
in their schemes. There is no standard or uniform practice among the libraries to classify materials on
Islam. Different libraries are using different systems, which has resulted placement of same materials at
different locations. There is no coordination among libraries having rich collections on Islam for some
common plan of action to resolve the problem in hand. No work on automated classification has been
done in Pakistan so far and this is the area that needs working on in the future.
Research limitations/implications – The paper focusses on materials in libraries in one country
only, however highlights issues relevant to other Islamic countries in organizing such materials.
Originality/value – The paper discusses an area of professional concern that has been discussed
widely in Islamic countries, but only in a limited fashion outside of Islamic countries. Thus the paper
should be of interest to researchers and practioners interested in cataloging theory.
Keywords Cataloging, Classification schemes, Islam, Pakistan
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The library is an organization that has played a vital role in the preservation and
transmission of human knowledge from one race to another race and from one
community to another. Libraries acquire different types of materials, process them,
arrange them and make them available to the library users at their ease. Classification
plays a significant role in the organization, physical arrangement, access and retrieval
of the library materials. Different standard classification systems, e.g. DDC, LCC, UDC,
CC and BC have been developed for this purpose. Most of these systems have been
developed by western authors. The authors were of such a background that they
provided sufficient provisions to the fields of western knowledge, but these schemes
lack adequate room for eastern/oriental fields of knowledge, languages and literature.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0024-2535.htm
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Libraries that have a reasonable amount of literature on Islam and its related
disciplines are facing problem, while using above-mentioned classification systems to
classify and arrange the materials in such a way that could help and support the
library users effectively and efficiently. Reason to this problem is the unavailability of a
suitable classification system, which may cover all aspects of Islamic literature
comprehensively. For example, DDC, the most widely used library classification
scheme throughout the world (Chan, 1981) has provided only one notation out of 1,000
for Islam, i.e. 297, whereas almost 70 notations (220-289) have been specified for
Christianity. This notation (297) has been provided with further extension, but that is
insufficient and inconvenient for libraries that have rich collections on Islam. On the
other hand, this fact cannot be denied that literature is being produced very extensively
on Islam and its different aspects. Moreover, many new disciplines and topics are
emerging in the body of knowledge of Islamic studies. This has created a substantial
problem of classification for libraries that have built the collections on Islam at length.
This study aims to draw an exact and accurate picture of classification problems being
faced by libraries having a reasonable amount of collections on Islam. The effort has
been made to discover the classification practices of such libraries, their ways to
handle this problem and their level of satisfaction with classification systems. The
librarians have also been consulted to get their opinion for the possible solution of the
problem and its implementation.
Objectives and methods
This study was designed to achieve the following objectives:
(1) To draw an accurate picture of the classification problems being faced by the
libraries that have reasonably good collections on Islam.
(2) To know classification practices of such libraries to overcome the problem.
(3) To discover satisfaction level of the libraries with presently adopted
classification systems.
(4) To know the opinion of librarians of such libraries regarding the possible
solution to the problem.
Literature relevant to the problem was collected and reviewed so that the better
understanding of the problem could be developed and areas of exploration be found.
The phenomenon is of social nature and there are not much quantifiable variables
involved in this study. The problem was also related to exploration of subjective
aspects of human experience. People perception of the potential solution of the problem
was also to be found. Therefore, it was considered that the qualitative methods would
be a better option for this study rather than the quantitative methods as indicated by
Powell and Connaway (2004, p. 59). Interviewing technique for data collection was
selected, keeping in view its benefits and suitability as mentioned by Gorman and
Clayton, i.e.
.immediacy;
.mutual exploration;
.investigation of causation;
.personal contact; and
.speed.
Classification of
Islamic literature
151
There are three types of interview:
(1) structured;
(2) semistructured; and
(3) non-structured (Gorman and Clayton, 2005, pp. 125-42).
