BACLAC - Classification for Canadian Literature - Class PS8000

Introduction

The PS8000 schedule for Canadian literature is based on the Library of Congress schedule for American literature in English (PS1-PS3626). PS8000 is uniquely different from the LC literature schedules in that it brings together all Canadian literature regardless of language. Not only does the Canadian schedule replace the Library of Congress number ranges for English Canadian literature (PR9180-9199.4) and French Canadian literature (PQ3900 – PQ3919.3), but also Canadian literature that would fall into all of the other language groupings in the LC schedules.

Even though PS8000 classifies Canadian literature together in one sequence, provisions have been made to allow libraries to provide separate classification numbers for French Canadian literature. To do this PS8000 uses only odd numbers, leaving even numbers optional for the separate classification of French Canadian literature. Some libraries have classified all Canadian literature together, some have used odd and even numbers for English and French respectively, but many more have adopted the practice (not even contemplated in the original schedule) of simply converting PS8000 to PS9000 for French Canadian literature. Provisions have also been made within the schedule for distinguishing history and criticism as well as collections of the literature of the many heritage languages of Canada.

We are often asked by cataloguers across the country to provide them with guidelines as to who is a Canadian author. Often authors whose work we catalogue make this obvious by stating their nationality. The question becomes more complex, when, as is often the case, many new Canadians start their writing careers in another country. In general, at Library and Archives Canada, our practice is to use the PS8000 schedule for new Canadians based on an author’s residence in Canada and apparent intent to remain here.

As has been stated, the PS8000 schedule follows the general structure of the Library of Congress schedule for American literature in English. The schedule starts with generalities, followed by history and criticism, then collections of Canadian literature and finally works by individual authors. The Canadian schedule provides for more time periods than the LC schedules for English and French Canadian literature. In general, PS8000 provides the following time periods:

Pre-Confederation

1867-1913

1914-1967

1968-2003

2004-

The fourth edition covers new time periods and new concepts in literary forms and studies. These are illustrated in the examples provided throughout the schedule.

Return to Table of Contents ⮝

General PS8001-8039

General

8001 Periodicals
Only periodical devoted exclusively to creative literature and literary history and criticism are classed here.
Includes periodicals devoted to special forms of literature (e.g., Poetry).

8003 Yearbooks

8005 Societies
Includes societies devoted to special forms of literature (e.g., Poetry).
Societies devoted to literature in general are classed in PN21-29.

8007 Congresses

Return to Table of Contents ⮝

Collections of monographs, studies, etc.

8011 By several authors

.5 By individual authors, .A-.Z

8015 Encyclopaedias. Dictionaries

8021 Theory and principles of the study of Canadian literature

8023 History of Canadian literary history

8025 Biography of historians and critics of Canadian literature

.A1, Collective

.A2-.Z, Individual

8027 Philosophy, relation to other subjects, etc.
Including relation to Canadian history
Cf. PS8093-8097

Return to Table of Contents ⮝

Study and teaching

Cf. PN171.4-239, Technique. Literary composition. Rhetoric

8031 General works

Return to Table of Contents ⮝

Canadian Literary Criticism PS8041-8057

Canadian literary criticism as a subject

8041 General works

8043 Minor works

8045 History of Canadian literary criticism

8047 Special topics, by topic, .A-.Z

e.g., .B6, Book reviewing

By period
8051 Pre-Confederation
8053 1867-1913
8055 1914-1967
8057 1968-2003

.1 2004-

Return to Table of Contents ⮝