Mapping of the Universe of Knowledge in Different Classification Schemes

Given the variety of approaches to mapping the universe of knowledge that have been presented and discussed in the literature, the purpose of this paper is to systematize their main principles and their applications in the major general modern library classification schemes. We conducted an analysis of the literature on classification and the main classification systems, namely Dewey/Universal Decimal Classification, Cutter’s Expansive Classification, Subject Classification of J.D. Brown, Colon Classification, Library of Congress Classification, Bibliographic Classification, Rider’s International Classification, Bibliothecal Bibliographic Klassification (BBK), and Broad System of Ordering (BSO). We conclude that the arrangement of the main classes can be done following four principles that are not mutually exclusive: ideological principle, social purpose principle, scientific order, and division by discipline. The paper provides examples and analysis of each system. We also conclude that as knowledge is ever-changing, classifications also change and present a different structure of knowledge depending upon the society and time of their design.