Semistructured interviewing was selected. A structure of interview was prepared, but
was not strictly observed. New ideas or concepts evolved during the interviews were
also incorporated. Wording of questions was as per environment and circumstances. A
sample of 40 librarians from all major cities of Pakistan was drawn, while 35 of them
were successfully interviewed. Despite repeated efforts, five subjects could not be
contacted and made available for interview.
Review of literature
The Muslims have been fond of and attracted towards establishing libraries since early
periods of their history, even before the invention of printing press when preparation of
multiple copies was not an easy job. The library of Al-Sahib Ibn Ibad during the fourth
century of alhijrah, had a collection of 6,200 books, of which catalog was compiled in
ten volumes. Al-Aziz Fatimid had a collection of 1.6 million books in his library
(Dohaish, 1986). The establishment of world fame Darulhikma library during the
Abbasid era, Khazainulqusoor during Fatimid period with a collection of 1.6 million
books and Hakam II’s library with a collection of 400,000 books in Spain are
remarkable examples. This trend of public and many private libraries can be seen
throughout the Muslim history (Siddiqui, 1986, p. 36). Currently, a huge amount of
publishing and emergence of new topics in Islamic studies have been evidenced. When
a search on the books on Islam was made from an online bookseller, Amazon (2008), the
following data appeared as a result:
.Books published since September, 2001 to date were 50,436.
.Books published since September, 2002 to date were 42,185.
.Books published since September, 2003 to date were 36,523.
.Books published since September, 2004 to date were 26,370.
.Books published since September, 2005 to date were 18,631.
.Books published since September, 2006 to date were 9,858.
Brill (2008), one of the renowned publishers based in Leiden, The Netherlands is
currently publishing 20 journals on Islamic studies. They have published 39 book
series, 219 reference works, including world fame Encyclopaedias of Islam and Quran,
19 e-publications and 37 yearbooks on Islam. Currently available 406 out of 920 titles
on Islam have been published after 2001. This is noteworthy that all Brill publications
are thought to be research oriented. A search on the books available on Islam at Barnes
and Noble (2008), also an online bookseller, came with a result of 12,212 titles. Wide
ranging publications of many publishers in the Arab and other Muslim countries on
Islam are other than this. These data show that there is an extensive demand and
supply of books on Islam.
According to Riazuddin (1993), Qaisar (1974), Khurshid (1977), Usmani (1982),
Ibrahim (1981, 1982), Rizwi (1975), and S.J.A. Rizwi (1996), Khan (2004), the devisers of
standard and internationally known library classification systems were from western
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or non Muslim countries. They were of such background that they had either or both of
two limitations. One, very limited awareness of the depth, variety and wide range of
Islamic disciplines and literature being published on Islam. Second, they had some sort
of bias. Therefore, they provided very limited space for Islam and organization or
hierarchy of notations is also not proper. Example of DDC has been quoted where a
wide space has been allocated to Christianity and a very limited space has been
designated to Islam and other religions of the world. Figure 1 also supports this fact,
where in the start; a very limited approach towards Islam was adopted. Later, it was
evolved slowly, although it is still not comprehensive.
In response to the shortcomings of standard classification systems, many efforts
have been made to solve the problem. These efforts are of three types. Some folks have
made expansions in the given notation for Islam in DDC, i.e. 297. Shafi (1962), Hassan
(1973), Shaukkat (1970), Qaisar (1974), Ibrahim, (1981, 1982), Riazuddin (2002), Eraqi
(1985), TEBROC (1971) and Khan (2004) expansions are examples of this type of work.
Efforts were also made to get some of these expansions incorporated in DDC, but they
could not be successful. Some others amended the original organization of DDC’s class
of religion and they used the notations for Islam, which were originally allocated to
Christianity. Dr Shaniti (1960) of Egypt, King Abdul Aziz University of Saudi Arabia
(1977), Gondal (n.d.) and Sabzwari (2007) from Pakistan used 210-260 and Quaid-e-
Azam Library (n.d.) from Pakistan used 220-280 classes for this purpose. Indian
Institute of Islamic Studies (1974) made the same type of amendments in UDC. The
third type of works is that, which were done independently and they resulted either in
the form of a classification system, i.e. Labhu Ram (n.d.), McGill University and
Weryho (1979) as quoted by Gacek (2008), Islamic Research Institute (n.d.), Rehman
et al. (2003), or provided a framework for the development of a system as did Sardar
(1979). Some indigenous expansions and schemes have been given in Tables I-V for an
example.
