Universal Decimal Classification in the PASSIM project

Abstract

In 2010 Polish National Library embarked on the SYNAT project (Science and Technology System). Within this project, the National Library performs a research task called PASSIM. The activities carried out by consortium members aim at creating and implementing a universal, open hosting and communication repository platform of web-based knowledge resources for researchers, students and others wanting to expand their knowledge. The National Library’s Information and Reference Department is involved in the task of identifying, systematizing and listing web-based information resources, both Polish and foreign, in the field of humanities, economics and social sciences. The article describes the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), a system of broad application and long tradition. The authors analyzed its characteristics and pointed out its potential to present data sources. The article discusses classification methods in the PASSIM project. Selected search options were presented with the use of UDC numbers and their word equivalents.