Cataloguing the Empire: Classification as Colonial Project

This essay explores the colonial history of classification systems and their role in controlling people and knowledge. The legacy of these colonial practices is evident in modern library classification systems, including the Dewey Decimal Classification system and Library of Congress Subject Headings. Through these explorations, I hope to illuminate the history and ongoing struggle for equitable and inclusive cataloging in libraries.

Publication Details

Journal
UCL Discovery (University College London)
Published
2025-03-17
Primary Topic
Library Science and Information Systems
Type
article
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article

Cataloguing the Empire: Classification as Colonial Project

UCL Discovery (University College London)
Library Science and Information Systems
article

Cataloguing the Empire: Classification as Colonial Project

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Abstract

This essay explores the colonial history of classification systems and their role in controlling people and knowledge. The legacy of these colonial practices is evident in modern library classification systems, including the Dewey Decimal Classification system and Library of Congress Subject Headings. Through these explorations, I hope to illuminate the history and ongoing struggle for equitable and inclusive cataloging in libraries.

UCL Discovery (University College London)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 28%
Library Science and Information Systems
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Cataloguing the Empire: Classification as Colonial Project · UCL Discovery (University College London) (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS