Structural systematization - the essential stage in building consistent classification of libraries

Abstract

The need for structural systematization to reveal and compare the conceptual framework for library forms separated into the theoretical type reflected in the ideal construct of “the Stolyarov’s library” is substantiated. The library form structure is determined in a vicarious manner through conceptual schemes. The concepts that correspond to appropriate library forms are represented as logical systems (as if the library is being established in reality) and through the schemes. The groups of the library type four elements reflect the conceptual schemes: libraries as a social institution (corresponds to public libraries) and personal libraries (individually and family used libraries). Using conceptual schemes for systematization enables to divide all the libraries, according to their structure, into two groups that differ significantly in their social mission (serving communities, or the society; and serving individuals, or individual families). Differentiating existent libraries by their conceptual structure would further enable to design a general and consistent hierarchical library classification. Structural systematization is the essential intermediate stage when developing natural classification.