Sardar has invented a framework for the development of a scheme as per given in
Table V.
The author used capital alphabets for main classes and small alphabets for
subclasses. Pre-main class includes the pre Islamic religions, i.e. pre-Judaic religions,
Judaism and Christianity. Main class includes 21 subclasses related to Islam and
different relevant fields of knowledge. Post main class includes the minority views,
i.e. Shia’ism, Ismailis, Bah’ism, Quadianism, etc., contemporary philosophies, i.e.
secularism, materialism etc. and common attributes that include the common terms
and can be synthesized with other main classes. While the auxiliary schedules include:
.time;
.geographical subdivisions;
.languages; and
.bibliographic form division.
Some authors have mentioned the problem and shortcomings of the standard systems
with some analysis and comparison and have indicated for the further work at some
good level in this regard. These authors are Chishti (1978, pp. 510-55), Bajwa (1969),
Hina Khan (1999), Usmani (1982) and Sabzwari (1982).
Dickinson (1916, pp. 29-35), Khurshid (1980), Elazar (2000), Broughton (2000),
Sabzwari (1981), Morgan (1996), Ibrahim (1982), Khan (1963, pp.107-8), Rehman et al.
(2003) and DDC editor-in-chief Mitchell (2005) have criticized the standard
Classification of
Islamic literature
153
classification systems for their emphasis on Christianity and inconvenience to classify
the materials on Islam and other religions.
Results and discussion
Results of data collected through interviews from the library practitioners, serving the
libraries with collections on Islam are being presented in this section.
Figure 1.
A brief comparison of
DDC and indigenous
expansions
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Type of libraries
In total, 35 libraries participated in the study. Academic libraries were in a majority (23,
66 percent). Other libraries included six special libraries (17 percent), five public libraries
(14 percent) and a national library (3 percent). Frequency and percent statistics of the
data have been shown in Table VI. The academic libraries included universities’ central,
institutional and seminar libraries (18; 78 percent), in which 16 were public sector
universities and two were private sector universities. Three were madrasa libraries
(Religious schools) (13 percent) and two were collegelibraries (9 percent).
Total library collection and collection on Islam
There were book collections in different sizes in the participant libraries. These
collections started from a minimum range of 8,000 and went up to a maximum of
500,000. There was only one library with a collection of less than 10,000 (3 percent).
The libraries having collections between 10,000 and 29,999 were ten in number (29
percent), seven libraries (20 percent) had collections between 30,000 and 49,999. The
libraries with collections between 50,000 and 99,999 were three (9 percent). The
libraries with collections between 100,000 and 200,000 were ten (29 percent). Four
libraries (11 percent) had collections of more than 200,000 (Table VII).
Tabl e I.
Qaisar’s proposed
alterations in DDC XVI
(1974)
Class no. Original in DDC XVI Proposed
297.13 Oral traditions Science of Hadith
297.2 Doctrines and dogmas Kalam
297.211 Allah Tawhid
297.3 Forms of worship Devotional and practical theology
297.38 Religious rites and ceremonies Shifted to 297.31
297.5 Morals, ideals, duties,
fast, alms giving
Used for morals and ideals, duties, fast
and alms giving shifted to the class of devotional
and practical theology, i.e. 297.3
297.6 Religious organization and leaders Muslim movements
Table II.
