facet analysis

theory of Ranganathan

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June 26, 2026

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Facet analysis, a concept introduced by Indian librarian S.R. Ranganathan, is a technique for breaking down complex subjects into their constituent parts. Ranganathan proposed five fundamental categories—personality, energy, matter, space, and time—to classify these parts. This method was employed in his Colon Classification system, which, while not widely adopted, significantly influenced later library classification theories. A facet, in general terms, refers to a particular aspect or part of something being considered.12

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The Colon system
He introduced the term facet analysis to denote the technique of dividing a complex subject into its several parts by relating them to a set of five fundamental categories of abstract notions, which he called personality, energy, matter, space, and time. He employed these in his Colon Classification system…
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He introduced the term facet analysis to denote the technique of dividing a complex subject into its several parts by relating them to a set of five fundamental categories of abstract notions, which he called personality, energy, matter, space, and time. He employed these in his Colon Classification system…
Read More