7 Sequencing Issues
The end product of facet analysis is a set of populated facets. In devising a classification for book shelving or catalogue display, there next arise various questions of sequencing, that will determine the order in which subject representations will appear on the shelf or in the catalogue. This sequence will depend upon (a) the order in which the facets are combined to form compound subjects (combination order), (b) the sequence in which the leading facets of the compounds are to be listed, and (c) the arrangement of the terms in each facet (the last two issues relate to filing order). Once these decisions are taken, they can be “mechanised” by devising a notation that will implement them in the form of alphanumerical class numbers.