Moys Classification and Thesaurus for Legal Materials

The book "Moys Classification and Thesaurus for Legal Materials" by Elizabeth M. Moys and Diana Morris is a comprehensive reference guide designed for law librarians. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Classification Scheme: The book outlines the Moys Classification Scheme, a system specifically designed for organizing legal materials. It covers the K classes of the Library of Congress Classification (LC) and the 300 class of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability: The Moys Classification Scheme is noted for its flexibility, which allows it to be used in both small and large collections. It can be complemented by other classification schemes like the LC and DDC, making it adaptable to various library settings.
3. Structure and Organization: The book details the physical structure of the Moys Classification Scheme, which includes schedules that categorize law materials into various subcategories such as jurisprudence, general and comparative law, international law, and primary materials. It also includes tables to assist in building call marks.
4. Thesaurus Updates: The book includes an updated thesaurus, which provides a more comprehensive and reliable tool for law librarians to classify their publications effectively. This edition bridges a significant gap since the previous edition, with substantial revisions to cover new areas, particularly the Internet.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a traditional plot summary as it is a reference guide. Instead, it provides a detailed explanation of the Moys Classification Scheme and its application in law libraries. It includes:

• Introduction: An overview of the purpose and use of the Moys Classification Scheme in law libraries.
• Structure of Moys: A detailed breakdown of the physical structure of the scheme, including schedules and tables.
• Appendices: Additional resources such as tables for primary and secondary materials, dates, common law jurisdictions, and courts.

Critical Reception

While there is no specific critical reception available in the provided sources, the book is recognized as one of the best classification schemes for legal materials in print. It is essential for law librarians and information workers with an interest in law librarianship, particularly those who already use the Moys Classification Scheme in corporate and academic law libraries.

Editions and Updates

The book has undergone several editions, with the latest edition being a significant update that bridges a seven-year gap since the third edition. The fourth edition includes extended coverage of new areas, particularly the Internet, and has been revised and expanded by Elizabeth Moys in conjunction with a team of contributing editors.

Author Background

Elizabeth M. Moys, the author of the book, devised the Moys Classification Scheme while working as a law librarian. She retired from academic librarianship in 1989 and has since been a freelance indexer. She was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2000 for her contributions to librarianship. Diana Morris is also involved in the latest edition, contributing to its comprehensive nature.

Usage and Community

The book invites users to join a discussion list where ideas about additions and usage are circulated. This community engagement reflects the ongoing development and adaptation of the Moys Classification Scheme to meet the evolving needs of law librarians.