Classification scheme (information science)
system of descriptive information for an arrangement or division of objects into groups based on characteristics, which the objects have in common
In information science and ontology, a classification scheme is an arrangement of classes or groups of classes. The activity of developing the schemes bears similarity to taxonomy, but with perhaps a more theoretical bent, as a single classification scheme can be applied over a wide semantic spectrum while taxonomies tend to be devoted to a single topic.
In the abstract, the resulting structures are a crucial aspect of metadata, often represented as a hierarchical structure and accompanied by descriptive information of the classes or groups. Such a classification scheme is intended to be used for the classification of individual objects into the classes or groups, and the classes or groups are based on characteristics which the objects (members) have in common.
The ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registry standard uses classification schemes as a way to classify administered items, such as data elements, in a metadata registry.
Some quality criteria for classification schemes are:
Whether different kinds are grouped together. In other words, whether it is a grouping system or a pure classification system. In the case of grouping, a subset (subgroup) does not have (inherit) all the characteristics of the superset, which means that the knowledge and requirements about the superset are not applicable for the members of the subset.
Whether the classes have overlaps.
Whether subordinates are allowed to have multiple superordinates.
Begin with the source’s own compact description: “Classification scheme (information science)” is system of descriptive information for an arrangement or division of objects into groups based on characteristics, which the objects have in common. The dossier treats that line as a proposition to test through Classification, scheme and information, not as a finished interpretation.
Why this record matters
The phrase “system of descriptive information for an arrangement or division of objects into groups based on characteristics, which the objects have in common” supplies a clear boundary for inquiry. It also exposes the unanswered questions: who defined that boundary, when it became stable and which sources sit outside it.
Named sources, stable identifiers and responsible institutions provide the strongest route from overview to verifiable evidence. The source revision retrieved here is dated Mar 30, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q5962346. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference.
The absence of detail may reflect summary conventions rather than a lack of surviving documentation. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
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- Expand the search: follow Classification scheme (information science) primary sources, Classification scheme (information science) archive and Classification research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
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This entry incorporates text from “Classification scheme (information science)” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.