Colon classification

Colon Classification (CC) is a system of library classification developed by the Indian [S. R. Ranganathan]?. It was the first ever faceted (or analytico-synthetic) classification. In an analytico-synthetic classification, subjects are divided into facets (aspects), and class numbers are synthesised from the classifications. Analytico-synthetic method is much more powerful than more traditional schemes such as the [Library of Congress Classification]? or Dewey Decimal Classification, but can result in much longer class numbers. It has been a major inspiration to classification researchers.

Its name "colon classification" comes from the use of colons to separate facets in class numbers. It is especially used in libraries in India.