Scheme devised by
Rehman et al. (2003)
Sr. Notation Class description
1. 900 World, continents: geography and history
2. (900) Oceans: geography and history
3. 800 Literature
4. (800) Language
5. 700 The arts
6. (700) Tremendous deeds
7. 600 Technology
8. 500 Pure sciences
9. 400 Professional sciences
10. 300 Social sciences
11. 200 Religion
12. (200) Irreligion
13. 100 Rational sciences
14. (100) Irrational sciences
15. 000 General works
16. 01-09 Form divisions
Classification of
Islamic literature
155
Table IV.
Expansions devised by
Eraqi (1985)
Sr. Notation Class description
1. 297 Islam
2. 297.01-09 Subdivisions
3. 297.1 Qur’an
4. 297.2 Hadith
5. 297.3 Fiqh and Usul (Islamic law)
6. 297.4 Philosophy and beliefs
7. 297.5 Islamic sects and religions
8. 297.6 Islamic ethics
9. 297.7 Manners and Customs
10. 297.8 Sufism and mysticism
11. 297.9 Islamic history and geography
Table V.
Framework devised by
Sardar for a scheme
Sr. Class description
1. Pre-main class
2. Main class
3. Post main class
4. Auxiliary schedules
Table VI.
Types of libraries
Rank Type of library Frequency Percent
1. Academic 23 66
2. Special 6 17
3. Public 5 14
4. National 1 3
Table III.
Scheme devised by
Gondal (n.d.)
Sr. Notation Class description
1. 210 Islam and Islamic studies
2. 210.1-9 Standard subdivisions
3. 211 Philosophy and ideologies
4. 212 Islam and religions of the world
5. 213 Islamic morality
6. 214 Islam and other topics
7. 215 Sacred days, places, worships and shrines
8. 216 Islamic movements
9. 217 Propagation and spreading Islam
10. 218 Islamic literature
11. 219 Islamic biographies
12. 220 Quran and Quranic studies
13. 230 Hadith and Hadith studies
14. 240 Jurisprudence and studies
15. 250 Islamic government (Islamic organizations)
16. 260 Beliefs and sects
17. 270 Christianity
18. 280 Other religions
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There were different sizes of collections on Islam in the participant libraries. The
minimum collection on Islam was 2,000 and maximum was 150,000. There were five
libraries with collections of less than 10,000 (14 percent). The libraries that had
collections between 10,000 and 29,999 were 20 (57 percent). The libraries having
collections between 30,000 and 49,999 were three (9 percent). There were four libraries
with collections between 50,000 and 99,999 (11 percent). The libraries with collections
of over 100,000 were three (9 percent) (Table VIII).
In the 35 libraries, of which data were collected the total collection was 3,699,000.
The average per library/mean was 105,685.71. The collection on Islam in these libraries
was 1,053,000, with a mean of 30,085.71, while a collection of 2,646,000 volumes was on
other than Islamic topics. The percentage of collection on Islam in the total collection
was 28.47 percent. The summary of average collection per library is shown in Table IX
and ratio between collection on Islam and other collection is displayed in Figure 2.
Table VII.
Total library collections
Library collection Frequency Percent
<10,000 1 3
10,000-29,999 10 29
30,000-49,999 7 20
50,000-99,999 3 9
100,000-200,000 10 29
>200,000 4 11
Table VIII.
Library collections on
Islam
Library collection Frequency Percent
<10,000 5 14
10,000-29,999 20 57
30,000-49,999 3 9
50,000-99,999 4 11
100,000 3 9
Table IX.
Summary of average
collection per library
Collection nMean
Total collection 3,699,000 35 105,685.71
Collection on Islam 1,053,000 35 30,385.71
Figure 2.
Ratio between collection
on Islam and collections
other than Islam
Classification of
Islamic literature
157
Classification schemes in use
The libraries, included in the study were using various classification schemes and there
was no uniformity among the libraries in this regard. A total of 21 (60 percent) libraries
were using single scheme, whereas 14 libraries (40 percent) were using either multiple
schemes or the local expansions along with the main scheme. Of 21 libraries, using single
scheme, 13 were using Dewey Decimal Classification and eight were using indigenous
schemes for classification of materials on Islam. Four libraries were using Quaid-e-Azam
Library classification (QALC) scheme, two were using their in-house developed schemes,
one was using Shaukkat’s and another was using Shafi expansions in DDC.
