Introduction
The
TSBC Library utilises the
Library of Congress Classification System for the shelving of our
collection. This system was originally designed for a "closed stack"
system (one where patrons do not retrieve books for themselves or
"browse" through the library holdings). However, over time the LC
System became the standard for universities and colleges, even those
with "open stacks" (where patrons browse and take books off the shelves
themselves).
As TSBC Library has open stacks, some familiarity with the LC System is
necessary. The LC system can be a little intimidating (and confusing)
for those who are used to the Dewey Decimal System. As a major portion
of the collection is dedicated to Biblical studies we have detailed the
LC arrangement for commentaries to assist those in both locating
materials and to help them become familiar with the number sequence.
Other
than the Book of Psalms (which is organized differently to account for
commentaries on individual Psalms), each book of the Bible has a fairly
consistent numbering system.
See
column on the left for numbering of each Bible book. Beyond the basic
four digit
number there are decimal numbers, all of which have convey different
information about the individual book in terms of treatment and date.
An example
Using The Book of Hebrews as an
example here is how
the LC System classifies different commentaries:
2775
Commentaries written before 1950
.2
Critical
Commentaries (1950-2000)
.3
Commentaries (1950-2000)
.4
Sermons,
Meditations, Devotions (1950-2000)
.5
Other
(1950-2000)
.52 Critical
Commentaries (2001- )
.53 Commentaries
(2001- )
.54 Sermons,
Meditations, Devotions (2001- )
.55 Other
(2001- )
.6 Special
Topics in Hebrews A-Z
Biblical Commentaries
are created either as "stand alone" volumes or as an individual work in
a larger set or series. In the Library of Congress System a commentary
may also be shelved in a location reserved for Sets. There are different
numbers
for sets of commentaries covering:
- the entire
Bible (e.g The Expositor's Bible Commentary),
- Old Testament only
(e.g. The New International Commentary of the Old Testament), or
- New Testament only
(e.g. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
Commentary sets
Some
volumes may have a
copy at the individual book number and another copy at the set number
e.g. MacArthur’s Hebrews at
BS 2775.3 (with
other Hebrews books), and
BS 2341.2 (with other MacArthur New Testament commentaries.)
The "set" numbers for the LC system are:
Whole Bible Commentary Sets
BS 490 - BS 491.5
Old Testament Commentary Sets
BS 1150 - BS 1151.5
New Testament Commentary Sets
BS 2340 - BS 2341.3
