The implications of alternative ways of organizing knowledge

Throughout history, there have been numerous attempts to create a universal classification of knowledge, with the classification systems used to structure the library collection the most enduring. Like all systems of categories, the classification system used in the library catalogue supports and creates, a particular view of the world. Each system of classification of knowledge is partially a reflection of different ideas about the nature of information and knowledge, while also partially an active creator of these ideas. There is always the risk of domination by particular interests or the marginalisation of alternative views. Hence, in designing these ways of organising knowledge, we are designing ways of knowing. The proposal within the Library of Congress and the reality within many libraries is that the controlled vocabulary of the catalogue is being replaced with a living experience-based organisation. This paper draws out the implications for our ways of knowing of these two alternative ways of organising knowledge, top down classifications versus folksonomies, or tagging. Drawing on empirical analyses of how people search the library catalogue and on the internet, it suggests the implications of these alternative ways of ordering knowledge for how we know things