The 14 (40 percent) libraries that were using multiple systems can be subdivided
into four categories. One group, comprised of five libraries was using Shafi expansions
with DDC. Second group of these libraries, two in number, was using QALC along with
DDC. Two libraries were using their own expansions with DDC. One library was using
Shaukkat expansions with DDC. One library was using more than two systems. These
systems include DDC, Shafi expansions, Gondal and Labhu Ram schemes.
The data collected from the libraries of Pakistan that have rich collections on Islam,
shows that DDC is the only standard system which is being used by these libraries.
Therefore, a brief comparison between indigenous expansions and DDC has been
presented in Figure 1. This figure shows that in the early editions of DDC (Dewey,
1951), until the 16th edition (Dewey, 1958), only one notation was given for Islam
without any further extensions and even given heading was Mohammedanism rather
than Islam. In the later editions, the heading of Islam was adopted and further
extension, standard subdivisions and number building instructions were included. In
the 21st (Dewey, 1996) and 22nd (Dewey, 2003) editions, some radical expansions
within notation 297 were made, which made the notation too lengthy. The surveyed
libraries still think these expansions are not sufficient as local schemes and expansions
have provided with more notations multiple times.
Suitability of classification systems
When the participants were asked the question whether the classification schemes
were serving the purpose of classification adequately regarding library collection on
Islam, the following was the response of those 23 who responded this question:
A dominant majority of the respondents, 20 (87 percent) was of the view that
standard classification systems did not serve the purpose of classification adequately
in library with rich collection on Islam. Two (9 percent) of them said that the standard
systems were fulfilling needs, but, sometimes they felt problems. Only one (4 percent)
said that the latest edition of DDC serves the purpose adequately. Talking about the
locally developed classification systems, six out of 15 (40 percent) said that the local
classification systems serve the purpose of classification properly, while nine (60
percent) did not agree with them as they were dissatisfied from these systems. This is
noteworthy that five out of those six who were satisfied with local systems, said that
there was a need for further work.
When the problems, shortcomings and inadequacies being faced in classification of
Islamic literature were asked the responses were as follows:
.All respondents, except one, agreed that the standard classification systems had
provided very limited and insufficient space for Islam.
.This was also agreed by all participants, except one that the topics of Islamic
studies had not been comprehensivelycovered by standard classification systems.
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.Some participants said that the devisers of standard classification systems were
biased, so they did not provide proper place to Islam in their systems.
.Some respondents were also of the view that standard classification schemes had
their own interests and they had least interest in Islamic literature, so they did
not care how much knowledge was expanding in Islamic studies and how it
should be catered in their schemes.
.The respondents also mentioned that some times, using DDC, they wanted to
include the book in Islamic collection, but, due to unavailability of number, they
were compelled to classify it in some other class.
.Participants also mentioned their concerns about lengthy notation, using DDC.
.Some of the respondents said that the devisers of standard classification systems
had such a background that they were not aware of structure, depth and variety
of Islamic knowledge. So, they could not give proper place to Islam in their
systems.
.Regarding indigenous systems, the participants said that there was no
standardization or uniformity in these systems.
.Participants also mentioned that indigenous systems had no revision policy, so
they were facing problems in classification of materials on newly evolved topics.
Solution to the problems in classification of Islam
The respondents, 35 in number, provided the following suggestions to resolve the
problems of classification of materials on Islam. Figure 3 shows the summary of
proposed solutions. Some of the participants suggested more than one option:
.A majority of the respondents (22, 63 percent) suggested that a new and
comprehensive classification scheme should be devised for Islam. While 13 (37
percent) were in the favor of amendments and expansions in either standard or
indigenous classification schemes, mainly in DDC. The breakdown of
suggestions of the participants in favor of amendments and expansions has been
given in the following lines.
