classification scheme
(also classification plan), n.
A diagram or chart that describes standard categories used to organize materials with similar characteristics.
Notes
Classification schemes are often hierarchical in nature and frequently associating codes with each class. Typically used in an office of origin to file active records or in archives as a finding aid. Libraries commonly use either the Library of Congress Classification System or the Dewey Decimal Classification to organize their books. These bibliographic standards have only limited use in archives, which maintain the records in their original order.
