Electronic games classification in the library of congress and Dewey classification schemes: a comparative study

Abstract

Purpose The study aims to explore the classification of electronic games in Dewey decimal classification (DDC) and The Library of Congress classification (LCC) schemes. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a comparative analytical method to explore the topic in both the DDC and the LCC schemes by comparing its processing method in both schemes. The study measures the extent to which both schemes succeed in allocating notations covering the topic’s literature. Findings The study reached several results, the most important of which are: the difference between the two main cognitive sections, to which they belong to the topic, namely, arts and recreation (700) in the DDC scheme and the geography section (G) in the LCC scheme, while they were found to share the same sub-section scheme. The two schemes do not allocate notations to address the subject of electronic games as literature and other notations that have not been embodied for electronic games themselves or in the form of a compact disc or other media. Originality/value As far as we know, this is the first paper that compares the treatment of video games in DDC and Library of Congress classification schemes. The study allows for understanding the difference in the treatment of topics in both schemes, which would help in the decision of the adoption of a particular classification scheme.