Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) | Vibepedia

The Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) is a comprehensive, multilingual, faceted system for classifying and organizing all forms of recorded knowledge. Developed from Melvil Dewey's Decimal Classification, UDC was first published in 1905 by Belgian bibliographers Henri La Fontaine and Paul Otlet. Unlike simpler systems, UDC employs a complex notation that allows for the precise representation of subjects through the combination of main classes, auxiliary tables, and relational symbols. This flexibility makes it exceptionally powerful for cataloging diverse collections, from academic libraries to specialized archives and scientific databases, enabling sophisticated retrieval and interdisciplinary linking of information.