.A total of 11 respondents were simply of the view that the amendments and
expansions should be made in standard classification systems.
Figure 3.
Summary of proposed
solutions for classification
of materials on Islam
Classification of
Islamic literature
159
.Three suggestions were in the favor of opting any of the local schemes or
expansions as base and more work to be done in same direction for
improvement.
.Four participants suggested for up gradation and more work on QAL scheme.
.Two were also of the view to develop a scheme locally and sending it for
inclusion in DDC in main schedule or as addenda.
.One participant proposed to form a recognized committee with the coordination
and approval of DDC, which may prepare a scheme and send it for incorporation.
Expansion, notation and placement in standard systems
The participants, who were of the view of amendments and expansions in existing
schemes were asked whether the expansion in standard classification system, i.e. DDC
as mentioned by them, should be made within originally designated notation, 297 or
some other notations, e.g. designated for Christianity should be used. Seven out of 12
participants (58 percent) suggested to use alternative notations to broaden the base,
while four (42 percent) were in favor of using the same notation. The argument in the
favor of using the same notation was to maintain uniformity worldwide. There were
some interesting arguments in the favor of alternative notations, like this practice
being a source of avoiding Muslims’ inferiority complex. The other arguments were
inclusive of providing some wideness and more accommodation and placement along
side avoiding lengthy notations.
Incorporation of amendments and expansions in DDC
When the participants were asked whether the expansions could be included and
incorporated successfully in DDC or not, the five were optimistic that DDC will accept
expansions to be incorporated. Four were pessimistic in this regard. Four thought that
the expansions could be incorporated if our viewpoint and stand would be solid and
strong. Two said they should incorporate them if they were not biased, as they claim
and preach to be. Two stated if they incorporate, well; but if they do not, no problem;
we can use them at our own in our libraries. One said that they had not incorporated
such expansions, despite the efforts in past, but, circumstances had got changed, so
they would incorporate them. One of the participants proposed to get QAL
classification scheme incorporated in DDC and if they do not do the same, it may be
published and marketed for local use. When QAL people were asked whether they
made an effort for incorporation of their scheme, their reply was, no. The reply of QAL
to the question whether they marketed their scheme, was also negative. Nevertheless,
they were open to all and whoever demanded for this scheme, they provided it to him.
Four participants mentioned different practices and being no uniformity among the
libraries to classify materials on Islam. They pointed out the need for a uniform
practice in this regard.
An independent and comprehensive scheme for Islam
In this part, the data collected on an independent and comprehensive scheme for Islam
have been analyzed.
Variety, depth and capacity of literature being produced on Islam. The question was
asked whether there was such a variety, depth and capacity in Islamic topics and the
literature was being published in such a volume that an independent classification
scheme was a realistic need of the time. A dominant majority of participants were of
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the view that there was such a variety, depth and capacity in the topics of Islamic
studies and literature was being published in such a volume that a new and
comprehensive scheme for Islam should be developed. They thought the existing
standard and local both schemes did not fulfill the needs of their collection on Islam
properly and adequately. One was of the view that the current needs were although
being fulfilled, but keeping the future needs in view, we should develop such a scheme.
Only one said that there was no need for such a scheme and current edition of DDC
fulfilled the classification needs of library materials on Islam.
Technical possibility of developing a scheme on Islam. In response to the question
whether developing an independent comprehensive scheme on Islam was possible, all
respondents replied, yes it was possible. However, two said that the process was
lengthy and would take long time.
Guiding literature for developing a scheme on Islam. All the interviewees claimed
that the literature was available. Five suggested that the guidance should be taken
from the indigenous schemes, while four said that the guidance should be taken from
standard classification systems.
