The CCC and the UDC revision and publication procedure

Abstract

After a short survey of the usability and significance of the UDC (Universal Decimal Classification), some attention is paid to its mechanical handling. The main topic, however, is the management of the UDC and the role CCC (Central Classification Committee) plays with respect to the examination of proposals, maintenance of the UDC itself, and the updating and control of DDC-publications in so many countries and languages.
The function of the CCC as a "watch-dog" for the UDC, refers mainly to the expectation of the users, to be safeguarded against too-frequent modification.
All duties are laid down in FID 429 "UDC Revision and Publication Procedure" and the CCC should take care that these rules are taken into account by all committees, working groups and individuals concerned.
The different stages of a proposal are discussed and a visual display is given. After acceptance of a proposal, maybe modified or not, the final version is brought to the attention of the users and incorporated in the "master version".
This "master version", maintained by FID/Classification Department, is the basis for all schedules, to be checked to it.
Updating practices are discuesed and finally some other responsibilities of the CCC, e.g. with respect to a proposed Standard Reference Code (SBC) are mentionod.