Color by Numbers: An Exploration of the Use of Color as Classification Notation

Abstract

Notation is a fundamental component of a classification scheme, especially library and bibliographic classification. However, notation is often considered an afterthought or auxiliary to classification itself. With the advances in technology, classification systems, including their notation, must evolve. What, if any, possibilities lie beyond alphanumeric characters and symbols? The author explores the possible use of color as classificatory notation by looking at the traditional qualities of notation and the classificatory needs it must accommodate, various theories and standards of color, and their possible applications to classification notation. Theoretical and practical implications are considered and discussed, as well as larger implications for notation and classification overall. introduction Color and classification intertwine throughout history. Classification consists of ordering subjects and/or objects into groups called "classes" based on characteristics of division-i.e., things they have in common or things that make them different. Color is an obvious physical characteristic by which to group like items. Elaborate color classification schemes arose over time to classify things like insects, soil, 1 and even human races based on skin tone. 2 It is obvious that there is a fundamental relationship between color and classification. In addition to using color as a classificatory characteristic of division, tints and hues themselves are organized into standardized color schemes, such as the Pantone system 3 and assigned identifying notational labels based on pigment mixtures and combinations. All of these examples reflect color