Implementation of an independent scheme on Islam. In reply of a question, regarding
practical implementation of an, independent and comprehensive classification scheme
for in the presence of materials in the library on topics other than Islam, 20 participants
responded. A majority, 13 (65 percent) said that it could be done without any difficulty
as a number of libraries had already experienced a practice of multiple systems. Rest of
the respondents came with a distributed opinion. Three respondents (15 percent) said
that the implementation of such a scheme was possible, but was very difficult. Two
participants responded that such a scheme could not be implemented, so, there should
be only one scheme for a library. One respondent said that such a scheme could be
implemented easily if the notation was different from the other scheme. Another
opinion was to classify new books under this new scheme, while previous collection
may remain according to previously used system.
Who should work to devise a scheme? The participants were asked who should take
an initiative to work on the development of new, independent and comprehensive
classification scheme on Islam or making amendments and expansions in existing
standard classification systems. Seven respondents were of the view that a committee
comprising library professionals and the scholars of Islamic studies should be formed.
Six thought that professional organizations and library schools should collaborate and
form a committee for this purpose. Three said that professional organizations should
take the responsibility of this work. Three were in the favor of some individual to come
forward and take this project and complete the work. Three said that a committee
should work with coordination of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). Two were
in the favor of collaboration of professional organizations and government to form a
committee and provide it patronage. One said that the National Library of Pakistan
should take responsibility and work on this issue. One was of opinion that this work
should be done by library schools.
Structure of the scheme
The participants were asked about the structure of the proposed new, independent and
comprehensive scheme for materials on Islam. A majority of respondents (15 out of 21,
71 percent) was found in the favor of enumerative, where the maximum possible
subjects are included in the scheme in a pre-coordinated approach. Six (29 percent)
Classification of
Islamic literature
161
were of the view that the scheme should be faceted, where the classifier has freedom
and option of number building. The opinion of participants is shown in Figure 4.
Conclusion
The review of literature and empirical data collected for this study show that the
libraries are facing problems regarding the classification of materials where there
are rich collections on Islam. The standard classification systems have not provided
proper place and enumeration to Islamic topics in their schemes. There is no
standard or uniform practice among the libraries to classify materials on Islam.
Different libraries are using different systems, which has resulted placement of same
materials at different locations. There is no coordination among libraries having rich
collections on Islam for some common plan of action to resolve the problem in hand.
No work on automated classification has been done in Pakistan so far. This is the
area that needs to work on in the coming days. Guidance from OCLC initiatives,
Wolverhampton Web Library (WWLib) and Japanese initiative of using Nippon
decimal classification can be taken in this regard. There is a difference of opinions
among library professionals regarding the solution to the problem. Different options
to resolve the problem in hand are as follows: devising an independent and
comprehensive scheme for Islam; amendments and expansions in standard
classification schemes; and reviewing indigenous systems extensively and
developing one system based on all of them. Majority of the respondents prefer to
develop an independent and comprehensive scheme for Islam. This has been
agreed that developing a comprehensive classification scheme for Islam is
technically possible. This has also been revealed that the guiding literature for the
development of such a scheme is also available. The library schools, professional
organizations, national library of Pakistan and scholars of Islamic studies should
join their hands to proceed towards the development of a classification system for
Islam. The new scheme should comprehensively cover all the topics of literature
being produced on Islam. There should be a proper enumeration and hierarchical
relationship among topics and sub topics in this scheme. This scheme should be
revised on regular basis, so that the new developments and emerging trends would
be incorporated in this scheme. The editorial board of such a scheme should consist
of LIS professionals and scholars of Islamic studies from different countries of
Muslim World. The action plan in the broader perspective to resolve the problem
Figure 4.
Participants perception
for structure of new
scheme
LR
59,3
162
can be development of a comprehensive classification scheme for Islam as an
outcome of higher study research at first step. At the second step, the scheme can be
sent to different relevant libraries and scholars of Islamic studies to get their input.
Later, it can be presented in a national or international conference to develop a
consensus. At the third step, it can be presented to OIC to make it accepted in the
Muslim world.
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Corresponding author
Haroon Idrees can be contacted at: h.haroonidrees@gmail.com
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