Classification is thought of by many librarians as either a fearful complication of a very simply act, or an outmoded, almost prehistoric, method of … - Douglas John Foskett

The (C.R.G.) in London has been discussing for some years the theory of documentary classification, and several papers have been published which reflect the course of the discussions (1–8). Beginning with an explicit disavowal of allegiance to any one published system, the Group has considered the well-known schemes, both general and special, and the work being published by those in other countries who have also been studying the subject theoretically. It has not, unfortunately, had the opportunity so far of seeing the system developed in the U.S.S.R. on the basis of the philosophy of dialectical materialism. While the Group has not been particularly satisfied with the development of the itself, we have nevertheless come to the conclusion that the method of facet analysis, first used systematically by , though sometimes occurring previously as it were by intuition, should form the basis of all forms of information retrieval.

The aim of an information service is to organise the literature on a systematic basis in order to save the time of research workers.

Few inventions have had so rapid and wide-ranging effects as the various machines which now process data and information by electronic energy. But I hope and believe that even these remarkable engines will not supersede the book as an instrument for the transfer of information. I remain sceptical, particularly when I see the advocates of the paperless society and the electronic library writing large books to support their case. I earnestly hope and believe also that libraries, as the records and memory of humanity, can form a fruitful partnership with the latest tools invented to ease the burden of our labour. Provided that these tools are efficiently operated by well-thought-out systems for organising and retrieving information, they offer the possibilities and opportunities for librarians and information specialists in all types of institution to meet the challenges of the new millennium.